Here is an honest review and demo of the Skil brand 9" bench top band saw model# 3386. This video talks about the saw, likes and dislikes as well as some real testing, enjoy.
*Perfect band saw for the hobby enthusiast **MyBest.Tools** Easy to set up and square. Had it running in 10 to 15 minutes. Quality of cuts will depend on the quality of the blades.*
"Imma grown ass man, I'll do what I want" I live by this lol. I'm watching your video bc I'm about to pick one up. Its used but hardly. Still like new for $60! I just wanted to make sure it will work for me. Great video and thank you!
Thanks for this. I just inherited my father-in-law's tools including this saw and I'm glad to see it is a good saw . I know he got a lot of use out of it
My daughter & wife got me one for Christmas, and I love it! Just like you said, if you're doing extremely detailed work, this may not be for those guys, but for me (rough cuts mostly) it's great!
Great Review, I was Torn between the Skill, Harbor Freight & Ryobi saws, But after viewing your video I purchased this Skill Band Saw for $94 dollars with CPO Tools. I hope mine is just as good as yours.
I have a Ryobi. What the Skil has that the Ryobi doesn't is: guide fence, measurement markings on table, led light. What the Ryobi has that the Skil doesn't is the wheels have urethane covering them instead of rubber, and thus are light-colored & tracking is easier to setup. Not a deal killer, it looks like the Skil better.
People are just picky as all hell ....... Can't satisfy everyone......mine seems to work well perfect for the home handy man like my self ..... I thinks it's hilarious that some one will put this against a 500 /1000$ saw made for everyday carpentry !!! GUESS WHAT PEOPLE ITS NOT!!!!!!!!!! Go buy a top of the live model of you need a high quality saw!!!! It's comparing a Kia to a Porsche! Geez!
Great review!!! I bought an almost identical saw 10-15 years ago from Harbor Freight tools and it still runs great, At the time it was $79. Their current model is bigger and $10 more. and probably good. Mine does not have LED light or saw dust blowers. My blades are the same length and Harbor Freight carried replacements as does Amazon. I have a 14-inch bandsaw with an extension but I use my little one for quick projects and it actually gets more use than the big one. This saw is also good for light metal cutting with the original blade and the replacements I got from Harbor Freight. Don't know if your Skil will do that with the original blade but I'm sure you can get blades that will do it. Also, some of the blade manufacturers who advertise in the wood working magazines will make blades to your specs at very reasonable prices. I've been pleased with the custom blades I have ordered. Thanks for an outstanding presentation...especially, "I'm a grown-ass man and I can do what I want!"
I've had this same saw for about six years. I bought it after comparing it to all the other sub-10" saws, including Grizzly, Rikon, Wen, Jet, Black & Decker, and others. I went with the Skil because it had metal parts where others were plastic. The fence and miter gauge are the weak points of this saw, but everything else works really well. Spend the money on a carbide-tooth 1/2" blade for resawing; you will wonder why you used anything else.
Great little review, I plan on buying one just to make thin splines for picture frames and small wooden boxes. I don’t like cutting thin boards on my tablesaw. Now I’ve seen your review and I’m glad you covered the things that people in the reviews are always so negative about.
Very well done review. I watched this looking for a few tips as I'm pretty new to band saws. I got this model a couple months ago to fabricate some new side rails for my bed. My curve cuts weren't the cleanest, but i chalk that up to my inexperience. I was like you, a bit skeptical from some reviews, and the price just seemed too good to be true. $130 from Lowe's, and what a deal. I'm loving it.
You did a great job on this review. It is very thorough on the essentials and your thoughts were well organized. I have been looking at various saws and was leaning toward this one . Your review has convinced me. I just ordered one from Amazon. Thank you.
Thanks I just got this over the weekend and used it and really like it for the price, thanks for going over things I hadn't figured out yet , all you cuts made me more comfortable to try all dif uses for this saw
I've got an older model Ryobi that's very similar to this. Bought it used and once I fixed up a bit and aligned it, it's been working great ever since. Works nicely with a metal-cutting blade too. I think maybe a lot people just don't have the patience or understanding to use these saws properly. I like the LED light on yours.
I just use a generic "metal" cutting blade. Brand name is "Vermont", I think. It has much finer teeth. I would say it probably cuts 1/4 aluminum stock no problem. I don't think it would make much difference whether it's cast aluminum, plate, or extrusion. I'm guessing the Ryobi is probably about the same power as this Skil saw? It may cut thicker aluminum if you go slower.
