Concord Carpenter. Ryobi bandsaw blade size
RYOBI 9” Benchtop Band Saw Review
The RYOBI Nine-Inch Benchtop Band Saw for Those Time When You Can’t Stick to the Straight and Narrow
It’s safe to say that most of the wood cutting that most carpenters do is along straight lines with a circular, miter, track or even recip saw. But life’s not all straight lines and acute angles—sometimes there are curves and changing angles to cut. With the possible exception of production framers, all carpenters have at least the occasional need to cut a curve or irregularly-shaped line. That’s where the Band saw comes in, and the RYOBI nine-inch benchtop Band saw (model BS904G) probably fits that need for many.
You Just Know
A Band saw falls between a jigsaw—for cruder and less exact cuts, and a scroll saw—for finer cuts and smaller workpieces. The jigsaw is smaller and more portable, but is harder to control and is less exact. A scroll saw is necessary for fine woodworking and wood crafting, but is limited in the size of material that is can handle. The Band saw fills the curve-cutting roles for much of the rest of carpentry. And there’s really no confusion in the shop or on the job site; you never wonder if a Band saw or a jig saw or a scroll saw is the right tool for the job—you just know what the right tool is.
Band saws of course come in many different sizes and power levels. Big honkin’ motors on heavy floor stands powering wide throat Band saws are best suited for production work in a shop. (The “throat” of a Band saw is the distance between the blade and the frame, which is the width of the workpiece that the saw can accommodate.) Smaller benchtop models like this one are better suited for medium-sized workpieces and have the big advantage of portability, so they can be easily used on a job site. If you’re doing on-site trim installation or cabinet building, this is the size Band saw that’s probably most useful.
Using The RYOBI Bandsaw
I find the RYOBI nine-inch benchtop Band saw particularly useful in the shop for cutting a clamping jig; say one side of your clamp has to attach to an irregular shape like the top rail of an antique chair. With a Band saw you can cut a jig from scrap with one long side matching the profile of the top rail and the other long side straight and at a convenient clamping angle.
Speeds and Feeds
The RYOBI nine-inch benchtop Band saw features:
- A 2.5 Amp induction motor
- Nine-inch throat capacity
- 3-1/2 in. cutting capacity height
- Rapid set blade tensioning system
- Blade-tracking sight window
- 2500 no-load fpm blade speed
- 1/8- to 3/8-inch blade width capacity
- 62-inch blade length
- Tool-free cabinet access
- 2 ½-inch dust collection port
- Minimal vibration
- 11 ¾ x 11 ¾-inch aluminum table
- All aluminum wheels and ball-bearing support
- Three-year manufacturer’s warranty
- 37 pounds
- Includes: BS904G 2.5 amp nine-inch Band saw, saw table, miter gauge, two mm hex key, 4 mm hex key, washer, table lock lever, and operator’s manual
Assembling the RYOBI Bandsaw
The RYOBI nine-inch benchtop Band saw is very easy to assemble — actually it comes almost completely assembled. You only have to mount the blade on the wheels and the table to the frame. The instructions are clear, and while there are a couple of little fidgety operations, it all comes together easily. Indeed I’m pretty sure that if she had an opposing thumb, my pitbull could do the job (to be fair, she’s pretty Smart for a pitbull).
You’ll want to square the table to the blade, which is one of those fidgety operations, and you’ll want a small square for the task. The blade tension will have to be adjusted (which is kinda an intuitive operation based on experience) and the blade set to track properly; all of these things are explained in the manual.
Nice Features
This saw has a blade tension release lever, which is a feature not often found on smaller Band saws. It’s a good thing in that you can easily release the blade tension to prevent the blade from taking a set. The blade is stabilized with ball-bearing thrust bearings and steel pin friction side guides which are easy to adjust (if necessary).
There’s a blade tracking adjustment know on the right side of the unit, a blade tracking view window on the top door, both the upper and lower doors open and close without tools, a rack and pinion table tilt adjustment (the table tilts 45-degrees front-to-back), and rack and pinion blade guide adjustment (the upper blade guide raises and lowers to expose more or less of the blade). The blade tension is adjusted by a large knob on the top of the saw.
A small cross-cut miter gauge is included, and it mates to a track in the table. It’s basic, but if you check angles with something calibrated, it’ll get simple jobs done. Truth be told, not much Band saw work involves cross-cutting. There’s no included fence, but a couple of clamps and a something straight will get the job done handsomely.
Blades
As with any saw, the quality of the cut will depend as much on the blade as the saw itself. RYOBI includes a ¼-inch 6 TPI and this is the blade I used in all testing. Note that the width of the blade determines the lower limit of the radius you can cut with it. A good table of those relationships can be found here. If the included blade doesn’t meet your needs, there are many aftermarket blades on the market that will.
