Is a 3.5 amp band saw enough muscle to make 6 inch bandsaw boxes

Welcome to LJ, rickanthony,

I suspect that the Wen bandsaw will struggle cutting a 6" tall bandsaw box. I used to have an even smaller 9" Craftsman with a 2.5A motor and it would slow down cutting 1.5" thick 2×4s. It could still cut if you go slowly. I typically used it for small objects like 1/4" plywood and it was great at that.

The Wen has 2 advantages over my saw. The motor is 3.5A (1/3HP) instead of 2.5A (1/4HP). And it has a 2 speed pulley that would give it a 40% mechanical advantage at low speed. Both of these factors combined should give it twice as much power as my saw. This could allow it to cut reasonably well in the 3" range. 6" seems like a stretch. The lack of power might be the reason they added the low speed range.

You could still make 3" bandsaw boxes.

I have a Craftsman 10" (review here) that can make it's max ht of cut, 4-5/8", with the proper blade. I have to take it slow but it will perform well. Not sure it could handle another 1-1/4", and I havent compared the motor sizes. Im sure if the Wen can do it, it will be slow, and it will be pretty easy to stall it making sharp corner cuts for boxes. I think I would go to a 14" to be sure to have enough umph.

I agree with Steve that the Wen bandsaw may not have enough power.

to OSU55 point, I almost bought that Craftsman band saw. I didn't realize it was so close to the RIKON. I thought the Craftsman was a very attractive saw

Mr. Unix thanks for your comparison.

I think you off your comments are very useful.

I was thinking that with the coupon I could probably get the Harbor Freight 14-inch bandsaw for the same price of the wen what do you guys think about that band saw

Hi, I have that very band saw, I like it but it is light in the power department. I cut a lot of log wood for wood turning bowl blanks some 4-5 inches thick. This saw will do the work but you cant hurry it

Thanks Karda, just to be clear you are talking about the Wen 3962 or the Harbor Freight 14 inch bandsaw which I made a comment about just recently.

I was thinking that with the coupon I could probably get the Harbor Freight 14-inch bandsaw for the same price of the wen what do you guys think about that band saw

- Of wood and tools

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HF bandsaws are clones of saws made by Delta. Like most HF tools, they are OK, and can be tweaked to perform much better. Expect to replace the guides with after market ones, balance the wheels, replace the nuts and bolts and don't expect long life from the bearings. Other than that, they are not too bad. Any HF tool you buy will be a project in progress.

I know this is an old thread but I just ordered this Wen saw and plan to use it for something similar. I am new to woodworking and don't want to/can't afford to spend a fortune on something that I haven't used before. I keep searching CL several times a day for a larger USA made BS but so far have not seen anything worth considering in several months of looking. If I can find anything worthwhile I may go that route but this should get my feet wet.

I know this is an old thread but I just ordered this Wen saw and plan to use it for something similar. I am new to woodworking and don't want to/can't afford to spend a fortune on something that I haven't used before. I keep searching CL several times a day for a larger USA made BS but so far have not seen anything worth considering in several months of looking. If I can find anything worthwhile I may go that route but this should get my feet wet.

- DannyW

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Enjoy Danny. You may want to look into a better blade to get the most out of that Wen.

Should be here Monday.

I know this is an old thread … I keep searching CL several times a day for a larger USA made BS …
- DannyW

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I think you will have a good time using the new Wen when you get it.
That Wen, and a 10" Rikon, Sears, and Jet, all seem to be the same saw. I believe they are made in China.

I've seen the 10" Rikon on sale for about $200 a time or two at a local shop, and I am very tempted to add it - but I really don't have the floor space for two bandsaw machines.

Good luck,