There is actually a cool laser type cnc machine thats like $500 and is built on a cool chain system (like a bike chain type) that allows you to cut 4’x8’ large pieces. Might be a great option for the templates and it wouldn’t break the bank. Plus you build your own framing system for it so you could probably get away with building something that can be folded up
One benefit of a bandsaw that was missed here is safety. Bandsaws are one of the safest power tools out there. It's the first powered saw I ever used, starting around 11 or 12 yrs old. In fact, I was allowed to use my dad's bandsaw before I was allowed to use a powered drill (hand crank drills were ok.) They are also good for use in apartments because they are much quieter than other powered saws.
As an avid woodworker and Cabinetmaker of more than 50 years my take on this is why the hell would you NOT want to own a bandsaw. Yes I suppose you can get away with not owning one but at what cost. It takes a heck of a lot more time to resaw lumber on a table saw. I know because I've done it quite a few times. But hey that's just me.
This. Table saws are extremely dangerous. I would venture to say that virtually all lost digits are from table saws. For small pieces, I always use the bandsaw. It’s also good for cutting plastic, foam, or other non-wood materials. Table saws rip it to shreds.
Second that. Get a good blade, super clean cut, no forces, very safe. And no other saw will cut veneers unless they are very low width - and then a lot of wood will be wasted. I built my own bandsaw out of wood - I use it for anything it can do, before my table saw, except my mitre saw sometimes
I have owned a bandsaw for 12 years. I use it often, and some things I could not do without it. I think after a table saw it is my next most favored tool.
I have a nice new bandsaw but for a number of reasons haven't yet assembled it! All the many bags of parts are in the garage. Probably my biggest problem is that I have no dedicated workshop. No room in the garage unless I make big changes. But I have my eye on finally deciding where it belongs and get it built at last. Just need to round up the assembly instructions. I really look forward to the day I have access to a working bandsaw, certainly an extremely useful tool to own!
My biggest reason for wanting a bandsaw over a table saw for a lot of these cuts is the minuscule amount of waste generated. The bandsaw blade is so much thinner and tends to make a cleaner cut in on pass
@@D13MA It very much depends on the application. As for me, I make musical instruments and cutting boards, and a band saw is much more versatile. It can cut curves (table saw, not so much) and the waste is much less due to the thinner kerf (if you have ever made a chaos pattern board, the waste can be significant); the thicker kerf also makes book matching less accurate, if that's what your after. I like my table saw, but if I could only have one, it would be the band saw.
The best advise I ever got was for every power tool there are 3 types. A hand tool (Jig saw) a bench tool (small 8" band saw) and a floor model ( 15" band saw) . Start with the cheapest (Jig saw) and move up to the next only when the accuracy of the smaller tool is effecting you projects.
Regarding the difficulty of changing bandsaw blades: when I got mine, I made a point of changing the blade a lot the first week after I bought it. The extra practice not only meant that I could soon change the blade, get the right tension, etc pretty fast, but also that I don't have any mental block ("it's difficult to change the blade, so I'm not going to bother"). I think this is generally a good thing to do when you get a new tool. (Or, for that matter, a new gun... before you do anything else, strip and re-assemble the thing until you can do it blindfolded. Makes it much more likely that you will subsequently clean and maintain it properly.)
Yes, I have a garage sale bandsaw and it took me an hour because when I finally changed the blade I forgot the tracking adjustment was a recessed hex head that was hidden. I was so mad until I figured out what I was missing. Otherwise it went smooth.
It is so interesting to hear someone else with this same approach. I did the same with the first tablesaw I bought. I made sure to change the blade and to use dado blades often. I was brand new to woodworking. But working with different blades and switching Sawstop cartridges made it familiar quickly.
I agree, even if it's a struggle at first figuring out what you need MOST is really important, there are so MANY tools to buy that it's mostly a case of what's most needed first. So approaching the decision by examining one's workflow is really crucial. Thanks for sharing!
As a hobbyist woodworker, a bandsaw was one of the last tools I got. You said it well, most everything you do on it can be done with other tools. I got mine as a luxury, just to make a few tasks easier.
If you bought it first, you would use it the most, Especially if it was one with easy blade changes, like a laguna 14/12. It's way safer than a table saw and excels are curves, circles and pattern work, resawing and veneers.
My case too but I am still not convinced to buy band saw because of lack of space in workshop: I would need to dislocate it in the next room. It is sort of luxury tool for me too, the main purpose be the jigsaw replacement when curves in thick pieces need to be cut.
