DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON A BANDSAW!
Should YOU buy a bandsaw? I'll walk you through the PROS and CONS and help you make an informed decision! Don't buy a bandsaw without watching this!
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📖. Chapters 📚
00:00 - Intro
01:22 - Benefits of Having a Bandsaw
10:13 - Drawbacks of Having a Bandsaw
14:40 - Should YOU Buy a Bandsaw?
19:53 - Conclusion
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#DIY #woodworking #bandsaw
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I fold my blade back up and do a oven cleaner to clean pitch
Thanks for the tip!
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
Awesome! I’ll have to take a look
I have two bandsaws a 12' and an 18" there my go to saws fore most everything
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.
I was just about to add this as THE most important positive feature of a bandsaw, so I'm glad someone else posted it, too.
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.
I started young with a scroll saw, and if oscillating tools existed it would’ve been that instead, Safer still.
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
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.. 😝😂🤣
@@markgado8782 you're one of a kind man. I keep all manuals and what not but I've never read one lol
Hi@@woodworkingandepoxy643 w
Also, the more you do it, the quicker you get at it.
I find a bandsaw such an important tool for any woodworker, I own and use 3. My smallest one is portable enough to take on the jobsite and results in a fgar better installation of my woodworking. Absolutely buy a bandsaw, in fact buy two so you can have two different size blades at the ready.
I agree, buy one that is a quality unit like a Laguana 14/12.
That could get expensive fast 🤣
People love their lagunas!
SCM Formula S440P- I can’t imagine not having it. I can re-saw 17” Hickory with a Lenox blade with ease. This is a must-have tool .
I agree, must have tool. I have two, one for re-sawing and one for curved cuts. I use them soooo much that I couldn't imagine not having them. You also save so much wood.
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 would agree with that
Yup
Gotta love the table saw!
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!
I gotta say my bandsaw comes before my table saw on my personal list but then again, my bandsaw is better than my current table saw. I need a sawstop
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!
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
Band saw versus tabke saw is a no brainer! Table saw wins every single time.
I use band saw for what table saw can't cut. Small pieces that are too small for table saw, resawing wide boards (that I start on table saw) and of course curvy cuts
@@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.
Something to keep in mind. A typical band saw blade will make cuts around 1/16", where a table saw will make cuts at 1/8". This might not sound like much. I make end grain cutting boards, which require a lot of cutting. That extra 1/16" of leftover wood multiplied over 100+ cuts for a dozen or so cutting boards amounts to quite a bit less waste.
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.
Thank you for this video. Lately, I've been trying to decide of I should buy a band saw. Your video really helped me be objective and think about all of the points. You surely didn't "talk me out of it", but you surely did help me make a wise choice. Keep the good videos coming.
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.)
That’s a great idea 👍
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.
Glad you got it working 😀
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.
Dado blades can be handy!
I have a 14'x16' wood shop, and have a 12" bandsaw out in the middle of the floor and don't regret it. Along with the tasks you mentioned, its also quick for roughing out carving blanks.
Nice!
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.
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.
that's a good way to look at it too :)
From a (almoast) hand tool only woodworker who only use bandsaw from power tools there are few reasons why you NEED a bandsaw and why is it the only power saw you realy NEED if you make furniture: 1. You work with rough stock thats warped and twisted and you want to make nice flat boards from that (no metter how good your lumber is its never flat when its dryed). The only power saw you can roughly cut rough twisted boards on SAFELY is bandsaw. The table saw can be used only when stock is flat and prepared. If not, that could be really dangerous. 2. If you make furniture you need the opportunity to make boards any thickness you want. You can not depend only on thicknesses you can buy. Lumber that you can buy comes in thicknesses between 3cm and 8cm. You cant just take that huge amount of material with a plane or a planer. Basic part in furniture making is resawing. If you dont have a board to work with, what are we talking about? The only down side of a bandsaw is that cuts are not perfectly straight because of a bandsaw drift. But if you are a serious craftsman you plane the surface after any machine and check it for flattnes (even if you use a table saw). So i dont think that is a big problem compared to those two huge adventages. To sum up, its nice to have a table saw, but the only power saw you realy NEED is a bandsaw. Im sorry for my english, its not very good but i hope you understood the point. All the best for averyone.
The bandsaw was the first power tool my dad taught me to use. After he passed last year, I use it in my own shop and it’s very convenient for many jobs. The jigsaw is quick, easy and portable, but the bandsaw is always up and ready to do the same job.
