SKIL 2.8 Amp 9 In. 2-Speed Benchtop Band Saw for Woodworking

The Verdict

If you’re shopping for a benchtop band saw, the SKIL 2.8 Amp 9-Inch is probably on your radar. It sits in that awkward middle ground — not a toy, not a pro-grade machine. But after digging through 220 ratings and the spec sheet, here’s the honest breakdown of where this saw earns its keep and where it will frustrate you.

What You Actually Get

The box includes the band saw body, a 49-inch blade (already installed), a rip fence, a miter gauge, a hex wrench, and a blade guide block. Assembly takes about 20 minutes — the table bolts on, the fence rails slide into place, and you’re cutting. The cast aluminum table measures roughly 12 x 12 inches, which is adequate for small projects but cramped for anything wider than a 2x4.

Performance and Build Quality

The headline feature here is the 2-speed gearbox. At 1,520 FPM you get controlled cutting for curves and delicate work; flip the switch to 3,050 FPM and it rips through softwoods with decent speed. That’s genuinely useful — most sub-$200 band saws make you choose one speed and live with it.

The 2.8-amp motor is the limiting factor. On pine and plywood up to 2 inches thick, it cuts cleanly. Push it into white oak or maple at full depth, and you’ll hear the motor strain and watch feed rate drop to a crawl. Multiple owners note this. One reviewer summarized: “Great for small hobby projects, but don’t expect it to replace a full-size saw.”

The cast iron frame provides stability — no excessive vibration at either speed when the blade is tracked properly. The tool-free blade tension release is a genuinely thoughtful touch. Swap the blade without hunting for wrenches, and the tracking adjustment holds well once set.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

Owners love the value-to-feature ratio. The 2-speed capability, tool-free adjustments, and bevel capability get consistent shout-outs. As one verified buyer put it: “For the price, you get a lot. Cuts straight, handles curves well, and the fence is actually accurate — surprising for this price point.”

The miter gauge also earns mentions for being functional rather than flimsy, and the dust port connects to a standard 2.5-inch shop vac hose without adapters.

Where It Falls Short

The biggest headache: the 49-inch blade. That’s not the standard 59.5-inch length found on most 9-inch band saws. You’ll need to order replacements online or hunt specialty suppliers — your local hardware store likely won’t stock them. Factor in a $15-20 blade purchase when budgeting.

The stock blade is genuinely mediocre. It drifts on straight cuts and dulls quickly. Plan to replace it with a quality 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch blade for resawing or curves. That’s not unusual for budget tools, but it’s worth knowing upfront.

Also, the 2.8-amp motor means this is strictly a hobby saw. If you’re cutting hardwood stock thicker than 2 inches regularly, you’ll want something with more power. And at just 9 inches of throat depth, you’re limited to smaller workpieces — this won’t handle resawing a 6-inch board.

Who Should Buy This

• Hobbyist woodworkers making small projects — cutting curves, shaping parts, trimming dowels
• DIYers who need occasional cuts and want a compact machine that fits on a shelf when not in use
• Model builders and crafters working with thin stock and softwoods

Skip it if you’re resawing hardwood, cutting thick stock regularly, or need a tool that runs all day on job sites.

FAQ

Q: Can I cut hardwood with this saw? A: Yes, but keep it under 2 inches thick and feed slowly. The 2.8-amp motor lacks torque for aggressive cuts in dense wood. Use a sharp, quality blade and let the saw do the work.

Q: What size blade does it take, and where do I buy replacements? A: It uses a 49-inch blade. You won’t find that at most hardware stores. Order online — brands like Olson and Timber Wolf make compatible blades. Budget $15-20 per blade.

Q: Does it come with a stand or legs? A: No. It’s benchtop-only. Factor in a sturdy work surface or purchase an optional stand. The saw weighs about 60 pounds, so it’s portable but not light.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.2/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Buy it if you’re a hobbyist who wants a compact, feature-rich band saw for small woodworking projects and don’t mind sourcing blades online.

Skip it if you need serious cutting power, work with thick hardwood, or want a blade you can grab at any local store. This is a capable entry-level tool — not a workhorse. For the price, it delivers solid value with a few honest compromises.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.