I own a bandsaw, and found this a very thorough thoughtful review of the pros and cons. It does depend on what kind of wood you get, and what you make. If you make nothing but cabinets using cabinet grade plywood, a bandsaw will likely sit unused. If you resaw hardwood routinely, a bandsaw would be a near necessity, with its very narrow kerf minimizing waste. For everyone in between the two extremes, depends how often and how cumbersome it is to do what you need to do without a bandsaw. I also think of tools as a burden. Each tool takes up space, and requires care and maintenance. A free tool isn't necessarily free, once you consider storage and maintenance--if you live, as I do, in a humid climate, where cast iron rusts if you look away for a second. And you can saw an unbroken inside circle with a bandsaw--just need a blade welder.
Good overview. I'm on my 4th bandsaw (a mini-max 45 -18" 2HP). If you read the Krenov books you would buy a bandsaw before you by almost anything else. In the Krenov shop you would have a jointer and a really good bandsaw, along with hand saws, chisels and planes. If you know how to keep everything really sharp and how to use these tools this works well. I did my apprenticeship in 74-78 and after the required experience, tests and courses became a master in 85. So you can see I've been woodworking professionally for 48 years. If I were starting today I would go the route of Tool 1, good bandsaw (many like the Laguna are available today at pretty reasonable prices), tool 2 - good spiral head jointer (again lots available, I'd probably go for a 12 or 16 inch over under jointer/planer -unless I had lots of room, then I'd just go for the jointer and add the planer later tool 3 would be a tablesaw --- When I was younger I know that my choice would be reversed. It also depends on - if you plan to work mostly sheet goods - then table saw, or track saw, but if it's mostly solid wood then Bandsaw.
Love my bandsaw!! I am retired and do woodwork as a relaxing and rewarding hobby. I don’t see the time required in replacement of blades, setting the guides etc as a problem - It gives me time to think about the next project.
Agreed. I was a machine operator at Coca-Cola using their biggest most expensive can packer. Downtime was as important if not more so. Without doing changeovers, packaging or box size, you wouldn't be able to understand this fast paced machine. The ONLY SAFE time to learn the machine, in depth, was when it was off.. Taught me a lot about proper maintenance cycles, identifying issues, when to let something run or when to hit the e-stop. I don't believe a machine should be powered up until the user understands as much as they can. Yes I read all instructions 3 times and keep all the books together.. yeah, I'm that guy.. 😝😂🤣
Definitely agree with a lot that you mentioned. Having a small shop myself and being one of the weekend warriors you described, I cannot justify buying a bandsaw at this point. I haven't had the need to resaw any stock larger than 6 inches, so the table saw does well. I do most of curved cuts with my jigsaw and I made a jig similar to what rocker sells, any time I need a straight edge. A track saw would definitely do the trick, but I still cannot justify buying one. Instead of using double-sided tape, my jig has built-in clamps that I can adjust to hold various size pieces of lumber. I feel like, if I was buying a band saw, it would need to be large enough to justify using it as opposed to other tools around my shop. But of course, who has a few thousand dollars just laying around. That being said, with doing quite a few curved cuts, I am considering investing in a scroll saw. As far as the price goes, they are about same price as a tabletop bandsaws, but they take up only about quarter of the space. Having used one a few years back, it makes all the difference for tight corners, while still being portable enough.
Nicely done. A very real world approach and comment to working with tools. I like your "no agenda" approach. As a 72 year old who has been around tools for many a year, bravo.
I have the grizzly 17" bandsaw and it's my primary tool in my shop. If it take more 5 minutes to change blades, or blade size, you need more practice. I did spend over 40 years working with bandsaw at home and would, both wood and metal.
I think another facet of the resaw ability versus the table saw is the size of the kerf. If you are already working with thin material, say 3/4, and resaw this on a table saw, at best you'll have two 1/4 boards after sanding and planning. With the bandsaw, and a resaw fence, you likely could get two 3/8 boards. This could make a huge difference for the amount of material you need to purchase.
I use my bandsaw a lot. It’s great for small pieces that would go flying or kickback on rotary saws. But be careful cutting round objects like dowels or pvc pipe where the blade may turn the round into a spinning top. Clamps, sleds, circle cutting jig, table extension and a feather board stay close by my saw. Sometimes I head over to the bandsaw to start setting up a cut- and rethink it I favor of just doing the cut with a good hand saw.
I have the room, so I have two bandsaws (14" Powermatic and 17" Grizzly), in addition to my cabinet saw (Unisaw), scrollsaw (Hegner), a jig saw (Bosch barrel), several circular saws (Porter Cable, Skill worm, Dewalt Hybrid [and guides], reciprocating saws, a Fein Multitool. The more I do the more I find use for each of those saws. Having two bandsaws allows me to leave a scrolling blade, for things like bandsaw boxes, on the small saw, and a 1" blade on the bigger saw for blowing through boards or cutting logs into boards and veneers. The day I got my 14" saw, my woodworking world changed. I started finding all sorts of uses for it. In part, because small quick cuts, done safely, were a breeze (this is not to say they don't have bandsaws in butcher shops). My appreciation for my bandsaw was the reason I opted for two. All these things said, keep in mind, I'm 73 and have had since around 1972 to build my tool collection [and a shop to keep them in].