Nice video. My 14" Craftsman bandsaw is primarily used for cutting small pieces and some curved cuts.
Thanks for checking out the video!
Band Saws are definitely a good tool to have. They are very useful, and a lot of the negatives are actually not a big deal. Changing blades isn't a big deal, and usually you are making rough cuts anyway, so if things are not zero'd in, it's not a big deal.
I finally bought a med. sized (14") band saw a few years ago. No trouble to set up and really glad I bought it. He's way off on this subject!
Black tail Studio compiled a list of studios across the country that offer shop time for X dollars, possibly you could find someone with a CNC that you could just pay to use? I am way out of my depth, I don’t know anything about them. But an expensive tool you only occasionally use , tool sharing makes sense.😊
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’m SO glad I stumbled on your channel. You are a plethora of information I’ve needed.
Thanks for watching! I’ve got lots of videos for you to catch up on 😀
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.
Very well done! I like the way broke down the “need”, vs. “want”. For me, the CNC truly is NOT needed but interested more as can I build it, so it really has nothing to do with the “Need”. It is forcing me to design it in such a way to save space because I cannot afford the foot print of one. Thank you for all your great videos.
Thanks for watching, Hans!
I find the bandsaw to be one of the most versatile tools in the shop. In some ways, it could be the only power tool in a shop as it is able to be used to build so many different things. Further, 4 of the 5 drawbacks are problems that goes away with better quality saws. For example, I have a Laguna which makes it very easy to change the blade and set up the guides with keyless cooling blocks, has good dust collection, and has stayed tuned since my initial setup, and that is including two different moves as I upgraded shops over the years. It certainly takes up less space and weight than a table saw and can make just about all of the same cuts. I'd even argue a bandsaw is safer than a tablesaw in most instances. Of course, this is assuming you trade those drawbacks for price, which isn't for everyone.
Thanks for watching!
Which Laguna do you have? I’m hunting for one. Deciding between the Fourteen-12 and the 14bx.
@@william_02 I have the 1412, the 14bx is a better saw if you're deciding between the two and price isn't an issue.
A bandsaw is 100% safer. Any accident on bandsaw you’re an idiot. On table saw, with wood tension being unpredictable there’s so much possibility for accidents
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!
I agree with you there. I loved my jigsaw. At one time it was the only saw I had and I no longer have one. YOU just taught me something I never knew!!! Relief cuts!!! Holy smoke! I could have used that info years ago! Thank you!
I have 2 bandsaws in my main shop, a big 27" for resawing and a 14" for cutting curves. Both have their place and I really like them but you definitely hit a lot of the key points. A jigsaw is definitely a shop essential. I think part of the reason some people don't like jigsaws is cheap blades and low level saws. A good jigsaw with the right blades is totally different than an underpowered one with low quality blades.
Agreed! And most people push their jigsaw like crazy I stead of letting it work properly
Grateful if you can recommend better quality jigsaws and blades 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
@@juliet9548 DeWalt, Makita, Bosch all make good jigsaws plus probably many others. For blades Bosch makes great ones just make sure to get the right one for the wood you are cutting.
You mean no Sears Blades? LOL had my share of them, Did a fair job. But, when one broke on me, I started going to a real tool store.
Good choice 😀
Thanks for making me realise my want is not yet a need in terms of band saw. Great and well thought-out video with relevant information.
Thank you very much, Matthys! I really appreciate the feedback!
I thought exactly the same i just wanted one for shaping logs for reindeer heads but i can do the same with a chainsaw or a reciprocating saw good vid by the way
I'm listening to this because the title captured my attention. I'm looking at purchasing a bandsaw right now. I don't see any way around one for me. We had storm damage and had to get some branches removed. Now I have some 8"-12" diameter branches that have been sectioned up and drying for years. I'm planning on making some gifts for our kids using wood from the trees that they have helped move branches and leaves for years. I catch your drift but I'm going to pull the trigger on buying a bandsaw soon.
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.
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.
Thanks, Dennis! I appreciate the support
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.
Nice! I find it very interesting how different people have substantially different workflows and utilize tools in different ways
Greetings from Trinidad!🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹 I think this is a fantastic video with clear explanations and a balanced presentation of the arguments for and against getting a band saw. I am a new woodworker ( now heading into my second year), passionate about this awesome hobby and I would also like to use it to generate another income stream. I was one of those who thought she NEEDED a bench top band saw, but you've eloquently talked me out of that. I happen to be a tool junky so I look for any excuse to get a new tool. And I happen to dislike my jigsaw because of precisely what you mentioned: it jumps around a lot 🙄. But I'll take your advice and do some research into suitable jigsaw blades, as well as appropriate router bits for cutting templates. You've got yourself a happy new subscriber. Looking forward to seeing your other vids, past and future. Happy new year to you and the Missus😁!