Cutting Curves
Using this Band saw is straight forward (no pun intended). First, make sure that the upper blade guard is lowered to not much more than the height of the workpiece, so as to avoid excessive blade twisting. Then go ahead and cut your curve, keeping in mind that if you try and cut too small a radius for the blade width you’ll bind up the blade. Very simple and easy.
I found that this 2.5 amp motor with the factory blade would cut ¾-inch and 1½-inch KD pine as fast as I could control the workpiece. Cutting ¾-inch maple was only a smidge slower. This small Band saw isn’t designed for resawing, but nonetheless I tried it. After clamping a fence to the table, I could resaw a 3½-inch 2×4 half as fast as I could control the feed, which is pretty darn good for a small Band saw not designed for resawing! All cuts resulted in smooth sawn surfaces, requiring maybe just a light sanding for finish work that would show.
And if you want to cut perfect circles, Rob shows you how to make a jig for that here.
Bottom Line
While The Home Depot positions RYOBI as a DIY brand, I’ve lost track of the number of professional tradies —carpenters, plumbers, electricians, tile setters, oil burner techs, and more —who’ve told me that they’ve gotten excellent service from their RYOBI tools. I have, too. I don’t use a Band saw every day but when I need one I need one. The RYOBI nine-inch benchtop Band saw meets the needs I have for finish work, refinishing, cabinetry, and other miscellaneous tasks, and I fully expect it to continue to do so. Right now it’s going for 179 at The Home Depot.
Essential Guide to the Right Ryobi Band Saw Blades
Do you own a Ryobi Band saw? Are you looking for the best blades to optimize their performance? Look no further! This blog post will overview the different Ryobi Band saw blades type and our top picks for each.
Band saws are essential in woodworking, metalworking, and other trades. They are versatile and can be used for various cutting applications, from straight cuts to intricate curves. One of the most critical components of a Band saw is the blade.
Choosing the right blade can make a significant difference in the quality of the cut, the speed of the cut, and the life of the saw itself. This article will explore the types of Ryobi Band saw blades available and how to choose the right one for your needs.
The Best Ryobi Band Saw Blades
Welcome to the world of Ryobi Band saw blades! Ryobi Band saw blades are designed to provide a reliable cutting action and deliver welds on various materials. They come in various sizes, including ¼” width blades with 1/8″ and 3/8″ blades available.
POWERTEC 13150 59-1/4″ x 3/8″ x 6 TPI Band Saw Blade
The POWERTEC 13150 59-1/4″ x 3/8″ x 6 TPI Band Saw Blade is also an excellent choice for Ryobi, BD, Craftsman, Protect, and other brands of bandsaws.
POWERTEC 13104 59-1/2″ x 3/8″ x 18 TPI Band Saw Blade
The POWERTEC 13104 59-1/2″ x 3/8″ x 18 TPI Band Saw Blade is designed to give you an exceptionally smooth and precise cut every time. Crafted of high-grade carbon steel with heat resistance, this blade will last while tackling rigid materials such as hard and soft woods, plastic, and non-ferrous metals. The optimal tooth arrangement allows the blade to work at high speeds while offering exceptional cutting results, accommodating cuts up to 59 ½ inches in length.
- Made of premium high-grade carbon steel with heat resistance.
- Precision cutting for smooth performance.
- Works on hard and soft woods, plastic, and non-ferrous metals.
- Raker set / Regular teeth profile – 18tpi.
- Compatible with 59 1/2″ long by 3/8″ wide by 0.014″ thick Band saw blades.
- Maximum cut length of 59 1/2″.
With these blades, you can expect superior performance and long-lasting use. So why wait? Get your Ryobi Band saw blades today!
Benefits of Using Ryobi Band Saw Blades
Using Ryobi Band saw blades is an excellent choice for those looking for precision and accuracy in their work. They offer a variety of sizes and styles to cover any job, from soft wood to hard metals. Their blades feature fine-toothed edges that are excellent for cutting tight curves, intricate shapes, and more prominent teeth for heavier work.
The blade tensioning system ensures the blade remains closed throughout the cutting process, and the adjustable blade guide allows you to adjust the angle of the cut. The Ryobi also comes with a dust collection port and a tracking window, which makes it easier to keep the blade on track. With these tools, you can get professional-quality results every time.
Features of Ryobi Band Saw Blades
The features of Ryobi Band saw blades make them an excellent choice for any woodcutting project. The blades are designed to be lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them perfect for overhead use. Plus, they come with a rafter hook for easy storage and hanging.