Great take on the bandsaw. As a woodworker, I was a very late adopter to getting a bandsaw. Only when I REALLY needed one did I finally break down and get it. I've used the H3LL out of my jigsaw for years, and regarding its proper use, I can say this. You can get excellent results if you pay attention to two things: 1. Take your time when cutting with it. 2. Always use the proper blade for the job.
Good job . I just got an old craftsman ban saw for less than a C note. Came with some xtra blades. I use a laithe and it helps with bases and stuff. Thanks again. I feel better about my deal now.
Thanks Spencley, you are an inspiration. I want to get into woodworking hobby for so long but partially finance constriction. It is really motivated to watch your vids. Thank you for sharing.
This is incredibly helpful and while I’m not considering a band saw, many of your points talked me off the ledge from buying other tools. I’m at the point where I really need a table saw and I have pretty much every other beginner tool (even a drill press lol) but I’ve been swayed so hard by the “sawstop or bust..but once cry once” philosophy that I’ve used work arounds up to this point. Would really appreciate a vid on the value of a table saw like you have versus a saw stop
Cant beat a good table saw ,another problem i had with my bandsaws was drifting off the line couldnt get any straight lines .probably bec ause i bought a cheap one the Titan i bought had cheap plastic bearing supports which put me off no doubt the more expensive ones are easier to set up , get what you pay for i spose good luck
I'd expect there are quality saws from other brands. Even if I was going to spend that much on a table saw I wouldn't buy from SawStop because I don't approve of their business practices.
Currently on the fence on what type to get but my deciding factor was I kept having to wait to bring pieces to my friend's shop to borrow his bandsaw. While it's a good excuse to visit my carving mentor it's slowing my workflow something fierce.
Great advice. I am just a hobbyist. I used my bandsaw quite a lot when my kids were small and I was making a lot of toys. I have also used it to cut curves in ceramic tile (good thing blades are so cheap), and notching landscape ties. I would never want to be without my bandsaw even though it doesn't see a lot of use anymore. The things I use it for nowadays typically involve small parts, and those cuts would be difficult, and in some cases dangerous on any other machine.
I have a pretty small setup, and most of my projects are tiny, like rings on a MIDI Lathe, this was actually super helpful to convince me that I dont need to spend like 300$ I dont have when a jigsaw will do the jobs I need, thanks so much!
Spencley! I love my bandsaw. I use for cutting curves, template cuts, ripping and re-sawing. One of my first projects with this tool was a bandsaw box. Yes, jigsaws are good as well, but not near a versatile as a 14" bandsaw.
I would much more rather have a bandsaw then table saw, it's alot safer to use. Expecially if you don't use the supplied guards like him. I use this guys videos to show people the incorrect and unsafe way to use tools. Iam professional carpentry teacher and examiner in the uk
I ‘served my time’ - 7yrs! and I had too many near misses and one serious accident with a circular saw, EVERY machine has the potential to do you serious damage, but, I have completely given up my circular saw for as good a brand new bandsaw I could afford, that’s nearly 3 years ago and no kickbacks, jamming, trying to take my fingers off. Best and safest decision I ever made regarding woodworking machine based cutting.
Hi from New Zealand. I loved this video. I am off to buy a band saw this weekend. I have grandchildren 'helping' in the workshop, I see the band saw as a safer option for them than using any off the other electric tools mentioned. Thanks Jen
I'm disabled and do woodworking from my wheelchair. I have a portable table saw, and I always fret using it as I'm not in a great position. I haven't been injured yet, but all the horror stories about kickbacks have kept me avoiding it when possible. I do need to rip some boards, so I ordered the cheapest bandsaw that had decent enough reviews. It's a benchtop saw, and I will probably mount it where my table saw is now. I made the stand lower than normal to accommodate my sitting position. It's only 152 dollars, so if I end up not liking it... not the end of the world. Nice video
Finally, someone that loves a jig saw as much as me. I really feel it's one of the most versatile tools available to us. For people just starting out in wood working I usually recommend two tools. A jigsaw and a hammer drill. Then as you need and can afford them, you can expand into more tools. You can build just about anything just using those two tools though. Occasionally you can make a jig to make a particular process easier. All too often I see people getting roped into buying specialty tools that while cool and if you have a need to use them on a regular basis, they can make your workload more efficient. Most people leave them in a drawer or cabinet except for the few times they actually need them. In which case there is almost always another tool already in your arsenal that can do the job well enough in a one off situation.
Great advice! I've been woodworking for 25 years, part as cabinetmaker and part as a hobby and have often thought about buying a bandsaw but it is really just a want not a need so I have never bought one. After watching your video and seeing the pros and cons I'm glad I never did. I feel the same way about CNC machines too.