Thanks so much, Juliet!
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.
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.
Thank you very much! I really appreciate your support!
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.
True, but if you bought a chisel first, you’d probably use that the most too
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.
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
Thanks Peter! I actually have made a video EXACTLY like you’re talking about and I should be releasing that in the next few weeks!
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
Thanks!
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.
Thanks for the input Ian
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.
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.
My bandsaw is my favorite tool in the shop. Anything I can do on it that I would otherwise do on the table saw, I opt for the bandsaw. It's satisfying to use and doesn't scare the piss out of me like the table saw. I'm currently making bandsaw reindeer, and I used it last night to resaw some rough 8/4 stock down to standard 2x4 dimensions, something I couldn't do safely on the table saw without setting up featherboards and making multiple cuts, plus I don't yet have a jointer/planer to mill rough stock. I'm getting better at cutting curves, and I even enjoy fiddling with the tuning when I swap between blades.
You're more scared of your table saw than a band saw? A band saw will cut your finger off like hot butter before you even realize it!
@@joeking433 A table saw won't? a bandsaw won't fling projectiles at you, and you can easily keep your fingers away form the blade. Nevermind the psychos who re-saw with their tablesaw.
Making a bandsaw. Fun project that I'm happy taking 1Y+ to work on between tasks. Also, some people would take a good bandsaw instead of a tablesaw depending on their space considerations and actual work. (Also, bandsaw typically way safer to handle than a table saw.)
Wow! That sounds like a fun project!
I would take a band saw over table saw. Not that I don't think a table saw is important, but you can do almost everything that you can do on a table saw with other tools and more safely. Honestly, the table saw is the only one that gives me safety concerns to the degree that it does. I respect all tools and I'm always very careful but with a table saw, especially a very powerful one, it blurs the line between respect and fear LOL. But also they take up a lot of space and they're heavy. I'll be it important but to me, they don't solve as many problems as a bandsaw and with the added safety difference, I'm a bandsaw first kind of guy
That’s an interesting take!
This video was incredibly informative and helpful. Thank you!!
I have the Jet 14-SFX. I have it for many reasons for those you didn't list. Crafts just to do on the bandsaw. Bandsaw boxes, Christmas crafts with my spouse, and other holiday things. I do other box kinds of things that are more higher end and it helps me, as I am 100% disabled veteran. I cut things out, then I can sit and do the sanding, finishing, and dress things up,
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.
Valid point!
My Dad let me use his bandsaw was I was in my teens and I felt safe using it. Years later it was passed on to me. I let my nephew borrow it while I was packing and moving and it was burned in a garage fire. I just retired and want to get into a few woodworking projects and wasn’t sure which tool to start with. I think it’s going to be another bandsaw.
The bandsaw is probably the safest cutting tool on the market. The safety regulations that we JOINTLY established whilst in Europe necesitated improvements in the blades, partly the steel but mainly the weld. Never had a problem with my cheap one in well over 30 years of use. I now have a 10 inch bench saw whith which I hope to return to Woodturning before I turn my toes up. It may sound petty but with the current cost of timber I'm looking looking for a really fine toothed plade for really fine segments. The finer of the two blades that come with the circular saw does give a fine Finnish a is on the thick side. In a test run I used some of the timber I had prepared some years back. It was pained and sanded and set to a length that would. Siute the number of segments required to make a ring.. I adapted the jig I had formerly used on the bandsaw to sit into the guide slots the new one. The cost of timber was a major factor in me getting into segmented turning. A huge amount of wood is cored ot of a bowl and require disposing of . Bowl sise being equal, segmenters must make a saving of a third of some beautiful and now increasingly expensive wood. Having checked all of the dimensions of the prepared strip where fof safety it's useual to add about 3 lunches to hold for the lasr cut. The cerf on the circular saw though giving a exelent finnish was 3 times wider. That wouldn't have bothered me with the bandsaw as the cutting action firmly presses to wood to the table. The circular saw tries hard to throw it at you. I'll retain both as I have floor boards to replace that requite groove and toung and it will be easier and quieter on the circular saw than with my router. Enjoy your self.