The blades have a blade tracking window, rack, and pinion blade support adjustment system. This allows you to adjust the blade’s tension to ensure maximum cutting performance.
Additionally, Ryobi Band saws have built-in dust collection ports, allowing you to keep your workspace clean and dust free. With various bandwidths from 6mm – 80mm and a mighty 1572mm 6 TPI Band saw blade (0) 36, Ryobi has the perfect bandsaw blade for all your cutting needs.
Types of Ryobi Band Saw Blades
Ryobi offers a range of Band saw blades designed for a specific purpose. Here are some of the types of Band saw blades available from Ryobi:
- Regular Tooth Blade – The most common type of Band saw blade, regular tooth blades have a standard tooth pattern that works well for most general-purpose cutting tasks.
- Hook Tooth Blade – Hook tooth blades are designed to cut softer materials like wood and plastic. They have a tooth pattern that is more aggressive than a regular tooth blade, allowing for faster and more efficient cutting.
- Skip Tooth Blade – Skip tooth blades have fewer teeth per inch than regular tooth blades, making them ideal for cutting thicker materials, such as wood or metal.
- Variable Pitch Blade – Variable pitch blades have a tooth pattern that changes from tooth to tooth. This design reduces vibration and noise while cutting, resulting in a smoother and more accurate cut.
Blade Material
The material used to make the Band saw blade is another critical factor when choosing the right blade for your needs. Ryobi offers Band saw blades made from various materials, including:
- High Carbon Steel – High carbon steel blades are an excellent choice for general-purpose cutting tasks. They are durable, flexible, and relatively inexpensive.
- Bi-Metal Blades – Bi-metal blades are made from two metals, usually high-speed steel and flexible backing material. They are highly durable and can cut various materials, from wood to metal.
- Carbide-Tipped Blades – Carbide-tipped blades are the most durable of all the blade types. They can easily cut through the most rigid materials, including metal and ceramics. However, they are also the most expensive.
Blade Dimensions
The dimensions of the blade are also an essential consideration when selecting a Ryobi Band saw blade. Your blade size will depend on the cutting you plan to do. Here are some of the blade dimensions available from Ryobi:
- Blade Width – The width of the blade will affect You can do the cutting. Narrower blades are better for intricate cuts, while wider blades are better for straight cuts.
- Blade Thickness – The thickness of the blade will affect its durability and flexibility of the blade. Thicker blades are more durable but less flexible than thinner blades.
- Blade Length – The blade’s length will determine the Band saw’s maximum cutting capacity. Longer blades can cut thicker materials but may be more challenging to control.
Blade Teeth
The type of teeth on the blade is another critical factor when selecting a Ryobi Band saw blade. The type of teeth will affect the speed and quality of the cut. Here are some of the blade teeth available from Ryobi:
- Standard Teeth – Standard teeth are the most common teeth on the Band saw blades. They work well for most general-purpose cutting tasks.
- Skip Teeth – Skip teeth have fewer per inch than standard teeth, making them ideal for cutting thicker materials, such as wood or metal.
Hook Teeth
Hook’s teeth are designed to cut softer materials like wood and plastic. They have a tooth pattern that is more aggressive than a standard tooth blade, allowing for faster and more efficient cutting.
- Variable Teeth – Variable teeth have a pattern that changes from tooth to tooth. This design reduces vibration and noise while cutting, resulting in a smoother and more accurate cut.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance and care are essential to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Ryobi Band saw blade. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for your blade:
- Keep the blade clean – Regularly clean the blade with a soft-bristle brush and a cleaning solution to remove sawdust, dirt, and other debris.
- Check for damage – Inspect the blade regularly for signs of damage, such as cracks or missing teeth.
- Tension the blade correctly – Ensure the blade is tensioned correctly to prevent it from slipping or breaking during use.
- Lubricate the blade – Use a lubricant for Band saw blades to reduce friction and prevent overheating.
Ryobi Band Saw Blade Tensioning System
The Ryobi Band Saw Blade Tensioning System is designed to make blade changes quick and easy, allowing for precision tensioning adjustments in a short amount of time. This system features a Rapid Set blade tensioning system that quickly tracks and adjusts the blade tension when changing blades or making adjustments.
The system also includes a Blade-tracking sight window for greater accuracy when adjusting blades. With the Quick lock system, you can easily adjust the blade tension in seconds. This lets you get the perfect pressure for each job, ensuring your cuts are precise and accurate every time.

Ryobi Blade Guide Adjustment
Adjusting the blade guide on a Ryobi Band saw is essential to keeping it operating smoothly. You can ensure your blade is always aligned and running optimally with the correct adjustment. The quick lock system on Ryobi Band saws makes it easy to adjust the blade tension, while the rack and pinion blade guide adjustment system provides precise micro-adjustment capabilities.
