The Bandsaw Book [Paperback]

Lonnie Bird (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1999

The bandsaw is one of the most widely used woodworking tools, found in 3 out 4 home and professional workshops. Although deceptively simple -- a steel blade rotating around two rubber-clad wheels, the bandsaw does its best work when it's tuned properly. Unfortunately, most owner's manuals provided by tool manufacturers are difficult to understand, and the drawings and photos are unclear.

In this book, professional woodworker Lonnie Bird gives all the information bandsaw owners wished came in the owner's manual plus much more -- what to look for when buying a bandsaw and how to tune it up for optimal performance. The information is presented in an accessible, easy-to-understand way, making this a quick reference as well as comprehensive handbook. All the information is up-to-date and thoroughly researched. Excellent color photos by the author and a clean, friendly layout gives this book on a classic woodworking subject a fresh modern look. This clearly illustrated and photographed volume will quickly become the standard reference and is a must-have title for any woodworker.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lonnie Bird, a professional woodworker specializing in period furniture, runs a woodworking school in Dandridge, Tennessee.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561582891
• ISBN-13: 978-1561582891
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #49,212 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Power Tools
  • #86 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Remodeling & Renovation

More About the Author

Lonnie Bird, a professional woodworker specializing in period furniture, was a contributing editor to American Woodworker. He taught woodworking at the university level and now operates his own school in Dandridge, Tennessee.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an excellent book, March 20, 2003

By 

Bob Feeser "MillCrafters.com" (Springfield, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Bandsaw Book (Paperback)

If your new to band saws as I was, this is the book for you. I think that those who are skilled at the tool could glean useful information from it as well, but not to the degree as the novice. He covers, of course, everything you could possibly want to know about band saws. Blade choices, how to set up (which is really important to get top accurate performance), which size of unit is best suited to your needs, and charts showing what degree of curve you could expect out of different size blades. Additionally the type of material, and blade teeth differences, and their best suited application for different tasks, which is key to know.
This book will be beneficial if you are contemplating buying a saw. Buy this book first, and be a knowledgeable purchaser. It is a well written, brightly and cheerfully illustrated, with full color photographs. The style makes it an easy and informative read. All in all a great book, unless you already have been using a band saw for many years.

56 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pretty complete...., January 11, 2003

By 

KRASSEL (SPANAWAY, WA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Bandsaw Book (Paperback)

This is a good book for those of us who thought we knew band saws. The tune up section alone is worth the price of the book, especially if you are trying to use a 40 year old saw as I am. I have found myself trying to figure out ways to make cuts on the table saw that I should have been doing on the bandsaw, because I could not get good results with the bandsaw. This book changed all that. After following Mr. Bird's guidelines for tuning up the saw, and replacing a few worn out parts, my old gray ghost is once again singing. I too noticed the absence of a mention of Timber Wolf blades, but you can't get everything into one book. These blades are great on old saws because you don't have to tension them as much as standard blades. I have a new bandsaw in my future, and the chapters on whats good and whats not and how to buy a new saw are invaluable. Photo's are excellent and just enough of them to get the point across. I highly reccommend this book to "experts" and amateurs.

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for someone needing practical information, April 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Bandsaw Book (Paperback)

I bought this book hoping it would assist me in buying a new bandsaw. It did that and more! I was able to spot minor, but annoying flaws in 3 new saws after reading the book. The bandsaw I eventually purchased responded well to the improvements suggested by the author. I'd recommend this book to anyone considering buying a bandsaw or looking to get the best from one they already own.