Bandsaw Essentials
From tight curves to large sweeping curves, thin stock to thick timbers, bandsaws can handle it all. Equipped with the right blade, and correctly set up, the versatility of a bandsaw is amazing. This class will provide you with the information you need to get the most out of your bandsaw, use it safely, and make it a go-to tool in your shop.
What a bandsaw offers
What makes bandsaws so great? Lots of things. They have a significant thickness capacity, with most saws able to cut 6” or more. The kerf of a bandsaw blade is quite small, so there’s very little waste going up the dust chute. Combined with the ability to cut curves or dead straight lines, a bandsaw can be one amazing machine.
Set up
Many woodworkers consider their bandsaw only a coarse, rough cutting tool because they never learned to set it up correctly. It’s critical that the blade tracks correctly on the tires, the tires are clean, the guide blocks and thrust bearing are correctly set. Each of these aspects has a cumulative effect on how well (or how poorly) and bandsaw performs. We take you step by step through set up to make sure you get it right.
Using the saw
In addition to being able to correctly set up the saw, we want to make sure you’re using it properly and safely. Our tips on controlling and steering the material will help make your cuts more accurate. And we’ll simplify the set up required for resawing.
In total, you’ll get over 115 minutes of hands-on video instruction in this class. In addition to the detailed video help you’ll receive, the class provides you with some downloadable resources and helpful information to print and keep, including: A detailed Class Guide you can follow and use as a reminder for the key points of the class instruction; and a resources document that will give you information on the products you’ll see in the Class, including a handy Blade Radius Chart.
NOTE: This Class video instruction is also available for purchase in DVD form. If you prefer to own a physical copy, you can purchase the Class DVD here.
BONUS MATERIALS FOR THIS CLASS
PRINTABLE CLASS GUIDE PDF
Download and print this PDF Guide to complement your Class. It will be a good reminder for you on many Bandsaw techniques.
CLASS RESOURCES PDF
See this list of tools, suppliers and reference information related to this Class.
VIDEO: MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, George Vondriska.
VIDEO: IMPORTANCE OF BANDSAW SKILLS
Download this short video to hear George talk about the benefits of having good bandsaw skills.
Session 1: Getting Started
Let’s make sure your saw is up-to-snuff before we do any cutting. Give the tires a once over, make sure the table is square to the blade, and everything is working the way it should.
Proper blade selection is critical, and we’ll help you make sure you’re choosing the right width of blade and tooth count for your project. Then we’ll make sure you get your blades properly installed and the all the guides correctly set.
Session 2: Making Cuts
Bandsaw safety is very important. It involves hand position and controlling the workpiece. We’ll give you great tips and tricks to help you better follow your lay out lines, and cut more accurately. We’ll also provide you with two different techniques for cutting multiple duplicate parts, and teach you how to cut non-ferrous metals.
Session 3: Resawing
Woodworkers are often stymied by resawing. If everything isn’t set up perfectly, it’s easy for resawing to go badly. This lesson provides you with two approaches to resawing, including determining and setting a fence for drift compensation. Proper blade selection is also covered, along with a variety of approaches to help you match the height of your fence to the work you’re doing.
Session 4: Eliminate Jams
It’s very frustrating, and unsafe, when small offcuts jam between the saw blade and the table insert. This problem can be eliminated with a shop-made solution (using stuff you probably have laying around) and a commercially made solution that’s also a nice upgrade for your saw.
Session 5: Class Summary
George wraps up this Class with a reminder to practice the processes and skills you learned on the bandsaw – and you’ll be on your way to using this key tool for many projects in your shop.
I just broke my blade, my fault, not the saw. While I have everything open I plan to go over everything and also plan to install new tires. Urethane tires, what do the think about this?
Great presentation! I'm in the process of choosing a tabletop bandsaw and these videos helped me to get an idea of what to look for and some of the proper procedures when it comes to using it. Thanks George.
Excellent presentation George. Thank you! I learned a lot... now time to go practice.
Thanks George all of the information was great and well presented as always. The information on setting up for blade drift for resaw was excellent.
I have a Jet 14" Band Saw that I have had issues with since I bought it in 2021. A technician came to my house in the first year because I couldn't get the blade to track properly. That helped for a while, but I'm having issues again. I've had two large blades snap on me. Now it's spitting small pieces of metal and the blade is wobbling back and forth. I can see in the blade guard where it has been chewed up, but I cannot see where it might be hitting now. I'm afraid to use it now.
I’ve used bandsaws before, but I’ve never owned one for myself. Now that I have eliminated that deficiency and watched your videos, I’ve discovered how much I didn’t know, especially the set up. Great videos. Thank you so much.
I am a little confused by your term of "resaw"?
Every time I watch a video you've done I learn more. The perfect teacher!!!!
Great videos. I learned some new stuff, and remembered some stuff i forgot. Bob Parr Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, Canada
Love it for a newbie this was fantastic. Very detailed!