Additionally, the blade tracking sight window allows you to check and adjust the alignment of your blades quickly. With these features and our replacement blade guide assemblies, you can be sure your Band saw will stay in perfect working order for years.
Ryobi Replacement Blade Guide Assemblies
If you’ve noticed that your Ryobi Band saw blade keeps coming off, it might be time to upgrade or replace your blade guide assemblies. Our Ryobi guide upgrade kit provides full blade support, an excellent range of cutting angles, and improved accuracy and performance. Genuine, OEM Ryobi Replacement Part; Ryobi replacement assy blade guide, part number 305086001, is available to upgrade and replace worn or inferior guides.
With these upgrades, you’ll be able to maintain the precision and accuracy you need for your projects. Furthermore, adjusting the blade guide assembly to clear the workpiece is a breeze with our step-by-step instructions and videos. And if you need to replace a worn-out blade guide assembly, we have OEM replacements designed to fit perfectly with your Band saw model.
Blade Length and Speed for Ryobi Band Saws
When selecting a blade to use with your Ryobi Band Saw, it is essential to consider the length, speed, and TPI (teeth per inch). The Ryobi BS904G 9″ BANDSAW Green has a maximum speed of 3000 RPM and is suitable for blades with a length of 62-59-1/4″. You can also choose one of several different TPI blades, including 3 TPI, 6 TPI, 10 TPI, and 14 TPI.
With the quick lock system, you can adjust the blade tension in a short amount of time. Additionally, the electromagnetic switch prevents accidental starts for added safety. By considering all these features when selecting your Ryobi Band Saw blade, you can ensure that your project goes as smoothly as possible and you get the best results.
Blade Tracking Window and Dust Collection Port
The Ryobi Band saw is an excellent tool for making precise cuts in wood, aluminum, and other materials. It features a blade tracking window and rack and pinion blade support adjustment system to ensure the blade remains appropriately aligned. This Band saw also has a built-in dust collection port to connect it to a shop vac or dust collection system.
The blade tracking sight window allows you to keep an eye on the blade’s position and ensure it remains in the right place for accurate cutting. With the help of this feature, you can easily adjust the blade guide assembly to optimize performance. The Ryobi Band saw also features a 62″ Band saw blade for powertec, ryobi, wen, skil 9″ bandsaw for wood, aluminum, and other materials. Now you can easily make precise cuts knowing that your Ryobi Band saw is up to the task.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ryobi Band saw blades are an excellent option for those looking for reliable, durable blades that can provide precise and accurate cuts. They are available in various sizes and styles so that you can find the perfect blade for your specific project.
Ryobi also offers a tensioning system, blade guide adjustment, and replacement blade guide assemblies to ensure your blades stay in the best condition possible. Their blade-tracking window and dust collection port make keeping your workspace clean and organized easy. With Ryobi Band saw blades, you can rest assured you’re getting the best quality blades for the job.
New Ryobi Cordless Band Saw, P590
We just received word that Ryobi has come out with a new 18V One cordless Band saw.
You know that a brand has been listening to user requests when the press release announcement starts off with the wait is over!
The new Ryobi cordless Band saw, model P590, is said to be lightweight and portable. It features a 2-1/2″ cut capacity and is designed for cutting wood, metal, and plastic materials.
It features adjustable blade tracking and an LED work light.
- 575 SFPM (surface feet per minute) cutting speed
- 2.5″ cut capacity
- Integrated pommel handle
- 32-7/8″ blade size
- Comes with (2) 18 TPI blades
Price: 129 for the bare tool ETA: November 2019
Discussion
The new Ryobi Band saw seems straightforward – it’s a compact cordless Band saw with 2.5″ cutting capacity and what looks to be a standard blade size.
Raise your hand if this be on your wishlist.
Before anyone says it, I know what the number one question will be – “when will Ridgid come out with a cordless Band saw?” The announcement of this new Ryobi saw should give you some hope that the answer is “soon” rather than “eventually,” although that’s not a guarantee.
54 Комментарии и мнения владельцев
Not sure who this is for. Isn’t anyone who really needs a portable Band saw on a trade grade platform already?
Maybe Ryobi has made vendor commitments in some markets (worldwide to introduce new (to them) tools as part of their brand support? Okay. It makes little sense to me as well.
There’s gotta be more than a few workers and businesses that have the Ryobi ONE as their platform, even though it’s closer to DIY/homeowner stuff, just because of the breadth of the tools they offer and the low, low price.