I had a 10” bandsaw that actually worked exceptionally well, but it had its limitations, so I upgraded to a 14” Grizzly which has been an awesome machine. I went with Grizzly as I felt it was the best value for my money, especially considering the free accessories they included at the time. I would suggest new woodworkers buy a good jigsaw & blades, and wait to see if you actually need a bandsaw. If you find that you do, consider if something like a 10” will be sufficient as there’s a big jump in price when you go to a 14”, unless you go with something like a 14” WEN, which is actually rated pretty high by those that own them. I have a 14” WEN drill press and love it!
Excellent pro & con. Jigsaws deserve more love too. They're probably the best value for hand held power tools. After a year w/ a homemade table saw, I was going to buy a sawstop, my 1st full size tool. But I decided I was more into hand tools & milling my own lumber. My 14" bandsaw can resaw 12"+. I took apart my homemade table saw & don't miss it after 4 years. Besides, it takes up much more space than the bandsaw. I've split & milled a few 8' 24" diameter oak logs and have a fallen maple that's wider to do. I also have a lathe to feed. That's my woodworking and the bandsaw is my most important power tool. Your woodworking will be different.
Thanks so much for watching, Tom!
The band saw was the first machine I bought. You can do a lot various things with the same equipment. Very useful and time efficient.
I'm buying one over a table saw to start too.
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I put off buying a band-saw for a long time. Just got one recently (even though I felt it was more of a want than a need) and now I wonder how I ever managed without it.
Nice!
Eric, thanks for your insights. As you requested, my take on this: For almost 48 years I was clearly team "no bandsaw required" like many other woodworkers here in Germany. Until I was in somebody elses workshop, who said "that small bandsaw over there is junk, do you want to have it? Otherwise I will throw it away". I can't stand machines going to the scrapyard. So I took this little orphan in my workshop, watched some videos about how to set up a bandsaw, set it up properly and tried the first cut. Epic fail. Bandsaws are shit. End of story. Wait a moment - is it not me, who always sais "the cheapest tool becomes usable if you first get a proper blade"? So I ordered a good sawband, set it up once more - YES that IS tedious - and voilá! That ugly duckling turned into a beautiful swan. So since two years, that bandsaw ist a great improvement to my workshop. Especially for creating router templates. The only reason for giving it away would be if I would get myself a bigger one. So my recommendation is: If you do router templates more often than once a year and you have some space in the shop to store a small bandsaw, it is well worth the extra effort. The small inexpensive ones sell over here in Germany for as less as 130$. They do the trick, if you throw away the band that comes with it and spend another 30$ for a real high quality sawband. I one belongs to other groups, Eric's decision tree is a good guidance. Cheers Andreas
Thank you appreciate your approach. Also You are appreciated, keep it up
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.
Great tips!
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.
You covered everything that needs to be said. I’m out of the game at my age but your points were spot on
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.
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
Thanks so much for watching, Jen!
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.
They definitely speed up those processes 😀
I’m shopping for a new bandsaw what bandsaw do you have and like? Thanks
I’ve got the delta one
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
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!
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.
Thanks for watching!
I'm kinda the opposite. I wish I didn't start with a table saw. I wish I started with a nice bandsaw. The only mechanical downside is the work area and the blade can drift. Having a throat limitation on the bandsaw was the biggest deterrent for me because I thought I was going to use way more sheet goods than I actually did. If I needed to cut anything wider than the throat, a circular saw with a straight guide would work just fine. Changing the bandsaw blade also only takes a few minutes once you actually know the specifics of your machine. Dust collection is a totally understandable deterrent unless you want to get a high-end machine like SCM or Felder. I think getting the right machine is just as important as whether or not you actually need it.
Well said! It really all comes down to the workflow that each individual uses for the type of work they like to do 😀
Same here. I feel I could have held off buying a quality Delta drill press, instead considering less expensive methods to drill perfectly perpendicular. That 2 grand would have been better spent on a good bandsaw which, as it turns out is my greater need. Now I have to find a compromise of a good quality but moderate cost BS - no easy task.
Well said, james!
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!
Thanks for watching, Tim!
Get a bandsaw. You won’t regret it.
You are pretty good! Clear thoughts and speech. Thanks!
Came for bandsaw questions, left knowing more about my jigsaw. I didn’t know about relief cuts for curves, thank you!
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!
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
Definitely!
Thank you for your sincere honesty. I appreciate it
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.
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.
Thanks for watching garou!
