I currently use one of these bandsaws quite a bit for the last 3 years and get good service from it. For resawing and cutting logs I bought a 3/8” 3 tpi blade from Timber Wolf otherwise I use a finer 3/8” or 1/8” blades. The spec say it will take a 1/2” blade but I think that’s pushing it although I set it up with a 1/2” 3 tpi blade and it didn’t have a problem. Also made a cross cut sled with a 1/4” plywood base and a hardwood miter slot runner and back fence, very useful. This saw works very well.
I just got the same WEN 3962, and got rid of the same Skil saw. Out of the box but not fully assembled yet. Impressed already. My issue with the Skil was wheel balance and I could never get it right. I like the bigger re-saw capacity and the wider through
since the balance weights on the wheels are placed facing outward around the inside circumference, they are pushed outwards against the wheel (centrifugally) as it spins, so they should really never have the oppurtunity come off on their own. if anything, you could just strike a line across them with a sharpie to mark their location/orienation.
I will agree that the four legs and 4 braces weigh a ton. I have a wheeled stand and won't be using the legs but can save them for something else. Once out of the box the saw is much lighter to move.
Looking for one of these. It seems that for the money you can't go wrong. I've researched others on this size and they are expensive. Thank you for your video
@@EngineeredAngler Considering a purchase. I've looked at this one and the one from Grizzly...they arethe same saw except for the paint and the shipping. I've had a Wen drill press forever and have been very happy with it. Can I ask what blade you're using for re=-sawing?
*Making a hardwood fence for the miter makes all the difference **MyBest.Tools** Tune the saw with a combination square. Adjust the laser so its in line. See the photos.Every part in this saw is adjustable.*
My bandsaw makes that ticking noise to, it’s not the bearing. Don’t know what it is, but it shouldn’t make that noise. If you figure it out please let me know.
Was it the weld on the blade where it comes together, I noticed a tiny bump on my blade and think that’s the problem, I tried some sandpaper and ran the saw with the sandpaper on the back side, didn’t work.any suggestions ?
Thanks for the review, I've personally looked at band saws countless times. Nice to have a genuine review from someone who's not a paid bias spokesperson. Hope the boat conversion is going well!
Wow! You're right. I followed the link to where I bought it (I ordered it on May 8, my price $256, total with tax and shipping $274) and now it's $329. I guess I got lucky.
I actually did not change the base yet. It's a bit high but the wheels are the problem. I plan to mount the wheels differently and lower the saw by about 2 inches.
If the adjuster wheel on the back of the machine will not bring the wheels into alignment then you might have a problem you can't fix yourself. But my bet is on the alignment adjustment. Put the blade on (with the machine unplugged) and turn the wheel slowly by hand. If the blade starts to move off the wheel adjust the knob in the back until the blade moves back to center. This will take a bit of patience. Do everything slowly and don't have the blade tensioned much. Good luck.
@@EngineeredAngler I had it on and adjusted then when I was cutting with it the blade came off. What order do I put the blade on? I've seen videos that say right side then left then wheels. What do you think about that?
Thanks for this video. Looking into getting this model. Is that a shop fox radial drill press i noticed? I just bought a bench top version. What do you think of yours?
yea...its the bonded point on the blade its just a tiny bit thicker and rubs on the right bearing. That's why it had such a slow frequency, just once per blade rotation.
@@EngineeredAngler Were you able to make any adjustments to stop the tapping noise? I bought a Wen drill price and it too have a tapping noise that I could not fix. Ended up returning it.
This was the first review where someone actually cut a big piece of wood, I've watched a few and this one got me. Thanks for your review.
Glad it was helpful!
I currently use one of these bandsaws quite a bit for the last 3 years and get good service from it. For resawing and cutting logs I bought a 3/8” 3 tpi blade from Timber Wolf otherwise I use a finer 3/8” or 1/8” blades. The spec say it will take a 1/2” blade but I think that’s pushing it although I set it up with a 1/2” 3 tpi blade and it didn’t have a problem. Also made a cross cut sled with a 1/4” plywood base and a hardwood miter slot runner and back fence, very useful. This saw works very well.
I agree . I use a 1/2 inch blade but with a higher tooth count...works fine.
I just got the same WEN 3962, and got rid of the same Skil saw. Out of the box but not fully assembled yet. Impressed already. My issue with the Skil was wheel balance and I could never get it right. I like the bigger re-saw capacity and the wider through
Very thorough, especially the fence setup and leveling (7:30). Thanks for making this video.
The throat is left to right cut capacity. The vertical is the re-saw cut capacity.
since the balance weights on the wheels are placed facing outward around the inside circumference, they are pushed outwards against the wheel (centrifugally) as it spins, so they should really never have the oppurtunity come off on their own. if anything, you could just strike a line across them with a sharpie to mark their location/orienation.
You're probably right...I'm just being overly cautious.
I just did this on mine, thx, Jay
Thanks for the fine review I will be buying one of these hopefully tomorrow if Home Depot has one it will replace my HF9 inch saw😊
Good luck!
I've had mine for 5 years, it's a little workhorse.
A great review Angler. I hope you didn't mind my frequent postings.
Not at all...thanks for sharing. Hope it work well for you.
I will agree that the four legs and 4 braces weigh a ton. I have a wheeled stand and won't be using the legs but can save them for something else. Once out of the box the saw is much lighter to move.
Looking for one of these. It seems that for the money you can't go wrong. I've researched others on this size and they are expensive. Thank you for your video
I've been really putting it to work...no regrets, can't beat it for the money.
Just a question . Read the instructions about what all the knobs do.
It's been 4 years. They're on sale for Prime Days today. Still happy with it?
yes still works like new when I have a new blade on it
@@EngineeredAngler Considering a purchase. I've looked at this one and the one from Grizzly...they arethe same saw except for the paint and the shipping. I've had a Wen drill press forever and have been very happy with it.
Can I ask what blade you're using for re=-sawing?
That’s so funny....I’m watching this because I’m thinking of buying the WEN to replace my POS Skil, same one you have😂
It made a big difference....
I ordered mine on Sunday
The smaller skil is a nice small hobby saw, for smaller projects, you won't have to hassle and change out the blade on the WEN then👍
Nice I bought the 9 inch porter cable and it’s a touch to small so maybe I upgrade to this in the future. So keep us posted on durability please.
Will do
*Making a hardwood fence for the miter makes all the difference **MyBest.Tools** Tune the saw with a combination square. Adjust the laser so its in line. See the photos.Every part in this saw is adjustable.*
I don't think so...this is a 120v AC saw
My bandsaw makes that ticking noise to, it’s not the bearing. Don’t know what it is, but it shouldn’t make that noise. If you figure it out please let me know.
On mine it was the blade.
Was it the weld on the blade where it comes together, I noticed a tiny bump on my blade and think that’s the problem, I tried some sandpaper and ran the saw with the sandpaper on the back side, didn’t work.any suggestions ?
Any update on how the adjustments have held up? I was looking at this model to help cut bowl blanks for my lathe.
The saw has worked very well. I'm very happy with it. I just ordered a good quality 1/8 blade to be able to tighter scroll work.
I have never seen a magnetic angle locator that is the craziest looking thing.
super handy
@@EngineeredAngler how is the wen so far? any real issues?
Thanks for the review, I've personally looked at band saws countless times. Nice to have a genuine review from someone who's not a paid bias spokesperson. Hope the boat conversion is going well!
Yea..pretty happy with the purchase. I was ready for a bit of disappointment...nice to be disappointed about not being disappointed.
@@EngineeredAngler Can I ask where got it? I looked at Amazon as soon as I was done watching video, and they were running 329.00 and up?
Wow! You're right. I followed the link to where I bought it (I ordered it on May 8, my price $256, total with tax and shipping $274) and now it's $329. I guess I got lucky.
Do you think this could cut curves in 2.5-3 inch hardwood?
Sure...just slowly
Looking at the newer version of this bandsaw, the BA3962. Are you still happy with it after 2 years?
Yes, I will be cutting out a lure with it in a minute...for next week's video.
I think I would use silicone instead of super glue to hold the balancing weights... just saying.
Silicone would likely throw off the balance.
Thanks for the video. Did you ever put the saw on a lower base? It sure seemed too high for you in this vid.
I actually did not change the base yet. It's a bit high but the wheels are the problem. I plan to mount the wheels differently and lower the saw by about 2 inches.
Does anyone know how to keep the blade on the wheels once you change the blade? I have done everything that the instructions say to do.
If the adjuster wheel on the back of the machine will not bring the wheels into alignment then you might have a problem you can't fix yourself. But my bet is on the alignment adjustment. Put the blade on (with the machine unplugged) and turn the wheel slowly by hand. If the blade starts to move off the wheel adjust the knob in the back until the blade moves back to center. This will take a bit of patience. Do everything slowly and don't have the blade tensioned much. Good luck.
@@EngineeredAngler I had it on and adjusted then when I was cutting with it the blade came off. What order do I put the blade on? I've seen videos that say right side then left then wheels. What do you think about that?
Nice! i watched this, then baught one. Thanks
Thanks for this video. Looking into getting this model. Is that a shop fox radial drill press i noticed? I just bought a bench top version. What do you think of yours?
Yeah...redial arm drill press. I like it a lot. I was doing a bit of fabrication using tubing and this drill made things accurate and quick.
"Eh, it smells like Bengay" hahaha classic...
I always forget how strong that wood smells....
Ok. So did you find the cause of the tapping noise? Was it a bearing? How did you solve it?
yea...its the bonded point on the blade its just a tiny bit thicker and rubs on the right bearing. That's why it had such a slow frequency, just once per blade rotation.
@@EngineeredAngler Were you able to make any adjustments to stop the tapping noise? I bought a Wen drill price and it too have a tapping noise that I could not fix. Ended up returning it.
Great video thanks!
Glad you liked it!
Does your review remain the same after nearly a year of use? About to pull the trigger on one.
I still think it was well worth the money. I use the saw on metal and wood and pretty much everything I need to cut. It stays plugged in and ready.
Thanks for the reply. Purchased it today.@@EngineeredAngler
I like mine
Could this resaw an oak 1x3?
Cool man cool🤙
You can send me your old one! I need one but can't afford one rite now,
I'm using a jigsaw to cut my lure blanks now and is less than desirable to use lol.
I can send some pics of the lures I make if you want to see them.
I know...I've been there...I use to cut them all out with a copping saw.
Who is this....guy.?.
The Engineered Angler ☺️
I bought one as well. Next stop Wen track saw
I have the wen tracksaw and love it. Works great, I also have the oscillating sander and love it even more.