There are quite a few hobbyists out there that will want one. They are very useful for fabrication. If your someone who likes to make things out of steel and aluminum they are very useful for cutting small angle iron etc. And there are some pro’s that are Ryobi guys. I know a marina that had racks of Ryobi 18V stuff also know a guy who runs a property management place that is also all Ryobi.
I’m a diy’er\farmsteader and have the Bosch 18v version and used extensively for replacing our leaking boiler booster storage tank. Made cutting all the copper pieces to size really easy. Also was great for cutting many tractor three point implements drive shafts down to the correct size. Maybe not for everyone but it definitely has it’s place in my garage and doesn’t just sit there collecting dust. I’m guessing I saved around 500 to 1000 on the booster pump replacement alone. It pays to be able to do some of the house repairs yourself.
Almost every Ryobi post on has at least 10 different people asking for a portable Band saw. I’ll buy one just to have handy even though I have another cordless and corded.
I own a fence company with around 35 employees. We use DeWALT bandsaws. Everything else we use is ryobi. Stuff is pretty good and I do not mind replacing most stuff. Ill be getting a couple of these for sure since we have so many batteries.
I see this comment a lot about Ryobi not being for the Pro and I know that many say that, but in reality I’ve come across many contractors that have no problem breaking out the green/blue of Ryobi. When I’ve asked them it’s usually the same response “Why do I need to give brand X my money, I don’t work for a contractor that requires we only use one brand” or “I have kids headed to college, I don’t see the point in wasting that money on tools.” I’ll note this was not new contractors or hire off the street type guys-they were professional contractors building multi-million dollar customer homes…
I know I’m late to comment but I see this sentiment towards Ryobi all the time. The truth is if you’re in any type of residential trades Ryobi is more than capable of doing what you need. People poke fun at them all the time yet I frequently see home owners with the original blue/yellow Ryobi tools still in use after years of homeowner use…with the same battery connection as their 2020 tools. I work with a residential electrician who swears by Ryobi and he’s not wrong. His tools hold up and do the job just as well as yellow, red, teal, and orange counterparts. If you’re worried they will not hold up, Ryobi tools are normally priced such that you can buy two of whatever it is and usually come out cheaper than the others.

I’m even later to comment but I work in NYC large scale construction (commercial, heavy civil) and while it’s extremely rare to see Ryobi on-site it’s not unheard of. At least 1 glazing outfit and 1 elevator contractor (installer, not just modernization) I’ve worked with use Ryobi. When I ask them why it’s always the same answer: less likely to be stolen, does the job just fine, and backups/replacements are cheap.
Don’t you need like a stand so when you cut metal it’s square? I don’t really understand the purpose of a handheld baby sized bandsaw. What application would this be used for?
I believe these guys are typically used to cut bar or pipe stock, such as rebar, conduit, angle iron, Unistrut, etc. For that kind of work, the cut doesn’t have to be perfectly square. And this saw should be faster and smoother than a recip saw, but requires more clearance around the workpiece.
Cutting threaded rod. Engineered beam systems often include a scheduled through=bolt system. Often it’s cheaper and easier to buy threaded rod. Threaded rod is also often used in code mandated deck connections to the superstructure.
3 seconds with a speed square and a marker solves the free hand cutting squared issue. You can take it one further, for round stock like EMT/tube/sched, by using said square to mark a perfect 90° off the blade to reference on the saw shoe. You’ll mostly be fine getting by with a good feel for the tool after awhile, but these are never bad practices that help with consistent results, and I encourage everyone I’ve ever taught to try them out. I’m a big believer in the portaband as a most useful tools one can own lol
Very often it’s easier to cut something in the air. Maybe a conduit needs to be removed or changed in some way, it’s much easier to cut it out of the way. Plus it saves time. A small bandsaw is convenient for a construction hand because power outlets are often far between and requires long extension cord runs. A smaller bandsaw personally owned is a guarantee that you have access to one when you need it instead of having to wait for someone else to finish with the jobsite bandsaw. Most personal gang boxes are already full of tools so it’s easier to make room for a smaller tool.
And like other micro-Portabands, it’s got just enough capacity for a standard chunk of Unistrut. As it should be!
I’m an electrician, this would be a convenient cutting tool when running pipe or any other type of cunduit system.
Everything 2″rigid/sched80 and below, super fast and clean! Lol One has to pay a little attention not to let tek90 pinch the blade, but it’s definitely an essential for every electrician. I’ll never advise anyone to not own a recip, but the portaband is definitely the better option for us in 95% of situations.
