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SKIL Benchtop Bandsaws: BW9501-00 vs 3386-01
SKIL’s current BW9501-00 and legacy 3386-01 occupy the same compact nine-inch class, but they are different generations. Both use a nominal 59-1/2-inch blade range and list a 3-1/2-inch opening; the current saw adds two speeds and quick tension, while the older package listed a fence and work light. Choose from the exact model plate, manual and missing-accessory cost.
Side-by-side buying comparison
| Model | Machine family | Cut height (in) | Throat (in) | Blade length (in) | Blade width range (in) | Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKIL BW9501-00 | Compact woodworking | 3.5 | 9 | 59.5 | 0.125–0.375 | No exact offer matched |
Check the model guides for regional variations and source qualifications. Table dimensions do not establish performance or material suitability.
Start with the current model description
SKIL identifies BW9501-00 as a 2.8-amp, two-speed nine-inch saw with 1,700- and 2,500-FPM settings, quick blade tension and a 12-1/4-by-12-inch manual table. Its current included-items list names a miter gauge, tools and blade, but not a fence or work light. The product page separately calls the table 11-4/5 inches square, so fitted storage should use a confirmed physical measurement.
The 3386-01 manual/catalog instead describes a 2.5-amp, single 2,800-SFPM saw with an 11-3/4-by-12-inch table, fence, miter gauge and work light. Both manuals allow 59-1/4- to 59-1/2-inch blades from 1/8 to 3/8 inch wide, but that shared range does not make guides, tires, controls or fence hardware interchangeable.
Consider the value of two speeds
A second speed gives an additional operating choice within the machine’s intended uses. It does not automatically turn a woodworking bandsaw into a metal-cutting machine. For any material beyond ordinary wood, check the manual’s permitted applications, required blade, and speed guidance. The correct classification depends on the complete design rather than the presence of a second pulley setting.
For a woodworker, the practical question is whether the speed-changing process is convenient enough for the intended work. Read the belt procedure and consider access after installation. A control that seems easy on a clear product photograph may be awkward against a wall. Compare this routine with how often your projects actually call for a change, rather than paying for an unused specification.
Look beyond the accessory list
SKIL’s emphasis on adjustment features is most relevant to someone who changes blades or table angles. A rack-and-pinion table mechanism can assist positioning, but final squareness still needs checking with an appropriate reference. Blade guides provide support when correctly set; they do not compensate for forcing a blade around too tight a curve or feeding a dull blade aggressively.
Make a list of your first three cuts and decide what each requires. A tight curve may need a narrower blade, while a thicker straight cut needs suitable teeth and waste clearance. Check these against the manufacturer’s permitted blade range. This makes the buying decision more concrete than comparing the number of included accessories or assuming the supplied blade optimizes every task.
Give the saw an appropriate role
The strongest case for a compact SKIL is a recurring need for small curved parts and modest woodworking blanks. It is less persuasive when the chief goal is substantial hardwood resawing. If most intended work is near the machine’s height limit, compare a larger category before purchasing. Blade choice and patient feeding can help within capacity, but they cannot enlarge the frame opening.
Include mounting, dust extraction, and clear workpiece travel in the budget. The station should let you open doors, reach lower guides, and see the line comfortably. If choosing a used SKIL, inspect the tension mechanism, guards, insert, and fence hardware against the correct parts information. A complete machine with accessible service support is a more useful bargain than a cheaper unit whose missing components are difficult to identify.
Questions about SKIL Benchtop Bandsaws: BW9501-00 vs 3386-01
Is every SKIL 9-inch bandsaw the BW9501?
No. Verify the complete model number when reading reviews or buying used equipment. Brand and nominal wheel size alone do not establish that specifications and parts apply.
Does the BW9501 replace a metal bandsaw?
A two-speed woodworking saw should not be treated as a general metal saw. Use the manual to verify materials, blade requirements, and operating limits for the exact application.
Who should shortlist the SKIL benchtop saw?
A woodworker making small curves and modest parts who values accessible adjustments should include it. Compare larger saws when resaw height and repeated demanding cuts define the workload.