I make two products for sale, Guitars and lathe turned WOOD ART. My band saw is indispensable for cutting small and large guitar parts and thick wood and logs for turning.
Hello from Guyana, South America. For me personally, I was considering a bandsaw strictly for re-sawing purposes since I buy most of my lumber rough-sawn from either the lumberyard or the sawmill. However, as I was reminded by my sister, I can get whatever thickness I want cut right there at the sawmill, plus I can re-saw smaller pieces on my table saw easily. I'm still learning how to use my jigsaw for curved cuts so a bandsaw is a no for me at this time. The amount of use it would get could not justify the cost (including shipping).
So cool to have a viewer from Guyana! I totally agree with you. I’ve looked into the cost of large machines shipping to other countries and it get INSANELY expensive!
Totally agree with you on whether to buy. Want VS need! I started my woodworking career wanting to make furniture. I failed at that. Took too much time for what I could sell it for. Next made wooden toys for several years. Made a (slim) living and it was fun traveling the art & craft circuit. I bought a Rockwell 14" bandsaw back when they were cast iron. It was a really poor machine to use for semi-production work. About everything that could fail, did. I ran a 3/16" blade all the time so it was certainly not over stressed. Ultimately I ended up doing commercial interiors and my shop expanded to 25,000 sq ft. It ended up being mostly computer controlled. Fast, Accurate, god awful expensive and required lots of programming software. Back to bandsaws: If you have a use for one, make the jump to a 17+ inch one. Far better machines but also much more expensive. Buy quality blades. We had a Baker band resaw, SCM 17" bandsaw and the original much modified 14" Rockwell. Be safe!
As a wood turner I'm glad I got one bc it's extremely useful for shaping blanks cut straight from the log into pieces that can be managed more easily on the lathe. It's a time saver. I do want to do wood carving as well so I'm glad I have that capability as well. Like any tool, depends on your workflow. For me it was becoming obvious that a band saw would save me time and headache
Regarding any tool, in your case the CNC, I find that you often don't realize how much you will (or sometimes won't hehe) use any given tool. I have a drill press and band saw that I barely used for years and it started to annoy me, but when I need them I am glad I have them. The jigsaw is definitely smarter to have than a band saw for most people, but now that I'm finally in a place organization wise to start making little practice tables and such, I'm so glad I have the drill press and bandsaw for table legs and the mounting plates! I literally just want a cnc for making acrylic templates, and one day in the next couple years once I have the space I'll probably do it. Right now I'm confined to a Strange L shaped portion of a basement. More blessed than many, but not conducive to my spazzy naturally disorganized mind. In the end it has been great, because it forced me to become more organized to conquer my mind. Had I had a nice open workshop, who knows how horribly I would've trashed it 🤣
I have both woodworking and metal working machinery in my shop.... metal lathe and milling machine.... plus all the wood working machinery. My bandsaw is a version that has a gear mechanism plus belts so I can use it at high speed for wood or very slow for metal. For metal it is extremely useful for cutting down 1/2"-1" aluminum plate and sometimes steel into manageable pieces that can than be milled or turned down. Change the blade back for wood working and it gets lots of use. But frankly it is most used for metal work..... as this video pointed out... often other tools can do the same thing for wood-working. The jig saw is a good often under-appreciated tool. I also use a scroll saw for a lot of projects instead of the band saw... it can cut tight radius that a band saw could never do.... and with high precision. I never saw having to change a blade as any big deal. I guess if I were a production shop it would be an issue but they will have more than one band saw.
Grear breakdown. As a pure hobbyist by definition all my tools are wants not needs. I try to focus on tools that will make the hobby safer, more efficient, more fun or help learning an aspect of the craft.
I'm a retired joiner/carpenter I have two bandsaw that I've had for 15+yrs & didn't cost me a single cent, both are in regular use, oh an one of them came with 6 blades in 3sizes, which again are still in use, & both items are identical models.. obtained online on a free for site win win.
I think you left out two important use cases, wood turners and wood carvers. The bandsaw is almost essential to rough out turning blanks. You can do a poor job with a chainsaw, but the ability to cut thick, green lumber on any plane is critical to making a blank “tuned” to your project goal. Similarly with wood carvers; making a rough out for a carving often requires lots of curved cuts in thick wood. Here you can do it the slow way by carving from the bigger piece or using hand saws to rough the blank. But would you?
I know I’m late to the party but just came across this video. I have been contemplating purchasing a bandsaw. This video is fantastic! Thank You. I’m pretty confident using the table saw so I may drag my feet just a bit longer but you def made some great points!
I’m currently a weekend warrior love band saw. A good ones can be had for a fraction of new, by diligently watching used tools I stumbled across a nice one for free.