One thing I think I saw that I’m less fond of on this model is it’s single speed, the trigger is on or off and that’s it. I like the variable speed on the others for more delicate materials and starting/finishing cuts sometimes. Though for more typical materials like black iron, unistrut, or conduit, maybe variable speed is less of a concern.
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a compact (32⅞ or whatever weird size Milwaukees is) that isn’t single speed, on/off. Full size/deepcut’s always have variable speed triggers and a manual speed limiter, in my experience, but no compacts.
That’s interesting, seeing as the compact isn’t. Seems that there’s a Bosch compact that is, but other than that I can’t find one. DeWALT, Makita, Milwaukee (aside from that subcompact), Hilti, Metabo, all come single speed. I wonder what the thought process is there.
Love this! This is made for Guys like my dad (farmers/ranchers) that dont really need contractor grade tools, but use a wide variety of them. My wife and I were going to buy him a Bosch 18v Band saw for his birthday next month, but he’s already invested heavily in ryobi. We’ve been building pipe fencing for cattle chutes on the property, and now he wont have to pull his welding/generator trailer out to power the portaband for cutting the posts to height.
What’s the diameter of the post? These only allow 2 to 3 inches at max. Recip Saw could work good for cutting the top of post also.
The. Biggest is 2-3/8 oilfield pipe, but mostly smaller stuff like sucker rod. For an older guy like dad (he’s 70) a light portaband beats using a recip saw.
Ryobi has lots of great tools for the do-it-yourselfers but if they break down they are a throwaway because they don’t have repair/replacement parts for their tools. This is the case with 2 Ryobi sweeper/blower’s I purchased.
Maybe some parts they don’t have, but they have a whole parts department for replacements. I’ve actually yet to have a single 18v tool from them fail anyways, and I have some real beaters lol
TrueTexan’s right about their parts department. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I could buy some oddball screws and parts for a Ryobi miter saw stand. I don’t own any of their 18v stuff, so I haven’t tried parts for that equipment.
I doubt ridgid will ever make one. I am 100% sure that ridgid limits their US released tools to minimize the LSA. If you look at AEG there are a lot of tools that are on that platform (especially their OPE tools) and yet are not in the US.
If Home Depot isn’t going to stock it, they have no reason to release it in the US. I believe that’s the bigger issue.
Seems ok for the price, although yeah, I would like to see some kind of attachable stand to make square cuts with this thing and would much rather the trigger be variable speed for starting cuts when holding it.
I agree with the Комментарии и мнения владельцев about it being nice if there were an associated jig to mount this Band saw fixed for horizontal or vertical cutting. But almost by definition if that were to be done its going to be fixed to a work bench or something else. To me that implies it could be powered not by batteries but by a cord. Milwaukee makes a nice fixture for their portable Band saw but it ain’t cheap.
“Milwaukee makes a nice fixture for their portable Band saw but it ain’t cheap.” Never seen a “fixture” made by Milwaukee for a Band saw, I think you meant to say SWAG off road makes a nice fixture (stand)…?
It literally takes 5 seconds to unscrew the ONE thumb screw that holds it secure, FYI. Steve Everett says Oct 19, 2019 at 11:47 pm If you mount it on a stand, it’s no longer a portable Band saw, now is it?
I saw this on wranglerstar’s YouTube channel a few years back. A portable bandsaw stand that was easy to assemble and really sturdy and is selling now for less than 70 bucks: https://www.swagoffroad.com/SWAG-V40-Portaband-Table_p_63.html
The only battery mini portaband that came from the factory with a stand that I know of was Stout tools. Its a really nice saw and the stand had on/off buttons integrated into the stand to control the saw. I was told they were the OEM for the DeWALT 18v Band saw. They must have patented that cus no one else does it. A DeWALT 5ah 20v battery can be adapted to that saw pretty easily The swag jigs are very nice for the full size portabands little pricey but nice. I have not tried the ones for mini bandsaws.
I modded mine for Makita batteries because the stock batteries were junk. Just cut the battery holder off an old Makita drill, cut the battery holder off the stout tool and hot glued it on.