Thanks! I just received my Skil 3386, Yesterday and will likely set it up, today if it ever warms up. Wyoming Winters! Even though it says to NOT cut ferrous metals with this saw, that is one of the reasons I got it! I am a beginning knife maker and need to cut both high carbon steel and wood for the knife blades and scales, respectively! I bought 2 18 tooth blades specifically for cutting metal and since the will have at least 3 teeth in the wood at all times, they should be fine for wood, too. I believe that as long as I go slowly, I should be able to make cross cuts in the metal and lengthwise cuts, too. I have another bandsaw that is the same size as this one and it seems to have plenty of power to cut metal so, I may put one of the 18 tooth blades on each of them and cut metal with one and wood with the other. This seems to be able to do anything I'm going to need and, again I thank you for the video and the information!
Josh is dead on with his review. I have NEVER had any of the problems that seem to irritate some users so much. In my opinion, its a GREAT machine for the price!
Hi Josh, I'm a brand new subscriber and I first want to compliment you on your video itself. Both picture and audio were perfect. You explained everything well. I even like the fact that you used your video to debug wrongful complaints. I've been wanting to get a benchtop bandsaw and drill press. This is the first time I have seen the SKIL brand. I like what you showed me. I've been debating between the WEN and Ryobi. About the same price point as this. Did you consider either of them in your search? Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and videos, Rodney
Hey Rodney, I did consider the Ryobi when I was looking for a small bandsaw, and to be honest I couldn't tell you if the Ryobi or the Skil is a better saw, what I do know is after owning the Skil for two years now and using it to finish building a mahogany boat I am satisfied with my purchase, if you are interested and seeing the boat that I built using this saw there are several videos on my channel of it, it has served me well and continues to do so.
Great job Joshua. For those who have gotten one of these small type band saws will have a beautiful time with them if they watch "Band Saw Clinic with Alex Snodgrass". His instructions are presented in a way that will boost your confidence through the roof, just follow his instructions to the "T". I used my band saw and was not overly impressed, saw the above mentioned video and set it up per Alex, and I have a perfect running machine.
I agree, Alex's instructions are golden. However, when I attempted to align the deepest part of the gullet of the blade on the center of the tires of the wheels (as he suggests), every time I'd then tighten down the tension, the blade would return to it's factory-original, off-center position after a few turns of the wheels. Hell, I even tried to set the blade way back to compensate, and no luck. I believe it's a problem specific to this saw, due to the raised divider in the middle of the wheels that puts added pressure on the tires. However, all of Alex's other tips were golden. If you or any other user has tips on how to keep the gullet of the blade centered on the wheel, I'm all ears.
As a knifemaker this saw is worth every penny. Even though my saw is purposed for cutting handle material and rough shaping of handles its very very versatile. Even though my cutting tasks are extremely light this saw is a perfect. I have yet to try metal cutting but I will leave that task to my trusty angle grinder lol
I've had two of these saws. The ONLY issue I've had is the thrust bearings seizing, hence the 2nd saw. I flat out returned the whole saw the first time. The bearings are not sealed. That is a design flaw in a woodworking machine. The other thing about the bearings is you need to buy the the whole support truck instead of just the shaft/bearing. Oh..and the lower truck is not available. Online at least. So buy 2 uppers but you really shouldn't have to buy any. Mine gets a lot of use. I make custom made pens and re saw mostly 2X2X12" in all kinds of domestic and exotics. I just found the lower bearing seized yesterday, 7 months old, and am in talks with Skil about the issue. Still under warranty. All in all a good tool for the price.
Edit/update: Robert Bosch has owned Skil for about 25 years. It appears that even though they are not available on any tool parts sites, Bosch keeps a supply of the lower trucks in stock. So... they said they will be sending me both upper and lower. The guy on the phone suggested that I got two bad machines in a row.... well that is a bit hard to believe. The issue is still the unsealed bearings. If something happens in the months ahead I will re- update this post.
thanks for the review. a buddy and i just started doing some wood working and a band saw was the next tool we decided we needed. been going back and forth on which one to get. after this review we will be getting this saw.