As with any tool, the more you use it the more familiar you are with it and the quicker your adjustments go. I have a bandsaw on my Shop Smith. I like for all the reasons you stated. As far as adjustments, yes initially it takes a while, then again so do saws, hand plane blades, jointers, planers etc. other than your screwdrivers and hammers most all of your tools require periodic maintenance and adjustment.... yes, even the jigsaw. Mine is a Makita bought back when the cases were red not blue...and it requires periodic adjustment. Great vid!
Eric, very good deep dive into the pros and cons of a bandsaw. I have had one for many years, and I would have to saw that it is my least used tool in the shop. However, it is a woodturner's second best machine when it comes to making bowls and vessels. Also, it is quite handy in the making of string instruments. At the end of the day, I would agree with you that most folks probably don't NEED a bandsaw,. but there are times when it makes good sense. It also comes in handy as a "temporary" horizontal surface to hold some often used hand tools.
I agree with a couple other comments: the band saw is one of the safest, most utilitarian tool in a workshop: it replaces several other workshop tools: a cost / utilitarian benefit. One point about ripping on a table saw, one can easily rip one or two edges and then finish if off with a hand saw - or a band saw: two saw kerf lines provide a good saw blade guide. Regarding your perceived need for a CNC, I think you are missing one point: look beyond what you think it can do for you now (just making furniture templates-and a new drawer stand for your band saw: easily make repeated cuts) and consider the expanded possibilities a CNC can render, as well as the time saved to make more money and more videos: enhance your capabilities. Many folks, like me, purchased a laser engraving machine to supplement my embroidery business my embroidery business. Now, I rarely do embroidery because the time-value for a small shop is not there. However, the laser engraver, as well as woodworking, compliment each other very well. I just purchased a Shark CNC and looking forward to the multiple ways it will supplement what I do as well as save me time and money and improve the quality of what I do. Finally, building a decent shop is tedious and expensive and takes awhile without rich parents or friends, but if ya wanna start making high-end items (furniture)… it is hard to imagine growing a business (more quickly) without a jointer and planer. If a person does not have / use the right tools, their output will reflect the quality of their craftsmanship and products.
Another thing to consider, when performing the resaw process, is that in some cases the resaw surface is actually (sometimes) a desired exposed surface of the finished product. (I worked for several years in a mill oerating a commercial (really big) resaw). This finished can not be accomplished using the table saw method. Other than that, if you're looking to simply reduce the size of the board for alternative finishes that would work beautifully.
Have had my 14” Grizzly bandsaw for over 20 years now. It never gets out of alignment and the blade change is actually very easy. I buy a premium quality blade so they last a long time. It’s probably the 2nd most used tool in my shop. And I have a very nice jig saw😂
A bandsaw IS a very essential machine in any woodshop, hobby or professional. On a budget, a hobbyist should be searching the used market for a decent machine. But a bandsaw should definitely be on a list of machines to add to a new shop.
Someone gave me a Gigantic bandsaw because it had a "thump thump thump" noise when it ran, they thought the bearings were bad. actually all the grub screws that held the belts were either missing or had been replaced with regular hex screws. I bought 2 bags of grub screws from home depot and replaced them all and have been using it for 10 years. now.
It's more effort, but I think a nice Japanese pull saw is excellent for cutting small things. Just a few strokes and it's through. No loud noise, no need to clean the machine, safer, and no tweaking the settings.
The things you may need a bandsaw for, or things which would be impractical to do by other means, perhaps just make friends with someone who has one and ask them to let you use it from time to time. Obviously, if you're running a business you should offer to pay them a reasonable fee, but if it's just as a hobby a few beers should suffice. My recommendations for "must have" tools for woodworking: - Table saw: even a good jobsite style table saw is ideal. I used to have a Bosch 4100 now I have a Skilsaw SPT99 worm drive. The latter is better in several ways, more power, better fence, etc. but the Bosch did not hold me back at all. I was able to get a lot done with it. - Plunge Router: You may not always use the plunge cut feature but having the plunge base makes it easy to set the depth of cut. I recommend one with at least 12-14 amps of power, and stick with 1/2 inch bits. Freud makes an excellent 13 piece set of bits for under $200. - Orbital Sander: A 5" or 6" one of these is a must for finishing. - Angle clamps, of some kind, that let you clamp pieces 90 degrees or whatever other angle you may need. - Dust collection: A good shop vac like the 16 gal craftsman with one of those bucket cyclone separators is a good starting point. The bigger impeller-style collection systems flow more air but require large diameter hoses. - Combo Square: The last thing on my list is really the first thing you should get no matter what. This thing is super handy. You can get a decent one for about $15 made by Johnson or a similar one by Swanson. For setting up tools you might want to go with the more precises ones that are in the $50-$100 range, but in my opinion woodworking is prone to some degree of error and fine tolerances aren't really necessary. Wood can expand and contract more than a few mils by temperature and humidity changes. I think that's about all for the main things. The rest of the stuff you can decide for yourself based on what you're building.