That is one of the drawbacks of a handheld portable bandsaw. Even with the mountable stand it really wouldn’t be much more useful. The portaband pro looks awful if that is supposed to be some kind of conversion from portable to bench top. These are lightweight plastic contraptions that aren’t very useful for much more than cutting small diameter tubing and small bundles of rebar. And even then, they are very limited at what they can cut. Especially with a small throat and the fact that they don’t come with a step pulley to adjust the speed when cutting different materials. They don’t come with a vise to hold stock in place while the weight of the saw bears down on it to make the cut. This is how a 4×6 bandsaw operates which is why it is optimal for cutting metal and anything else. All you do is place the stock in the vise, turn it on and watch it cut. The saw does all the work for you. It even turns itself off when it’s done. Unfortunately they are not portable and they will never be made to operate on a battery either so don’t get your hopes up. A chop saw can also do the same thing. They are portable. In fact you can turn your miter saw into a chop saw with the any metal cutting circular saw blade. I’ve done it and it works as well. I still have a hard time finding a use for one of these portable bandsaws in my line of work considering my angle grinder and recip saw can do the same thing as one of these and they aren’t limited on cutting depth and diameter. Maybe if I were cutting rebar or black iron pipe every day I could see myself getting one of these. But even then there are other options for accomplishing the same task in a timely manner. Both Lenox and Diablo make thick metal cutting blades that are excellent for easily cutting rebar in a matter of seconds and can easily cut angle, plate and large metal stock. And a recip saw with a normal metal cutting blade does a fine job of cutting conduit and other plastic tubing very quickly.
The fabrication and welding dept where I work uses a Milwaukee porta Band like crazy. The have plenty of recip saws, cut off wheels chop saw etc, even a 16″ vertical Band saw and a horizontal cut off Band saw. But for doing quick fit ups on angle iron they prefer to just grab the portaband and cut the material on the table then carry it to one of the stationary machines.
Real metal cutting is done with Band saws. You can cut with a reciprocating blade and get through it eventually, but most users destroy their blades very quickly by going too fast and it vibrates everything to death. Hot saws have their place, but every metal fab shop uses bandsaws of some type 95% of the time, as do plumbers. Electricians may get away cutting thin wall conduit with a sawzall, but for any amount of metal cutting, a bandsaw – portable or fixed, is better.
There are lots of choices these days – and options are always good. I have a Milwaukee corded mounted in their old stand that sports a chain vise. Swag Industries also makes a rig to mount your portable bandsaw upright. It’s not up to what the Do-All saw (that we had in the shop) can do – but its a lot cheaper and more transportable. We also had a big Marvel vertical plate saw in the shop – but no one would think it to be transportable. Today – many might buy plasma or water-jet cutting equipment instead of a plate saw When the cordless saws were first introduced – the plumbers bought into them for cutting strut and threaded rod. There are dedicated strut and threaded rod cutters that do a cleaner job – but you probably need to cut a lot of it to justify spending over 5000 for something like the Greenlee 30T.
Wait, 129? Workshop Addict and Tool Review Zone both said 99 when they reviewed it. I think Ryobi is holding off on releasing it and testing the waters to see how bad people want one of these. For 99 I was going to get one the day it comes out, but at 129 I might just keep using my corded portaband. After all, it’s only a 2-1/2″ saw, and it’s a Ryobi. The M12 is currently 149 with a battery!
I just snagged this for 159 with a 4AH battery and charger at the worst place on earth(Home Depot). And I can’t even believe how good this thing is for the price. Its every bit as capable as the DeWALT compact Band saw, and with just as many problems. I do speak from experience, having owned the DeWALT for 2 years. Pros: Lightweight. Cuts copper tube, plastic pipe, all-thread with ease. Adjustable cutting guide. Uses the same blades as other compact Band saws. Good battery life. Cheaper than DeWALT. Cuts smoother than DeWALT (in my experience). No DeWALT batteries for someone to steal! Cons Rafter hook is kinda flimsy, not very useful, but that’s my feeling about the DeWALT too. No adjustable speed, but that’s how all compact Band saws are. Sometimes gets bogged down cutting thicker steel objects like pipe or plate, but again, that’s the same as the DeWALT, Bosch, or hilti equivalents. So, there you have it. The same mediocre-to-good performance as competing Band saws at a fraction of the price. Is it built to last for many years? Probably not, but if you look at how these little saws are built, you’ll understand that maybe none of them are.
The Best Ryobi Band Saw 2021: Which One Should You Purchase?
Band saws are important tools if you plan to make detailed and precise cuts. They can do the work of most jigsaws but with a little more control and stability. Ryobi is a Japanese manufacturer that produces tools and parts for many industries worldwide. They have a strong reputation as a consumer brand for quality and affordability.
Ryobi offers one Band saw that we’ve broken down for you here. Choosing a saw that is functional and easy to use is of the highest importance for the everyday consumer. Here you’ll find a quality saw and where to find all the needed accessories.
Ryobi Band Saw Review
With only one Band saw in the Ryobi line, we’ve laid out who this saw works best for and why we think it is a great addition for consumers’ woodworking projects.
Ryobi Band Saw 2.5 AMP
Ryobi’s one saw offering is best for DIY and smaller projects. For the saw’s power and size, it works best cutting through softer pieces of wood. You should consider another saw if you are looking for more professional-level abilities.
