Skil 9 IN. Band Saw

When I first got my hands on the Skil 9-inch Band Saw (model 3386-01), I was eager to see how it would perform in my home workshop. This saw is designed for cutting irregular shapes and ripping lumber into thinner pieces, making it a versatile addition for hobbyists and novice woodworkers. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and here's a detailed account of my experience with it.

First Impressions and Setup

Out of the box, the Skil band saw looks promising. It has a sturdy metal base and a compact design, which is ideal for a small workshop. Setting it up was relatively straightforward. The instructions were clear, and within an hour, I had the saw assembled and ready to use. However, I did notice that a bit of fine-tuning was necessary to get everything aligned correctly. This wasn’t a major issue, but it’s worth mentioning that you might need to spend some time adjusting the blade tension and tracking.

Key Features and Build Quality

One of the standout features of this band saw is the adjustable LED work light. It’s mounted on a flexible gooseneck, allowing you to direct the light precisely where you need it. This small addition greatly improves visibility at the cutting line, especially when working in a dimly lit space.

The saw also comes with a rip fence for making straight cuts, which is quite handy. The fence is relatively easy to adjust, though not as sturdy as I would have liked. It has a bit of play, which means you need to double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy.

The 6-TPI band saw blade that comes with the saw is decent for general use. However, if you're planning to cut thicker or harder materials, you might want to invest in a higher-quality blade. The rack and pinion table adjustment is another useful feature, allowing you to tilt the table for angled cuts up to 45 degrees.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Skil band saw does a decent job for its price range. It handles soft woods like pine and poplar with ease, making it suitable for small projects and occasional use. I’ve used it to cut curves for Pinewood Derby cars and to resaw some small pieces of oak and maple, and it performed adequately.

However, the saw does struggle a bit with thicker or denser materials. I noticed that the blade tends to bind and slow down when cutting through hardwoods or thicker pieces. This is partly due to the limited power of the motor, which is sufficient for light-duty tasks but not quite up to the challenge of more demanding jobs. Adjusting the blade tension and ensuring the drive belt is tight can help mitigate some of these issues, but it’s clear that this saw isn’t meant for heavy-duty work.

Usability and Comfort

One thing I appreciate about the Skil band saw is its relatively lightweight and compact design. At just over 31 pounds, it’s easy to move around the workshop and doesn’t take up much space. The small footprint makes it a good choice for hobbyists with limited workspace.

The saw operates smoothly for the most part, though there is some noticeable vibration when it’s running. This can be a bit distracting, but it doesn’t significantly impact the cutting performance. The dust port is a nice addition, though it’s a bit small at 1-1/2 inches. I had to find an adapter to connect it to my shop vacuum, but once I did, it helped keep the workspace cleaner.

Limitations and Improvements

Despite its many positive aspects, the Skil band saw does have its limitations. The power is on the lower end, which means it’s not suitable for cutting thick or hardwood materials on a regular basis. The table is also relatively small and lightweight, which can make it challenging to support larger workpieces. I found that using additional supports or a larger workbench helps mitigate this issue.

The blade guides are another area where the saw could be improved. They’re functional but not as precise as I would like. Fine-tuning the guides can be a bit fiddly, and they tend to drift slightly during use, which affects the accuracy of the cuts.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Skil 9-inch Band Saw is a solid choice for hobbyists and novice woodworkers who need a reliable, budget-friendly tool for light-duty tasks. It offers good value for the price, with features like the adjustable LED work light and rip fence adding to its appeal. While it does have some limitations in terms of power and precision, it’s perfectly adequate for small projects and occasional use.

If you’re looking for a band saw for more demanding tasks or frequent use, you might want to consider investing in a more powerful model with a larger table and more robust blade guides. However, for those just starting out or working on smaller projects, the Skil band saw is a practical and affordable option that gets the job done.

I would recommend this saw to hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts who need a compact, versatile tool for light-duty cutting tasks. Just be prepared to spend some time on setup and occasional adjustments to keep it running smoothly.