This was all great information! Thanks! I have a small cheap band saw that works, but I ended up almost never using it. Like you, I usually just use a hand jig saw.
If you are planning on working with thick and wide rough cut lumber the two large power tools I would recommend first for small work shop, low funds woodworking are a quality band saw with good re-saw capability and a good bench top planer. Add in a Router, circular saw, and some good hand planes, chisels and hand saws and you can do most anything (of course you could do everything with just hand tools, but that's another video lol). Obviously if you are working mostly with sheet goods then you would not need those two large tools much. Also, if re-sawing on a table saw is all you are able to do, you can re-saw some pretty wide pieces by doing the initial cuts on the table saw and then using a hand saw to cut through the middle section left over due to the depth issues of a table saw blade. It really isn't that physically difficult or time consuming if you have a good and sharp handsaw, and is definitely worth it for book matching and optimizing use of lumber.
insightful commentary. Been woodworking for 30 years, and i finally broke down and got rid of alot of those little used tools. I am here to ruin your day though, as a CNC for templates would be a waste i concur, but a cnc for cutting your actual parts wouldn't be. You do the cad work once, then churn it out whenever you need it, no need to do all of those extra manual router steps, and the off cnc work is more just final sanding.
my buddy had a close call with his table saw and sold it next day and bought 2 super nice bandsaws for 4x the cost of his table saw. His shops give me so much inspiration.
Karl Terry (South Africa) I love your channel. Same as you, I have no formal training as well. I simply Love working with wood. It speaks to me. It is great to be able to improvise should you not have professional tools to complete a project. Once again, Thank You.
Spencer, good video. One aspect of the bandsaw you didn't mention, perhaps because you don't currently do this, is wood turning. A jigsaw and a table saw are not really that great at cutting turning blanks from pieces of trees or really thick stock. Short of a chainsaw, the bandsaw is one of the few tools that can accomplish this task and is much safer than a chainsaw.
G'day mate, I purchased a bandsaw a few years ago now. Got it for 300 bucks off whilst at tool show. Set it up and never cut straight but I never changed the original blade and still haven't. I use it now to cut corks to glue on chair legs. I still live in hope that I will use it more appropriately. As a weekend warrior down here in Australia I've done without it for a while now. I like your cabinet btw. Best regards.
That really helped me in deciding whether I should buy one - I wont as it will not get the use and I have really only been fancying a new piece of kit. Plus in overcoming the needs for a band saw will only improve my skills on the other tools. Thank You.
You give good budget wise advice, main reason I wanted one was ripping raw material. To be able to lower material costs. However shop space is limited. Plus seems bandsaw may be more limited on capacity then they used to be. Looks like a Chainsaw mill may be the more efficient route for milling. And the scrollsaw/ sander I had available better for the curve cuts.Thank you.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy my Bandsaw. I make Birdhouses as a Hobby. My Bandsaw saves me so much Time. And among the many tools I have just for Wood working. Well it just makes my hobbies more Versatile… Great Addition 😎
Cheese! I went for decades without a bandsaw because I never really had a true dedicated hope space, and I could usually find some kludgy workaround. But the one thing there is no workaround for is resawing, and so I finally broke down and got a Laguna bx14, and installed the best 3/4” resaw blade I could find, and figured it was a rare single-use tool in my array of multi use ones. Of course, my next project required some curve cuts with a narrow blade, but I did not want to have to change blades back and forth, with all the adjustments that implies. I ended up buying a sort of toy-level 9” bench top unit that takes up way less room than a scroll saw, cuts small work just fine, and cost about what the blade on my 14” saw did. So I went from zero bandsaws to two in my tiny, tiny shop but have delighted with both the whole time. Totally worth the space.
I find it more enjoyable working with the bandsaw than a table saw since I never have to worry about my digits or get cramped due to the router face for hours. With different jigs, the bandsaw is an absolute joy in cutting thick lumber into boards. For compound cuts, I see no other tool usable but a bandsaw.
Jigsaw dust extraction - I have been very pleasantly surprised at how good my Erbauer (yes - I wrote Erbauer - a Screwfix own brand in UK) jigsaw hooked up to a Henry vacuum cleaner works for dust.
I love my bandsaw, 20in 3 hp 220v, heavy duty unit, its my go to for a lot of work. I have a 12in 3 hp sawbench, jigsaws x 2 handsaws and a compound mitre saw so I have options, all have their place, but if I had to get down to just one, that would be the bandsaw.
I really enjoyed the show. I subscribed. I'm a beginner and love adding stuff to my modest shop. But honestly I don't need one. I need to learn how to use the jigsaw better. Thank you.