If you only need a saw for small and simple projects and want clean and precise cuts, this 9-Inch Band saw will suit your needs. This is a benchtop saw, so it takes up less room than larger floor standing units. With easy setup and simple to use features, any beginner or regular user will benefit from this Band saw.
What We Like
- Requires little practice to get the hang of the machine to make clean cuts
- Incredibly affordable for capabilities
- Lightweight (47 lbs.) for portability and does not take up significant room
- Versatility in cuts and easy to use
- Little vibration in operation for increased comfort and accuracy
- Well-made with quality materials compared to saws at similar price point
What We Don’t
- Instruction manual is difficult to follow regarding set up and upkeep
- Saw may need adjustments for accuracy upon opening box
- Not suited for larger projects or re-sawing
Woodworking saws come in all varieties, each with their own benefits and uses. A Band saw is used to make precise, irregular-shaped cuts. It is called a “Band saw” because it uses a Band of metal between two wheels to make detailed cuts. The small blade caters toward intricate cutting work and is often used by woodworkers for consistent uniform cuts. It can be difficult to figure out what tool you need for certain projects. If you have any questions check out these to guides, Band Saw vs. Table Saw – Which One Do Woodworkers Need First? and Scroll Saw vs Band Saw – The Showdown.
Band saws come in different varieties based on your need for them:
Floor standing: Powerful saws used by professionals for larger cuts
Portable: Much smaller and best for detailed job site work

Benchtop: Attach to a bench as a base, are similar in function to floor standing saws
Meat: Butchers use Band saws to trim and cut larger pieces of meat for further cutting (specific for meat, should not be used for any other materials)
Using a Band saw is fairly easy once you have set it up. The blade moves up and down and you must move your material into the cut line. Keeping tension on the blade is important for clean cutting. Larger tables are also easier for guiding materials through the blade. With the proper blade for your materials and careful maneuvering along your desired cut line, a Band saw is a very useful tool for homeowners and professionals.
Band saws can be used for a variety of precision-oriented jobs. These range from small DIY projects to much larger undertakings on professional jobs sites. The saws will vary in capabilities based on their desired uses.
Re-sawing: Cutting a piece of wood along its width
Resetting angles: Clean edges or the face of a board
Cutting veneers: Thin slices of wood often used as paneling
Bent laminations: Aids in bending wood and creating clean edges
Odd-shaped cuts: Easily maneuver unique shapes with control
Cutting tight curves: Smaller blades will allow for really precise angles and cuts
For Band saws with the power and capabilities of the Ryobi, many DIY projects can be completed with a Band saw. Projects can range from furniture, signage, frames, art, shelving to storage containers. This tool allows for simple and accurate cutting, allowing you to easily manipulate wood pieces with control and precision. Are you looking for a metal Band saw? Check out our take on which one is the best, Metal Band Saw – Who Makes the Best?
Choosing the proper blade size and strength for a Band saw is important depending on the materials you plan to cut. Narrower blades will be able to make tighter curved cuts. The Ryobi Band saw uses a 62” blade, which can come in a variety of types.
Different blade teeth can accomplish different tasks. As long as the blade fits your saw, you can change the teeth patterns:
Skip tooth: Widely spaced for softer metals and best for general woodworking
No teeth: For fragile work such as ceramics, plastics, and smooth cuts
Wavy tooth: Used for cutting tougher and stronger pieces of metal
Hook tooth: Wide teeth spaced closely together for hardwoods
This Ryobi Band saw comes with a 1/4 In. X 6T blade with smaller teeth catered toward a variety of projects.
Ryobi Band saw parts are not incredibly difficult to find as there is only one model you need replacements more. The most common replacement is for the blade when it becomes dull or you want to use one for a different type of project.
Ryobi Band saw blades and parts can be found through their online replacement parts store or through many online marketplaces. Blades do not have to be Ryobi specific in order to fit a Ryobi Band saw.
Conclusion
With only one product offering in the Ryobi line, we recommend the 9” Band saw for your DIY and home project needs. With quality performance given its price point, you’ll find it difficult to find another saw with these features. Band saws can tackle a variety of jobs, cutting through many types of material. If you are looking for a tool that can make intricate and tight cuts, a Band saw will be a good investment. Are you looking for mor einformation on Band saws? Check out the Band Saw Ultimate Guide.
About Russ Thompson
Hey I’m Russ and I have been a contractor for over 20 years. I know what the cost of having the right tools and materials for the job. My passion for woodworking and helping others by workshops in my wood shop. I have beginner classes all the way up expert trade classes. Check out my bio for more.
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