Choosing a bandsaw, or choosing to upgrade your bandsaw, can be a daunting experience, but Lonnie
Bird's guidance is invaluable. He describes horsepower requirements for different tasks, motor sizes and how different
motors are mounted, the different styles of guide blocks available, and what to look for in a good bandsaw, new or used.
Bird explains the uses of different types and designs of bandsaw blades, and even coaches the reader
through the process of welding your own carbon-steel blades. A full tune-up of the bandsaw is also covered, with advice on
replacing tires if necessary, on checking wheel balance, roundness and how to determine if bearings are worn. Regular
maintenance is fully explained.
Half the book is devoted to bandsaw technique: how to avoid short-grain in curved molding, paying
attention to cutting sequence so as not to trap the blade, how to stack multiples, shape pieces using templates, and execute
compound curves. Several different methods are represented for resawing thick stock on the bandsaw.
Bird presents a short section on jigs for circle cutting, for arcs, and resaw fences. He also
presents a chapter on bandsaw projects, explaining how to resaw a single board and assemble it into a box so that the grain
flows evenly around all four mitered corners. Cabriole legs and a tea caddy are more projects introduced to build bandsaw skills.
Bird finishes up the book with a list of machinery sources and a full index. Full color photography
and excellent line drawings make this guide a pleasure.