I bought a small, cheap (less than €100), bandsaw from Lidl just to find out whether or not I would use it and get benefit from it. I figured that it’s not a lot of money in the great scheme of things and I’ll probably get half my money back when I sell it on. In the event, I’m convinced that I would use a decent-sized bandsaw quite a lot and I’ve decided that even when my new tool arrives, I will keep the “toy” one as it’s really handy for cutting small parts. I don’t think I would have risked a grand or more just to discover that, but at under €100, it was a risk I’m glad I took.
I don't have a bandsaw in my shop, but I do have a bandsaw outside with a 30hp engine and a 30" cutting capacity. Looks funny when I use it to cut veneers but it works.
As a DIY woodworker for 30+ years I managed without a bandsaw and jointer until a few years ago. Now that I have a 14" Rikon bandsaw and a restored 1950's cast iron 6" jointer I have an easier time converting roughsawn planks into the precise shapes needed for my projects. I agree with you that a jigsaw (cordless) is sometimes an easier choice for roughing out curved shapes.
Bandsaw comes in handy to open thick hard plastic blister packs or cut down paper boxes/packings or plastic material super fast to fit in the trash can.
Your shop looks great, you really make great use of a smaller place, however I really think you should put up some cladding on the walls like walnut or something and leave it unfinished for that raw shop look, and then do a video about it, just a thought
I suppose there are a lot of woodworking machinery that you don't "need" but certainly raise your enjoyment of woodworking due to the ease and convenience of having them. I use my band saw a lot because it is just there and ready to use. I used a jigsaw for years before finally getting a band saw but it is so much nicer guiding the material than guiding the jig saw. There are many times I just need to cut a little something off and use the band saw because it is the fastest, easiest way to do it. I have a collection of all sorts of tools and machinery from over the years that I had a way of doing the job before I got the proper or better tools to do the job. It is usually a night and day difference making due with what you have and then getting the proper or better tools.
I see bandsaws cheap on Craigslist quite often. I bought one for $75 and it's been great. I have a small 1-car garage for my workshop so I put it on wheels and I'm so glad I have it.
Also, a jigsaw takes so much effort and skill if you are trying to cut curves and more intricate shapes. I for one only use my jigsaw when I have no choice. Well done for creating a topic that has generated so many comments on your page: controversy breeds comment!
In my humble opinion happiness is not getting what you like but liking what you get. Paul Sellers is my go-to instructor as a small space workshop hand-tool woodwork hobbyist. The only stand-alone machine Paul owns is a bandsaw. Also, if one has never used a specific tool but managed to get the job done without it, why scratch where it doesn't itch? I guess only because one can!
After seing this video, I realized that I was way too impatient (way too much force put on) with my jigsaw. Of course, I would like to have a bandsaw, but, no money for, no place for, no workload for.....but a wrongly used jigsaw! Thanks for the tips!
I have a Rikon 10" and a Rikon 14" one for curved the other for resawing, I have a small 2 car garage car sized shop and wouldnt trade them for anything
It really depends on what you make and how you make it. If you are making chairs a bandsaw is essential. IF you are making kitchen cabinets its pointless. Make exquisite hand veneered cabinets like James Krenov is absolutely essential. Personally I have two and one of the things I most love about them is the massive lack of stress that happens when you use one. they are quiet don't throw shit in your face don't vibrate or suddenly do things you don't expect. They are just a absolute joy to use. They are definitely not for everyone but I would probably choose the bandsaw if I had to choose between that and a tablesaw.. I also think a lot of the anti bandsaw feeling comes from people who don't really need one and buy one far too small. Been using Jigsaws for 35 years and absolutely hate them. No offence intended but own and use a decent 18" or larger bandsaw for 20 years and I guarantee you will have a different view on them
Don't need a bandsaw for woodworking now but I have two, one bench the other floor model. Have another one but stolen out of my garage, was new didn't even use it. I use mine for cutting large cardboard boxes, foam packaging or thin plastic sheets to fit in the trash can or opening thick blister packages instead of slicing my hands open with a utility knife.
Cardboard carpentry- I make lots of prototypes of things using bandsaw, table saw, miter saw- on cardboard, (sometimes adding foam, scrap wood) and hot glue. You can bang out an idea quick and pull patterns to transfer to wood or metal
One more thing if you have a welder on your saw.... You can break the blade, feed it through a piece of stock, and cut an interior hole. You can also get blades that file, scalloped edge blades for paper, rubber, foam., abrasive blades for cutting ceramic. Bi- Metal blades for cutting metals. Of course, if you're going to cut metal, you need a saw that can be throttled down to a lower speed.
