I'm considering purchasing a bench top bandsaw for my tiny shop. To be used mostly for rough cut preparation for routing with a template.

Any recommendations, reviews, experiences?

I've seen ads for Grizzly, Wen, Vevor and probably others that I don't recall.

Thank you, Jim

Take a look at the Laguna and Rikon. IMP they are the best options. Danl

@Ron Dudelston Just purchased a nice one. Maybe he will chime in.

Here's his posts-

Jim,

I would love to give you a recommendation but I bought a Vevor drill press not a saw. I can can vouch for the fact than Vevor and Wen are identical twins if you go down that road.

1 hour ago, Ron Dudelston said:

Jim,

I would love to give you a recommendation but I bought a Vevor drill press not a saw. I can can vouch for the fact than Vevor and Wen are identical twins if you go down that road.

I'm an idiot...

I'd buy a Rikon 10" deluxe bandsaw. Lee Valley sells them. I used it all the time when I worked at LV. If you can't get the 14" floor model then get this 10" bench model. You won't regret it.

6 hours ago, MrRick said:

I'd buy a Rikon 10" deluxe bandsaw.

Same recommendation, I have had one for 5 years, no issues.

21 minutes ago, Gunny said:

Same recommendation, I have had one for 5 years, no issues.

They're beautiful smooth cutting saws!

Another vote for Rikon 10-3061 (there is a lower hp 10 inch Rikon that Menards carried but I landed on this one for the added power and other features). Rikon customer service has been great. That aspect is important as I had an issue with another shop tool where I could not speak with anyone as they tried email only (not effective!).

Edited February 16Feb 16 by BB1
Typo

I've never seen anyone who has a Rikon complain. They have good products and good service. Especially if you buy thru Lee Valley. Even more so.

I've actually bought my Rikon online (as they did not carry the 3061 in store) through Menards when they have the 11% rebate. Then I could go pick it up there, which also avoided the issue of delivery.

Lee Valley is not shipping expensive tools into the U.S. at this time, probably something about tariffs. I have the previous HF model, 9 inch 1/3 hp, my only complaint is it's underpowered. I was trying to cut some 6/4 Elm and it kept just bogging down about 2" into the cut. For 3/4 and smaller, construction pine or elm, it cut just fine. When you get a saw, regardless of the brand, go through the setup with an anal retentive/OCD/CDO mindset.

On 2/15/2026 at 5:51 AM, JimM said:

Any recommendations, reviews, experiences?

No experience with these saws Jim, but Woodcraft has a couple benchtop saws by Laguna and Rikon at a surprisingly great price point I feel, plus take 14% off for the sale they are currently having.

Woodcraft

Bandsaws for Woodworking & Resawing | Woodcraft

Explore woodworking bandsaws built for smooth cuts, accurate resawing, and shop versatility. Woodcraft curates trusted options - cut with control and confidence.

Just don’t expect serious resaw power. Grizzly and WEN seem to be solid for the money, while Vevor can be more hit-or-miss. If you can find a good used Jet, Delta, or Rikon, that’s usually a step up. No matter what you buy, a quality blade makes a huge difference.

On 2/16/2026 at 1:41 PM, Wichman3 said:

Lee Valley is not shipping expensive tools into the U.S. at this time, probably something about tariffs. I have the previous HF model, 9 inch 1/3 hp, my only complaint is it's underpowered. I was trying to cut some 6/4 Elm and it kept just bogging down about 2" into the cut. For 3/4 and smaller, construction pine or elm, it cut just fine. When you get a saw, regardless of the brand, go through the setup with an anal retentive/OCD/CDO mindset.

@Wichman3 Did they tell you this? I know for the US they stock and ship product from Reno, Nevada...I think. Did you ask customer service?

I just found a Rikon 10" benchtop #10-3061 for $300 nearby. Looks like the newest model and the pictures look good. Checking it out tomorrow.

Showing my ignorance about bandsaws here - what should I look for?

Thanks.

Edited February 27Feb 27 by JimM
Typos!

Inspect for broken castings, test the motor for smooth operation, check that the blade tracks properly, and ensure essential parts like fences and safety guards are included. Common, often-replaceable wear items include tires, bearings, and drive belts, which can be used to negotiate a lower price.

The number one test for any and all tools is to turn them on and do some test cuts. That sounds dumb, but honestly that is a great test. Listen for any bad bearing noises, look for wobbles, see how stable the blade looks. There are millions of tips out there and they can get very specific. But my two cents is try out and the smoother it works, the better. Wobbles, shakes, funky noises are all not good signs.

@Wichman3 I checked with Lee Valley's customer service. You're correct. At the moment they aren't shipping bandsaws to the US.

Here was their reply:

"Yes, unfortunately there are some tariff- and inport-related restrictions still in place, so we are not able to ship the Rikon bandsaws to our US customers at the moment. The situation is variable and we may be able to again in future, however, we do not have a time frame for when that might be. Sorry for any inconvenience caused by this.

Should you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at *****@*****.tld. "

Is it used? If it is, check out all the parts especially the guides and belts.

3 hours ago, JimM said:

I just found a Rikon 10" benchtop #10-3061 for $300 nearby. Looks like the newest model and the pictures look good. Checking it out tomorrow.

Showing my ignorance about bandsaws here - what should I look for?

Thanks.

If you have time tonight, just search YouTube for the 10-3061. There's several out there mostly doing initial setup and review but might be helpful getting familiar with it before you go. Everything I would recommend has pretty well been covered.

My first question when buying used power tools usually is "so why are you getting rid of xxxxxx? The only other thing I would add is look for excessively rusty cast iron, do they have the original OM, dents, dings, etc.

Good luck Jim. Hope it works out. Pretty fair price. Of course we'll need pictures if it follows you home.