SKIL 3386-01 Bandsaw Review

The SKIL 3386-01 is a band saw that you can use to make very precise and detailed cuts through a variety of different materials. This is a great tool to add to your collection if you want to be able to cut jigsaws, patterns or shapes and it can also be very useful for cutting straight lines or sawing the ends off of pieces of wood. But when buying tools, it is important to take your time and consider your options. All tools are not made equally and some will definitely do a better job than others. The key is to find the right tool for your specific job and to make sure that it is well made and likely to stand the test of time.
Does the SKIL 3386-01 hold up?

What are you purchasing?

The SKIL 3386-01 is a nice looking tool that could almost be described as cute. It’s a thin red tool that has a strong, stable base allowing it to sit upright while you run your various materials through the blade. Despite its benchtop nature though, it is quite slim and the design is nicely rounded. In short, it’s a very nicely put together product with some good production values. It also feels sturdy and stable in the hand.
In terms of power and versatility, this is a 2.5 amp, 9 inch bandsaw. That gives you a decent amount of power and during our review time, we found it was plenty capable of all the jobs we threw at it – as long as we worked within its limitations. It’s ideal for cutting our irregular shapes and the power is enough to easily move the wood around underneath without having to apply too much pressure – when using woods and other softer materials.
Also included is a rack and pinion table adjustment. This makes it easy for you to quickly alter the height and angle of the material you’re cutting through and that in turn means that you can not only find the position that is most comfortable for you to work at for long periods, but also find the perfect angle for the intended cut that you want to make. A rip fence and miter gauge further help with making perfectly straight cuts or cross cuts, which will ultimately result in more precise end products.
Otherwise, you have a few nice features thrown in for good measure. There’s an LED light for example, which makes sure that you can see what you’re doing as you cut. There’s also a dust port for easy dust collection.

Pros and Cons

There’s a lot to like about this bandsaw. The tool is very attractive to look at and while it is quite tall, the thin profile and sleek design help it to blend seamlessly into your workshop. It’s also a joy to use thanks to the pivoting table, the decent amount of power and the extra features like the LED light and dust port.
Unfortunately nothing is perfect though and the first downside you’ll notice when using it, is that it tends to wobble quite a lot when under pressure. This can be frustrating and especially if you are trying to make a very fine cut.
It’s also worth noting that this isn’t the most powerful tool out there. This is a powerful bandsaw for the price you are paying, but it is still very much aimed at hobbyists and not those who run their own woodworking business. For those who want something top of the range, you will need to keep looking. Otherwise, this is a cute and spunky little bandsaw.

Conclusion

On the whole, this is a great product as long as you know what to expect. This is not a top-of-the-line machine that’s going to chew through any job you give it. However, it is more than capable of doing simple cuts and is ideal for the hobbyist who wants something that will look good in their workshop and not take up too much space. It’s nice to look at, it doesn’t cost too much and it is definitely a useful addition to your roster if you don’t already own a bandsaw. Overall, this comes recommended for hobbyists.

from Toolerant http://www.toolerant.com/skil-3386-01-bandsaw-review/

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