In this course you will learn why the bandsaw is one of the most versatile machines in a woodworker’s shop and why Roland Johnson says it should be the first machine you buy. It can rip lumber, resaw, and cut curves—big and small. To do any of these jobs well requires a machine that is well-tuned, has the right blade, and is set up for success. In this on-demand course, Fine Woodworking’s tool expert Roland Johnson shares his deep knowledge about setting up and using a bandsaw. Follow his tips and techniques, and you’ll soon be sawing like a pro.
This tool is designed for convenience. The battery and pins are easy to load, and the safety lock operates with the same finger you use to pull the trigger. The depth of set is adjustable, there’s a work light, and there’s a hook for hanging the tool on your toolbelt. A gauge lets you keep track of when you’ll need to recharge.
The Festool Rotex is a top-of-the-line choice. On its coarse setting, it removed stock nearly twice as quickly as the second-fastest model. But that speed doesn’t mean you’ll have to wrestle with it. It’s no huge task to control it with two hands, and its long body gives you plenty of room to find a sweet spot while holding it.
While this sander is among the least expensive models in the test, its performance ranks among the best. The stock removal was excellent, and dust collection was solid when used with a vacuum. It handles really smoothly, too, and has a tall body that fit my hand nicely whether I was holding it from above or around the waist.
With its graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornamental back splat, a Queen Anne side chair is a bucket list build for many woodworkers. Dan Faia had a very specific Queen…
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