Benefits: 1:29 resawing material (cut in half) or 2:57 book matching 3:30 curved cuts 5:47 cutting thick materials or stack of workpieces 6:50 tipping rough materials 8:19 cutting small parts Drawbacks 10:24 setup, changing different saws time consuming 10:49 often needed 2 bandsaws because of that 12:49 large space, low portability 13:41 poor dust collection for most of them 14:20 frequent calibration __---- 14:53 beautiful examples of people needs and reasons for not/buying bandsaw ----------- My case: have all tools except bandsaw, but packed tightly in very limited space. Mostly pleasure work for myself and just occasionally curved cutting. A bandsaw would be positioned in different building, with no dust collection and not nicely fitting into my wotkflow. It is theoretically possible to build some ceiling mounting of bandsaw and drop it down somehow when needed, but that would be insane considering low benefits. Half of benefits presented in video demand large and expensive machine. ______ Now, for the most people that will NOT buy a bandsaw like myself, I suggest buying (some are diy) a plate like mine, where you fix your jigsaw in inverted position and do curved cuts of thin materials mostly. Mine is from Wolfcraft. Minimum space, you mount it fast when needed. ______ All this being thoroughly discussed, I am still measuring centimeters of available space in my workshop and still wish to buy a band saw. Don't say anything, you are right. ____ Perhaps good solution - scroll saw instead! Many times smaller. Several times cheaper then 400W bandsaw. For me, close to wood carving recently, scroll saw is far more frequently needed then band saw. ____ Finally I bought scroll saw, works like a charm at small price, unbeatable for thin materials and modelling.
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.
Thanks for watching Lem!
That was both interesting and entertaining... I am defo going to get a Bandsaw after seeing this video. I just subscribed to your channel
Even the small 14” band saw is one of the most used tools in my shop. I must use it for every project. I would recommend getting band saw before looking to get milling machines like a mitre saw, jointer, planer. I would go as far as getting band saw before router table. In my home shop I would recommend a band saw right after getting the table saw that fits your needs. Wood shop or home improvement shop, knowing I have a band saw is my go to. I can’t remember the last time I used my jigsaw?
Interesting view 😀 why would you suggest it before a planer?
...or a miter saw? Good heavens, I'm a bandsaw zealot, but I'm the first to concede: surface finish isn't really their thing. Neither is super precise angles. And while I totally get the pain point of the planer, you CAN hand plane or simply buy s4s lumber. But you can get a miter saw for less than 100 bucks, used. A quite nice one if you're patient.
Nah I’ll pass on a miter saw
Bandsaw first. Then jointer. Then drill press. Then table-saw. And not a cabinet saw, but a European slider.
I think a bandsaw is definitely not an essential tool you need to have to begin with, but stick around with woodworking long enough, and you’ll inevitably find that you will be in situations when you wish you had a bandsaw. A few projects ago, I wish I had a bandsaw to resaw lumber. I ended up doing it on a table saw, but it took so long to get it set up to do it safely :/
I totally agree with you! Like you said, it’s really handy in specific situations but there are a lot of workarounds
I bought my bandsaw about 40 years ago. More a hobby tool than a pro model, it is a B&D plastic thing powered by a 1/4 in drill. But it does a credible job and when the 1st drill lunched last month, I went nuts trying to find another one same size. My BFF had an old spare and gave it to me. I don't use it much, but I do on occasion clear the junk from around it and use it for less than 5 minutes. I added a small vacuum to it. The B&D has a 1 1/4 inch vacuum port on the bottom. The video is great. One major advantage over a table saw is nearly no time needed for setup. Just raise/lower the blade guide and go. No fiddling with a fence or blade height. Biggest problem using a bandsaw, Getting the bed aligned perpendicular to the blade after setting a cutting angle. B&D didn't make that easy by a long shot.
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].
This video made me subscribe. I really appreciate the way you view this sort of purchase. Thank you!
A band saw was one of the last tools I put in my shop. I love it. I was in the woodworker trade all my life. I left the field and opened a shop. I do agree with you to some degree but for me a band saw is a necessity.Retired now and learning how to use this computer? Good video!
Thanks for watching!
Excellent video. Subscribed.
Thanks for the video. I’m a weekend warrior and I was recently toying with the idea of getting a band saw but I now realize I clearly did not not what I would be getting into. Your video was extremely informative and I think I will just get myself a good jig saw to replace my old ones until I get more serious (if I ever do).
I’ve been a woodworker for 25 years, check out Grizzly tools 14” G0555. Owned mine for 15 years and its still rock solid and still under $850. Worth every penny.
