A good band saw must be both maneuverable and reliable. You want something that will move through tight spaces perfect but also handle big loads. The WEN 3962 strikes a nice balance here.
This thing has features typicaly found on pricier models for an attractive price. It’s a 14 inch model. That puts it into sweet spot for most small professional shop and home workshops.
WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw Review
Open Frame Design and Portability
It’s not some clunky 1950s cabinet saw either. The open frame make it lightweight, and there are no cabinet over the blade. This exposes the blade but it makes it more approachable for novices who might be intimidated by bigger machines.
The open design also gives you a clearer view of what you’re cutting (good when tracing curves). Will the accessibility sacrifice durability/performance? Decide for yourself.
The 3962’s performance will depend on more than a spec sheet, but what you’ll find is that dual speed motor doesn’t feel like a gimmick, it actualy works. And the blade tracking isn’t perfect out of the box, but once you learn how to listen for the right sound, you can get it dialed in without constantly tweaking knobs. If you’re looking for a good band saw, take a closer look at the mechanics of this one and see if it has what you need for your own shop.
Dual Speed Motor Performance
Because it’s a cordless tool, obviously the motor powers it. And WEN went with a two-speed design. The softwood speed is 3,250 feet per minute and the hardwood speed are 2,100 feet per minute.
That makes a difference in the bite of the blade into the wood. On dense oak, running too fast will overheat the blade and mess up the cut. With pine, running too slow lead to burning the wood due to friction.
You can toggle the switch to fine tune based off the material. Finish quality is important. When you’re cutting thick tenons and resawing lumber, lower speeds allows you to control the cut.
You won’t get any chatter; it will move right through the wood with authority. For working with thin plywood or intricate scrollwork, high speed maintain a clean cut. With most budget saws, you’re locked into one speed.
So you end up with mediocre results on half of your projects. The 3962 tracks a blade pretty well, especially compared to open frame saw that fight tracking. It’s adjustable with an easy access adjustment knob and the blade stay near the center of wheels.
Blade Tracking Adjustment
That being said, you still have to figure out what it sounds like when your blade touches the wheel. If you hear a hiss all the time, you’re good. Buzz or click?
Then you have to adjust it. It’s not perfect straight from the package, but it’s forgiving enough that most will be able to use it without trouble. This model has a functional fence, but nothing fancy.
Fence and Table Features
It is a flat piece of aluminum bar sliding in a rail. Straight cuts are fine, with a crosscut sled or even just a third party miter gauge. For day to day uses, the stock fence is solid.
And it does not have all those fancy micro adjustments of pro grade models. That’s OK at this price point, you’re getting a work horse here, not a precision machine. The 3962 also does great with lighting.
An LED work light shines directly down onto the blade area. On a lot of lower-priced tools, you are left squinting to try to read your cut line or having shadows from overhead shop lights. This light is bright and pointed in the right direction.
It makes for better cuts, and better cuts make for safer cuts too. You get a clear look at the kerf line and avoid cutting off an important corner. Many entry level brands are made cheap and can’t stand the test of time, but WEN has a reputation for offering solid construction for the money.
Construction Quality and Durability
It’s a well-constructed machine. The base is cast iron, offering a stable table top that doesn’t vibrate when you cut. The frame consist of tubular steel which is lighter than cast iron but still strong enough for daily use.
That said, this isn’t a 100 year-old-saw. It will probably survive a decade if used seriously for a hobby or lightly in a pro shop. For someone looking for versatility without breaking the bank, the WEN 3962 is a wise purchase.
You get some great features found on pro-grade models (e.g., dual speed and decent illumination) at a consumer price. Is it the most accurate? No. Is it the quickest?
Nope. But I’ve come to appreciate its blend of control and power that’s so essential to enjoying working with wood. It transforms what can be an intimidating tool into one we could of relied upon as a friend in the workshop.