My biggest issue with this saw isn't that it's under powered or that it's cheaply made. My issue with it is that it's crazy hard to find good blades for it. Most blades I've used with this saw either snap or travel really really easily. Companies just don't spend a lot of money on making good blades for hobbyist saws.
Ok. This blew my mind. I just bought a 2nd-hand bandsaw this morning. A 909 brand, 9", 250w saw. and it is THIS EXACT SAME SAW!!! I mean everything! The fence, the inner workings, the locks, I mean it's an exact duplicate! That said, my saw was missing the hex wrench, and the measuring tape at the rear of the table, other than that, it's perfect. Got it of $69.95.
that thing works fine as a decent little scroll saw, too. I'd like a slightly beefier band saw...but, the one I want wouldn't do those tight curves like that. For $129, to get two functions...good price. Nice review! And, I loved your grown-ass-man comment...but, do be safe! We can spare some of the prima donnas out there, but, we need to keep as many like you around as we can!
Thank U I've been looking for a skill band saw I figured this was a very decent saw. I have a. Skill framing saw for 19 yrs. Never had a problem so thanks again I. Would use tjis for cutting arches
Hi, I'm very interested in this saw and your review has helped me to decide on it. A question though, what is the maximum height of material that can pass through the blade? Also, the wheels, they appear to be cast iron as well, correct?
I've been researching this little saw and I like what I see. Good video too, you covered a lot topics. Do you know if they make different style blades to fit this, like thin blades for detail freehand work and bigger blades for more heavy type work? How many different blade styles do you know of that fits this saw? Thanks
I agree 100% with everything you stated in your review. I love the fact that it is small and can be placed on the table of my Portable DW 745 table saw.
I picked one up for $50 used,and how it came omg it was a pos! Going more then 1/4" every 5 seconds in 3/4 mdf would lock the blade up lol.i was like this thing has no power. So I picked up a cheap blade off Amazon, tightend the motor belt,adjusted all of the guides ,and cleaned everything,and OMG this saw is a beast now.it will tear through that same mdf like its not even there and doesn't slow down one bit. For a total of $62 how it sits its a dang steal !!
I agree with everyone. Joshua you did a fantastic job of reviewing this saw. 1 question,, have you or anyone else seeing this regretted not getting a saw with a bigger throat, 13 or 14 inch for example?
Thanks for the comment, i do not regret buying this bandsaw one bit, i bought this saw to finish building a boat and this little guy never let me down, i still use it, it still performs as it should, depending on how serious of a woodworker you become, you may find it necessary to purchase a larger saw in the future but so far this bandsaw has worked for my needs. P.s. if you are curious there are several videos on my channel of my boat build (mahogany runabout)
@@rodw lolol nope, built it in my garage, if you click on the round bubble to the left of this post (my picture) it should take you to my page, you can scroll down through my videos from there.
WOW... Thank a lot Joshua... I read all the crappy Reviews too and believe that are the Competition trying to mess with it. Thanks to your AMAZING and DETAILED Review, I'm going today to Home Depot to buy it... Thanks again for your Well Done Review my friend...
Nice review! I bought the display unit at Lowe's since they can't keep them in stock. It was missing a rubber foot and the plastic knob to tilt the table had cracked so it didn't engage the gear. Both easily replaced. It's my first bandsaw and for my usage, it should be fine. I might steal your design for the stand :)
I use that fence to my advantage so I can cut angles. Set one side to 1" and the opposite to 1.5" for example. That's why there are two. rulers. I don't think this was ever meant to be square.
I find with a lot negative comments around cheaper tools tend to come from two camps. There are those who expect the exact same machine as one that cost ten times as much, so your $100 saw should have the exact same specs as a $1000 saw. I have a Chinese drill press that is sold under several different names, I love it and with drilling, sanding polishing etc it’s the most used bench tool in my shop. It has no noticeable drift and cuts accurately in anything I ask it to. My bandsaw is a cheaper model, but I can’t comment as it only came today and it’s still in the box. Then there are those that don’t have a clue how to set their tool up, you tend to get this comment with hand tools that they haven’t flattened or sharpened the blade. There are some great bargains out there for the small shop hobbyist, just take a lot of reviews with a pinch of salt
Nice review; thank you. I do need to point out that you are not adjusting your height guide properly, and that is both harder on the blade and somewhat more dangerous.
I just got this saw for Christmas. So far, it does everything I need it to do. My only complaint is that the LED light only comes on when the saw is on. I wish it were on a separate switch. Not really that big of a deal.