Thanks! Good video! I've had a bandsaw for many years, and love it. One more facet about changing blades, that I think would be important to mention, is that if you're going to be using the saw with a fence, to re-saw perfectly even thickness pieces, nine times out of ten, you will need to adjust the angle of the fence to something other than perfectly paralell to the table. Each blade has subtly different built in tension, and will "track" differently. This is not really necessary if you are only using the saw for freehand cuts. But essential, if you want to make multiple re-saw veneers etc. that need to be consistent thickness. Google some how to's, if you're not familiar with how to do it.
Yeah when my crapsman 12 inch died . I got an new saw ( grizzly 14") and with a better set up. I don't have the drift problem anymore. Straight fence, straight table, properly adjusted guides = straight cuts.
I would say, if you are tight with space, bandsaw will be a great choice. In my case, it's the most used tool alongside the router, but that might also depends on usage scenario, which in my case is guitar building. With furnitures, I would rather choose table saw.
I love my bandsaw. Mine's a 14" bandsaw too, but it's a laguna SUV14 (maybe so-named because it weighs nearly as much as a sport utility vehicle ... I dunno). It's a little unique among 14" bandsaws in that it has a ridiculous resaw capacity (14 inches). I totally agree with you about blade changes being a *massive* PiTA though. I'm giving serious thought to buying a relatively cheap table-top bandsaw as a second band saw, which I'll keep fitted with a blade for cutting curves. I loathe my (cheap) jigsaw with a passion! One tip I can share with your viewers though is don't use your best bandsaw blade for resawing reclaimed timber that might have bits of gravel embedded in it, or that has had steel bolts through it in the past. When steel bolts rust inside timber, the iron oxide tracks out through the grain of the timber all around the bolt hole. That steel is death to a bandsaw blade's sharpness (even a really expensive carbide tipped blade - it'll go from super sharp to dull as an english day in about three cuts). Now I just use relatively cheap bimetal blades for that kind of work (which I can sharpen myself with a dremel if I need to). One tip I was given for bolt holes in reclaimed timber you want to resaw is to drill them out much larger before running them through the bandsaw: good advice I reckon.
@@SpencleyDesignCo Haha, well there is that option (avoiding reclaimed timber). I imagine most other countries are the same as my home (Australia) though, and if you want some of the best timber at a price that mere mortals can afford, then reclaimed is the way to go (I mean, junk timber doesn't last long enough to be reclaimed, but the best species do). In my case, my partner and I picked up about five cubic metres (cubic yards) of terrific aussie hardwoods that had all been framing for an 8x4m deck in a past life, plus a few sleepers that must have been used as garden benches for $1,000. To buy that same timber from a sawmill would easily be $6,000-$8,000 I reckon! I say sawmill there, because you absolutely will *not* find that kind of timber here in a big-box hardware store or building supplies place. The only decent hardwood they tend to carry is merbau/kwilla, which has been raped from an old-growth forest somewhere in south-east asia in the most horrifyingly unsustainable way - and if you want that dressed all round expect to pay $80/metre for a 4x4 length of it. Our stack of reclaimed hardwood has made some beautiful bench tops and sash windows, and there's still a huge pile of it left. What's more it came to us with 20+ years of drying/seasoning time ;)
I'm one of those. I bought my bandsaw, because it makes it easier to get things done. I work all day, every day, and when I want to do something, I don't want to have to spend any more time exhausting myself even more to do simple things. So I use power tools.
I bought a used bandsaw that was being stored outside, in the rain, with a plastic garbage bag over it. It was in need of a major overhaul. New tracking assembly, bearings, everything needed cleaning and lubricating, and finally a coat of paint. After spending about half of what a new one similar to it would cost, I fired it up for the first time, and was immediately in love with it. Changing blades is something you get used to. Like everything, there is a learning curve. If you have the money, if you have the need, and if you have the room, get one. If you are missing any one of those three, wait awhile.
I love my bandsaw. I use it all the time, and not just for curves and scrolling. I have a Rikon 3061, the 10in benchtop. I upgraded from the Ryobi 9in, and it was worth every cent. It is top notch quality. I routinely resaw 5in hardwood on it to make panels and box lids, and I also like to use it for quick and dirty dips in really hard lumber to save my expensive table saw blades to just do a light cut. Decent blades for my bandsaw a $13 and last a long time as long as you de-tension when done, and tension properly. My Freud blades are like $60. Cost wise it just works out better. For a small shop, it is the perfect bandsaw. Cast-iron top, steel body, and everything just feels like top quality materials. The jigsaw is great for larger pieces. What I will say is that a scroll saw can leave cleaner cuts on small pieces, and that a spindle sander is really helpful for cleaning up tight curve bandsaw cuts quickly. I definitely do like to rough cut my templates as well. For me, it goes table saw, jointer, planer, bandsaw, then everything else. Straight, flat wood to make your life much easier. As for your concern about ripping on a bandsaw, I simply place a small edge on the back of the cut if I have any concern.
