Skil 2-Speed Benchtop Band Saw

Setting up a new piece of equipment in the workshop can be a daunting task, but the Skil 2-Speed Benchtop Band Saw (BW9501-00) made the process relatively straightforward. Right out of the box, the clear and concise instructions guided me through assembly with ease. The saw was well-packaged, and the components felt sturdy and high-quality, which was reassuring.

The initial setup did take some time, particularly when it came to calibrating the blade and table. The table leveling mechanism, which involves adjusting a single bolt with two nuts, was a bit tedious. It required angling the table to 45 degrees to access the bolt, which is not the most convenient design. However, once I got the table leveled and the blade tracking properly, the saw was ready for action.

The 2.8 amp induction motor offers a decent amount of power for a benchtop band saw. It’s capable of cutting through various types of wood with relative ease, although it does struggle with thicker pieces. For most of my woodworking projects, which involve cutting smaller, thinner pieces of wood, the motor was more than adequate. The two-speed drive system is a nice feature, but switching speeds is not as straightforward as one might hope. It involves manually repositioning the drive belt, which can be a bit cumbersome and time-consuming.

One of the standout features of this band saw is the quick blade tension setting. It allows for accurate cuts and makes blade changes relatively hassle-free. The precision ball bearings and lower blade guides also contribute to consistent tracking, which is crucial for achieving clean, precise cuts. The blade-tracking sight window is a thoughtful addition, providing a clear view of the blade’s alignment during operation.

The rack and pinion table adjustment system, while made of plastic, functions smoothly and allows for easy angle changes. I was initially concerned about the durability of the plastic components, but they have held up well so far. The steel base adds to the overall stability of the saw, minimizing vibrations during use. However, I did notice a bit of vibration when changing the blade or making adjustments, but it settled down after a few cycles.

The dust port is compatible with standard 2 ½-inch vacuum hoses, which is a huge plus for keeping the work area clean. I connected my shop vac to the dust port, and it did an excellent job of removing sawdust and debris. However, fine sawdust does tend to accumulate inside the saw’s casing, so regular cleaning is necessary to maintain optimal performance.

One minor drawback is the lack of a rip fence and work light, which would have been useful additions. However, I was aware of these omissions before purchasing the saw, so it wasn’t a deal-breaker for me. I ended up making a custom rip fence out of hardwood, which works perfectly for my needs.

In terms of performance, the Skil 2-Speed Benchtop Band Saw delivers smooth, clean cuts consistently. Whether I was making rip cuts, curved cuts, or crosscuts, the saw performed admirably. I was particularly impressed with its ability to make precise, intricate cuts for my DIY projects. The included miter gauge is a handy tool for guiding workpieces during crosscuts, and it works well with the saw’s overall design.

One thing to note is that the saw is best suited for light to moderate woodworking projects. It’s not designed for heavy-duty use or cutting through thick lumber. If you’re looking for a saw to handle more demanding tasks, you might want to consider a more powerful model. However, for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts, this band saw is a fantastic addition to the workshop.

Overall, I’m very satisfied with the Skil 2-Speed Benchtop Band Saw. It’s well-made, easy to set up, and performs reliably for a variety of woodworking tasks. The compact size is perfect for those with limited workspace, and the saw’s features offer great value for the price. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the manual speed change and the plastic components, these are outweighed by its overall performance and ease of use.

In conclusion, I would definitely recommend the Skil 2-Speed Benchtop Band Saw to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile tool for light to moderate woodworking projects. Its combination of power, precision, and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any workshop. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve during the initial setup and calibration, but once you get it dialed in, it’s a joy to use.