Great review. Picking one up tomorrow if I can confirm a true 3 1\2" feed height. That (and that alone) was the only bit of info missing from your review. Other than that fantastic. Cheers.
The problem you're going to run into is with the electronics. Every "new" skil power tool I've had (with the exception of a 30 year old circular saw) just shut off one day and then didn't turn back on. The problem being the types of new motors they now use that require additional circuity (motor capacitor/starting capacitor) which always seems to fail. Sure you can replace the little black epoxy filled cube that burns out for about $50, but had it not been there in the first place, it never would have failed. It's the same thing you find in fan's etc.. And it's always what fails. It's funny, old motors that don't have those things connected to them are still spinning decades later. This new crap is all designed to fail as soon as the warranty expires.
I just ordered one of these for cutting curves in sheet goods and was scared by the reviews. Expecting that they were all folks that don't read the manual and didn't set the saw up.
Great job. Because of you I can't find any at the stores. All of the avalable one are gone. This is suppose to be my christmas gift. Oh well, it will have to mait for next year.
Great demo. As far as all the purported problems go, the truth is, lots of people just should not be allowed to own tools. Check out some of the idiotic reviews and dumb questions on Home Depot's website. The picture says 8 inch , and there are 10 people asking what size it is. I'm sure, as with any product, a lemon will slip through on occasion, but if you buy it from a reputable store, just return it. It's not rocket science.
Very nice review. Have you tried to re-saw with this band saw. I want to re-saw pallet wood which is around 4 inches wide. I'm very impressed with this saw after watching your review.
wish I had seen this before I bought the HarborFreight unit I got. I am not unhappy with the HF unit, but I can tell this is better and probably worth the extra $30.
Great review Josh'! Unfortunately this saw is not available here in the UK - You can get them from the 'States via ebay but they'd be 110v (230v in Europe) & the table rules would not be metric, so I think it'll be jigsaw for my Zip - Still... got me thinking... :-)
The drive belt broke on mine the first time I turned it on. It's been sitting on the bench collecting dust ever since. It broke straight but at an angle like / that.
Very helpful video. Thank you. I was happy to see that the model #3386 is still available. I just ordered one. Besides wood, I also plan to cut some 1/4" acrylic. Would you suggest a special blade to cut acyrlic or is the supplied blade good enough for 1/4"?
Vince Gargiulo i used mine with the factory blade to cut 1/4" lexan for my boat windshield, worked just fine however i did sand the cut edge when i was done.
Thank you. I am building a bunch of small buildings for a miniature amusement park (dollhouse scale) and I just couldn't see myself cutting all these pieces by hand. I only need to cut a few pieces of the acrylic which is for a greenhouse, that is part of the amusement park. You have been a big help.
I know you did this 5 years ago but what a great review! Are you still using this? I have one on order and you covered about everything I wanted to know..until I get it. I wonder if you couldn't put a speed control (electronic) on it for certain situations. Amazing price that hasn't changed. Thanks for the video.
Yes sir I still use this band saw to this day and I love it, I can't stress enough if you are looking for a homeowner or garage type band saw. It has served me well but if you are looking for something professional or for production work this probably isn't it,still use it, still love it, very satisfied with it.
The problem I had with mine, is even though the motor side is cast metal, the access door IS light weight plastic. Both hinges broke off the door, causing me to have to glue them back on! Contacted Skil, and they were no help in assisting me with a repair course of action.
Hi, What is the diameter of the wheels, in inches? What is the power rating of the motor (in watts or HP)? BTW Are you sure the distance from the blade to the vertical support is only 9" - it looks several inches more than that to me (12"-15") - I'm wondering if 9" is the approx. diameter of thr wheels instead? I have an American made Skil saw - excellent tool, good value too.
I have not tried but with a fine tooth blade i have heard people have done it, no promises but i bet it could so long as you took your time with each cut
This is an update to my comments from 5 months ago. I'm on machine #4...yes the fourth one. It is the same issue with the lower bearing seizing. So far Skil still hasn't made the bearing available so they keep sending me new machines, all for the cost of a bearing. Works for me. I'll keep trading in saws perpetually. The one I'm sending back is only 5 months old. Otherwise it is a good little bench top saw. I'll let you guys know what's up in 6 months. LOL
