Rikon 10-305 Benchtop Bandsaw Review

To the discerning woodworker, choosing any power tool is always going to be a big deal, but this is perhaps especially true of the band saw. They are bulky, expensive, and certainly a crucial component of your arsenal. Naturally, you want to make sure that you are choosing the right one but unfortunately, this is easier said than done. That is exactly where we come into play.

Today we will be taking a close look at the Rikon 10-305 bandsaw to determine if it is right for your needs. Read on for a comprehensive review of this impressive machine.

Searching for the best band saw for your money but aren’t quite sure what you need? We’ve got you covered with our band saw buying guide.

Rikon 10-305 Review

The Rikon 10-305 band saw features a sturdy steel frame and cast ironwork table. A strong motor should work through most stock while the dust port and high-quality rip fence are great additions that will help you create precise, straight cuts.

What’s in the box?

Naturally, you want to make sure that you are getting everything you need to start with your tool the day you take it out of the box. Fortunately, that isn’t going to be a problem with this package. The Rikon comes with:

• Large cast iron table
• Stand
• 10″ blade
• Fence
• 2″ dust port

In other words, everything that you need for the tool to work immediately out of the box.

Specifications

• Weight: 76 Pounds
• Dimensions: 35.5″ X 18″ X 13″
• Voltage: 115 Volts

Pros & Cons

Now that we have examined the surface-level details of this product, let’s dive a little bit deeper as we examine the crucial pros and cons that will inform your buying decision.

Why We Like It

Steel Frame

It is not unusual to encounter plastic frames on products of this nature. While the plastic frame is going to work, it is almost needless to say that it also won’t be nearly as strong as the steel alternative.

That the Rikon 10-305 features a steel frame is a major point in its favor in that it lends to its durability. And of course, I am sure that you already know how important the word durability is in the world of power tools.

Cast Iron Table

If durability is a good word to keep a lookout for, stability might just be even better. That is exactly what the cast iron table provides: a stable base upon which you will be able to do your best possible work. The stability of this level is uncommon for a tool of this size, making the cast iron table another excellent feature that should be a significant benefit to your work.

Rip Fence

Naturally, the rip fence is a crucial component to a tool of this nature which is why it is nice to see that this one is equipped with a high-quality version of that accessory. When it comes to power tools of this nature, rip fence inclusion is never a guarantee, so it is certainly appreciated that it is included here.

Motor

The Rikon 10-305 band saw also features a 1/3 HP motor that will provide you with access to cutting bowl and pen blanks. The quality motor featured on this unit is going to help ensure that you get everything you could need out of this product.

Dust Port

A good dust port is a crucial component of any piece of woodworking equipment that should be thoroughly taken advantage of. Good dust collection systems are going to keep your workspace clean while improving both the quality of your work and reduce the need for clean up afterward.

More importantly, a dust collection system is good for your health. Dust is known to be a cancer-causing agent which is why it is important to lower your lung’s exposure to it. While a dust port is a fairly standard feature of most woodworking tools it is nevertheless nice to see that it is featured here.

Why We Like It

Miter Slot

While this is a relatively mild con in the grand scheme of things it might be worth noting that the slot that is used for the miter attachment is on the smaller side. It’s not necessarily going to be a big deal for everyone that uses this product but it is worth noting for the fact that it does make it difficult to enjoy the benefit of after-market devices as they may not fit properly in the slot.

Bent Frame

This is actually a pretty big drag. You might recall earlier that I spoke of the steel frame that is featured on this unit, and how a steel base is going to be more resilient than other comparable materials.

Well, that is true, but only if it isn’t bent when you get it out of the box. Yeah, unfortunately, there have been a number of people complaining about the frame coming out of the box bent upon opening their package.

Whether this issue is the result of improper handling or some other defect is hard to say. Either way, it is certainly unpleasant but the good news is that it is certainly not a defect that is common enough for you to have to assume it will happen to you, and if it does the warranty will cover it.

Warranty

Everyone loves a good warranty, right? They are especially useful in the world of power tools, where there are so many pieces and parts that the chance of something going wrong increases ever so slightly.

Fortunately, the Rikon features an impressive five-year warranty that improves upon the standard two-year warranty that you will encounter with a lot of comparable products.

This warranty is going to cover you in case of any problems that you encounter with the tool that is the result of a manufacturer’s error. Naturally, any damage that you cause yourself will not be covered by the terms of the warranty.

Conclusion

I am personally of the opinion that Rikon 10-305 has produced a really impressive bandsaw here. This model is able to boast a slew of impressive features and suffers from very minimal cons. What more could you want out of a tool? If you want a bandsaw that is versatile, powerful, and durable, then look no farther than the Rikon.