Phenomenal video, great points. Just spent too much time last night trying to wrestle a band saw blade back onto the wheels myself. Had to laugh at your honesty. Will subscribe for sure. Looking forward to seeing how you replace the support table under the Delta saw you used for the video.....sorry, just had to join the chorus. Social pressure on the new guy, you understand. Keep making the videos!
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.
Great video, I am one of the people who sees tools in videos and wants to buy them. So I appreciate the rational approach. Doing videos like this one n jointers and planers would be cool.
Thanks for watching Chris! Once I have a jointer I’ll make the video 🤣
New subscriber, and I’ve enjoyed your videos! You inspired me to build the work bench with some 2x4s for the legs and I have a couple 4x6s I’ll cut up for the bracing under the surfaces. I need a bit more rigidity in this new space, but I wanted to try something different (and cheaper) than the fabricated steel ones in the garage.. Anyways, if anyone happens to catch this comment on an old video, and have read or skipped all that bs above, lol, have you seen the portable ones? I’ve found it to be remarkably utilitarian for all kinds of little things. Plus, a band saw can do some awesom finishing work, as stated here!
Want vs. need. You hit the nail on the head with that discussion!
As a hobby woodworker, I work mostly with hand tools. If I was starting out, knowing what I do now, I would buy a band saw instead of a table saw in an instant. This despite the fact that I rarely cut curves. I don’t like the noise of my table saw, really hate re-sawing on it and these days rarely use it unless I have a lot of long rips to do. I would love a bandsaw for re-sawing which I currently do by hand.
Great presentation with a unique perspective. You have put together a very entertaining clip.
Thanks for watching Bernie!
Excellent video! I've owned a very cheap bandsaw for about four years. To be perfectly honest, I have hardly used it in the last couple, finding instead that I almost always turn to my trusty jigsaw. You are on the money when you say that it is not an easy tool to set up, or fine tune when you change the blade. That said, despite the low price, it really does give good results with a decent blade. We are all different, but I'd have to say a table saw would be top of my list for larger, more expensive woodworking tools regarding versatility. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
The price range of bandsaws is pretty big. The more expensive/commercial oriented saws are much quicker to change blades, and easier to adjust in my experience. But you will certainly pay a premium for those saws. For me its currently the most expensive tool in my shop. Its also the heaviest tool. Since I have a large 5hp bandsaw. But I am no longer having to rent time from a larger shop, and the time to transport goods and materials to those shops. (with gas prices these days that can be a big deal) By far its been the biggest upgrade to my shop. Allowing me to better utilize the materials i have at my disposal. Not to mention it often saves me a good deal of time when it comes to milling lumber.
I was very glad to watch this wideo. I have been thinking aboat buing one and now I realize that it's a I want and not a I need. I will buy one, but some day, but certainly not now. Thank your help.
I only had to resaw once. It was a piece of 2" x 8" ash for making a weaving loom. It was going to be difficult to resaw accurately with hand tools and I had limited stock. Nobody I knew had a bandsaw or a table saw. I figured out that if I used a power drill to perforate the section first, it made handsawing quicker and more accurate. There was a lot of hand-planing to get the ash square throughout the process. I didn't have a pillar drill either, but I had a cheap frame with a plunge-lever, which holds a drill square to the material. It took me about three hours in total to get the results I wanted. They say if you cannot spend the money, spend the time. Footnote - my jigsaw is not fun. It does that thing you mentioned about off-square cuts. I think it's a reflection on my patience.
I bought my first bandsaw last year, I would not be without it, it is just so useful for trimming blanks for wood turning, only cost about £135.
love the humor injects ...great information. Seems a band saw can do every single kind of artistic cut!! Safety aspects def plus
I use my bandsaw to rip cedar strips for canoe and kayak construction. The kerf is TINY and I can get more strips on each board
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 agree with the wait till you have a project need for it before buying. But if you can also find some side hustles to use it for as well - With the CNC you could use if for your templates but also fancy push sticks to sell or easy boxes using box joints. I think its all about maximising a tools usefulness
That's a great way to look at it!
I enjoyed your video on bandsaw pros and cons. Well done.
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.
I have to agree. I had a bandsaw that I got very inexpensively. I got tired of the space it took and the adjustments. I gave it away and went back to my jig saw. I find I'm using it more than any other saw now.
Jigsaws are great once you take the time to learn to handle them! Thanks for watching, Jeff!
Go for it young man! you are good at what you do!
Thanks for checking out the video, Royer!
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!
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
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.
Nice!
Was glad to get rid of mine, Was a 20 year old Sears Craftsman