Introducing the WEN Portable Band Saw, your ultimate solution for cutting through even the toughest materials. This powerful tool, powered by a robust 10-amp motor, can cut through metal, plastic, rebar, pipes and more with ease. With a cutting capacity of 5 inches in both width and depth, it ensures your jobs are done both efficiently and effectively.
Table of Contents
Back story of buying WEN Portable Band Saw
I recently acquired a mill and lathe to learn with. The first important lesson I learned was that cutting steel with a hacksaw is quite challenging. So, I went online and discovered that a horizontal bandsaw seemed to be the best option for my needs. However, the prices were higher than what I was willing to pay. That’s when I stumbled across the Wen bandsaw. It was from the same brand as the mill I had recently acquired, so I decided to take a chance on it. Surprisingly, it was much cheaper than other saws with the same cutting capacity.
I had some concerns about its performance, given its lower price, but after using it to cut through some old hitches, I was impressed. It effortlessly cut through a 1.25″ square and even made it halfway through an aluminum head from a 2.2-liter GM motor. The remaining inch in the middle required a hacksaw, but overall, it exceeded my expectations. Some reviews mentioned that the blade it came with wasn’t the best, but from my limited use, it still looks sharp and shows no signs of dulling. If you decide to get one, consider investing in blades from other brands.
Despite the possibility of the included blade being subpar in the long run, the Wen bandsaw is worth the investment. It saves me a significant amount of energy and time. The only thing I wish I could buy is a base that would allow me to use it as a miter saw. It is a bit heavy, but personally, I don’t see that as a major drawback. However, if you work with it daily and make a living from it, there might be better options available.
This is the first tool of its kind that I have ever owned or used, so I’m not familiar with the standards for professional use. There are a few things I noticed that might be expected for regular daily use. The bandsaw has a speed control from 1 to 6, with distinct clicks for each setting. Additionally, there is a light that can be turned on and off with a switch, which I found handy. However, I was surprised that it wasn’t integrated with the trigger. But again, since I don’t use it daily, having a separate light might be advantageous for extended use.
Key Features
- Robust 10-amp motor
- Impressive 5-inch wide and deep cutting capacity
- Control over blade speed with variable speed operation (60 to 420 feet per minute)
- Lightweight (14.5 pounds) and compact for easy handling and transportation
- Comes with a metal-cutting blade
- Enhanced control with an adjustable front handle
- Reliable guidance with ball-bearing blade guides
- Easy tension adjustments via external blade tensioning lever
- Covered by a two-year warranty
The WEN Portable Band Saw is not just impressive in power, but also in performance. Boasting a variable speed operation that allows you to adjust the blade speed from 60 to 420 feet per minute, it gives you control to match the requirements of your project.
Despite its high-performance credentials, this tool remains lightweight and compact. Weighing just 14.5 pounds, it offers incredible portability, making it the perfect ally for jobs that require maneuverability or on-the-go tasks.
To sweeten the deal, our band saw comes with a metal-cutting blade, adjustable front handle, ball-bearing blade guides, and an external blade tensioning lever, enhancing your user experience and operational control.
Above all, we stand by the quality of our product with a two-year warranty and offer friendly customer support via phone. With the WEN Portable Band Saw, you’re investing in a reliable, high-quality tool that won’t let you down.
Advantages of the Portable Band Saw
- The 10-amp motor and a cutting capacity of 5 inches wide and 5 inches deep provide exceptional power for all your cutting needs.
- You have total control over your job with its variable speed operation. Regulate the blade speed from 60 to 420 feet per minute, offering flexibility to handle a wide range of materials.
- The lightweight construction of just 14.5 pounds, together with an adjustable front handle, promises ease of use; you’ll experience less fatigue, even during extended periods.
- The band saw comes equipped with a metal-cutting blade that measures 44-7/8 by 1/2 inches with 10/14 teeth per inch, ideal for precise and smooth cuts.
- Enjoy peace of mind thanks to a two-year warranty coverage and ample availability of replacement parts.
- The product has been favorably reviewed by customers on Amazon, underlining its high quality and performance.
Important Considerations
- Given its specified cutting capacity, the band saw may not be suitable for larger projects or heavy-duty applications.
- As the saw is lightweight and portable, it might not provide the same stability as heavier, stationary saws, which could influence precision for certain tasks.
- While the metal-cutting blade is included, you might need to purchase additional blades separately for other materials, which could be an extra expense.
Final word
Overall, I had no issues with installing and tightening the blade, and it ran smoothly without any problems. For someone using it around the house or as a hobbyist, it’s perfect, especially considering its price. If anything significant happens over time, I’ll update this review and maybe even share some pictures. But for now, it’s one of my favorite new tools.
I’m currently working on a miter base for it, and if I can create something functional and easy to replicate, I’ll be sure to share it. Finding a miter base for this bandsaw has been a bit challenging, as the ones I’ve come across are more expensive than the next model up, which already includes a base. So, buying that model and having two saws and a base would be more cost-effective. I hope I can come up with a solution that others can also benefit from.
You may also like: