Photo: Wen
What We Like
- Affordable
- Includes an optional stand
- Flexible work light
- 3-in-1 dust port
- Thick 6-inch resaw capacity
What We Don’t Like
- Quite heavy (73 lbs.) but has a lot of features
Bottom Line
A reasonably priced, versatile, and easy-to-use 10-inch band saw that is suitable for beginners, and DIYers.
In this post:
Introduction
Band saws are the ultimate tools when it comes to woodcraft projects. They consist of a continuous sharp blade band that is held and rotated by two wheels to create a continuous downstroke blade motion.
These tools come in different sizes and the Wen 3962 is an affordable 10-inch unit that offers decent performance for its price. The band saw is mostly recommended for beginners and DIYers and the review below explains what it has to offer. Let’s get started.
Wen 3962 Review
Photo: Wen
Performance: Cuts Thick and Wide Pieces
Though very affordable, Wen’s 3962 is very practical because it has a 6-inch resaw capacity that allows you to cut very thick pieces in one go. Additionally, it has a 9.75-inch throat, which can fit very wide wood pieces.
This combination makes the tool suitable for thick and wide woodcraft projects, such as when making bandsaw boxes.
That said, the saw is run by a 3.5-amp motor, which is quite powerful, and it rotates the lower wheel via a belt and pulley system. The motor’s speed output is adjustable using the belt and pulley system, which produces a speed of 1520 or 2620 feet per minute (FPM) on the blade.
With these, the unit is very versatile as it allows you to make fast straight cuts or slow intricate curved cuts using different blades that have different thicknesses.
Speed adjustment is done manually by switching the driving belt position in the lower compartment. To do this, open the lower compartment then loosen the belt by unscrewing the hex bolt that holds the motor in place to slide it closer to the wheel.
There are two pulleys on the motor and lower wheel pulley. Placing the belt on the smaller motor pulley and larger wheel pulley produces the low speed (1520 FPM). Placing it on the larger motor pulley and smaller wheel pulley produces the high speed (2620 FPM).
The speed is measured in FPM because the blade cuts while flat, not in a rotary motion. Both the lower and upper wheels have a 10-inch diameter and they rotate on ball bearings for smooth running.
These wheels can hold a 1/8-1/2-inch thick blade, which allows you to make a wide variety of cuts, ranging from intricate curves to straight lines. However, the blade length must be 72 inches, and a 72-inch, 3/8-inch thick blade is included, which has 6 teeth per inch for coarse cutting.
Aside from that, the unit comes with a 14-1/8 x 12-1/2-inch worktable, which is large enough to fit most workpieces. This table can tilt up to 45º and this allows you to make bevel cuts.
Additionally, it has a miter gauge slot and a miter gauge is included to help you make miter or compound cuts.
You also get a fence for guidance to make accurate straight cuts, an onboard measuring guide for precision cutting, and a 3-in-1 dust port that can fit 1.75, 2.75, and 4-inch extractor hoses to your shop vac.
Design: Benchtop of Floor Standing
Whether you prefer a benchtop or a floor-standing band saw, Wen’s 3962 has got you covered. It comes with a sturdy 13.75 x 15.75-inch stand that is 25.25 inches high, which raises the saw to a comfortable working height.
However, this stand can be mounted optionally. If you already have a dedicated bench for the band saw, you can place it on the benchtop without the stand.
Either way, the saw is very heavy because it weighs 73 lbs. On the bright side, this weight keeps it steady so that you can make accurate cuts.
Assembly: Takes a Few Minutes
The main body of this saw is shipped fully assembled and therefore, you only have to fit in the stand and table. You will need four tools to assemble these components. These are a cross point screwdriver, a combination square, and two 14mm open-end wrenches.
To fit in the stand, place the band saw on its back then place a wooden block below the bottom to raise it. Attach the 4 legs to the saw using the included flat washers, M8 carriage bolts, and M8 hex nuts.
Next, attach the short and long braces to the legs to hold them together. After this, attach one foot to each leg then place the saw upright and tighten all nuts to ensure there is no wobbling.
However, if you want to use the unit as a benchtop band saw, there’s no need to install the stand. Place it on your bench then proceed to fit in the table.
That said, for the table, align its slot with the saw blade then attach it using the included 6mm washers and M6X10 hex bolts.
Next, install the rail guide using the 4 included lock knobs then fit in the rip fence and that’s it. The table has a miter gauge slot that you can slide in the miter gauge at will.
All these instructions plus steps on how to replace the drive belt, adjusting the blade guide (upper and lower), and adjusting the blade tension are explained in detail in the user manual for better guidance.
Extra Features: Bright Flexible Work Light
With all these features, Wen’s 3962 still has more to offer. The most notable additional feature is the LED work light. This is placed at the end of a flexible gooseneck, which allows you to aim the light to where it is required for better illumination.
The light has its own switch right above the motor’s on/off switch, which allows you to control it independently.
Price: Affordable
For a band saw and with the features that it offers, Wen’s 3962 is very affordable because it costs less than $300. That said, the manufacturer makes many other band saws but the Wen 3939T and 3966T are the closest to the model under review in terms of features and price.
The 3939T is cheaper but it is smaller (9-inch size) and is powered by a less powerful 2.8-amp motor. Additionally, it holds a shorter 62-inch blade, has a single speed (2460 FPM), and lacks a work light. The model is also designed solely for benchtop use because it has no stand.
On the other hand, the 3966T is much more expensive but is larger (14-inch size), has a more powerful 9.5-amp motor and has 2 speeds with a slower low speed (1480 FPM) and faster high speed (3280 FPM). This model is recommended for professional use.
Verdict
An affordable and versatile 10-inch band saw that is recommended for beginners and DIYers.
Though very affordable, Wen’s 3962 packs in a lot of features, including two-speed settings that make it very versatile. Additionally, it has a beveling table, a miter gauge, and a flexible work light that makes it very practical and easy to use.
Combined, these features make the saw ideal for beginners and DIYers and according to The Spruce, it is recommended for such woodworkers who are looking to upgrade their workspace.
Specs
- Product Name: Wen 3962
- Product Brand: Wen
- Size: 10-inch
- Motor: 3.5-Amp
- Speed: 2 Speeds (1520 and 2620 FPM)
- Blade Length: 72 inches
- Blade Width: 1/8 to 1/2 inches
- Throat: 9-3/4 inches
- Resaw Capacity: 6 inches
- Dust Port: 1.75, 2.75 and 4 inches
- Table Size: 14-1/8 x 12-1/2 inches
- Bevel Angle: 0-45º
- Dimensions: 20 x 25 x 58 inches
- Weight: 73 lbs.
- Warranty: 2-year limited, 90 days for commercial use
Key Features
- 3.5-amp motor with 2-speed settings.
- Optional 25.25-inch stand for floor standing or benchtop use.
- Flexible LED work light with an independent power switch.
- Large beveling worktable.
- Sliding miter gauge.
- Adjustable fence.
- Onboard measuring guide.
- 3-in-1 dust port.
- 10-inch wheels with ball bearings for smooth operation.