9 mistakes beginners make at the bandsaw. What to do instead.

Ive been using a bandsaw for nearly 50 years. I made nearly all the mistakes.
in this video I show the biggest ones and how to do better. please post your bandsaw tips below!
thank you for the love and support!
Merch
imakeny.com
support me here
/ diresta

[@ericzencka2641]

Absolutely the best reason for safety…”you don’t want to get blood on your workpiece” love it love it

[@darrellmorris5742]

Great video. No goofy music, no wasted time, just excellent advice with just the right amount of cat video sprinkled in.

[@jimmydiresta]

Haha thank you! ❤

[@valmackenzie3881]

6:03

[@Quacks0]

Yeah, he loves his cat, that's fer sher. :D

[@joshweaver8806]

We need an entire “shop teacher” series at each major tool. This was awesome

[@bobstovall9570]

I really like your 'teaching' style. Zero BS, direct, to the point and explicit.

[@kb441ate]

Probably we need more of that “don’t do that it is not necessary” content

[@ftrrar]

Заебись лишних пальцев много не бывает!!!!

[@lotsofgreendrums]

😂 Yes please!

[@bluephreakr]

You can only say "No" to somebody, so many times. The real trick isn't to not turn the rejection of a premise into a challenge, but to have the idiot comply.

[@yooper2186]

I hate cats!

[@ethan073]

Imagine if there was someone to stop you and say “don’t do this, it’s not necessary” at all relevant points in life. That would be a superpower

[@KBorham]

That was 19 minutes well spent on the best bandsaw lesson I’ve ever seen. Thank you for sharing your experience Sir!

[@dogphillipa3849]

Fantastic hands on teaching. I've been bandsawing for only 63 yrs and I still picked up one new trick from you today. Your shop cat is a wonderful Plus. We love him!

[@zlvirag]

Not only are you a great teacher, but you do it with a sense of humour. Reminds me of my days in a metal shop, as a teacher. One of my favourite comments at end of a safety lesson was, "and remember,( I paused), you don't want to set yourself on fire". Great tips, thanks.....

[@elizawalters4057]

Some kid in my school shop caught on fire because he wasn’t wearing any protection other than his cotton shirt and his shirt caught a spark. He’s fine now

[@tomjudkins3799]

The one tip I use often that you didn't mention is that pulling material through the bandsaw is just as valid a method as pushing it through. So if you are cutting a straight or curved cut on a longer piece, start the cut by pushing the piece into the blade, then when you are halfway through the cut, with the piece fully supported by the table, walk around to the back of the saw and pull it the rest of the way through. This lets you support the workpiece throughout the cut and it will not want to tip upwards due to gravity

[@poetac15]

Very good tip. It’s way harder to cut yourself when pulling too.

[@scorpianspirit5124]

That is a great tip ! Thanks for the insight...I did not think about doing that.

[@rickgarman8661]

😢

[@brucehansen7949]

I do the same method on the table saw

[@tomjudkins3799]

I have good outfeed support for the ts...so balance / tipping isn't as tricky. It also makes the walk to the other side longer. I also worry about kickback when I let go of the piece... But with smaller contractor saws, you can pretty easily walk around it without letting go, especially for sheet goods.

[@a_ravi_nd]

I miss Spike. It was nice to see him in the videos back in the NYC days.

[@francobuzzetti9424]

I've been seeing these tips in the course of watching for about 10 years! love to see the bandsaw master showing the new generation how it's done and all in a single condensed video!

[@richc9503]

I've been using a bandsaw for 45 years but you can always learn! Love the pencil idea, I always just used a scrap but the eraser of the pencil is a great idea. Thank you!

[@N.A.J.]

I miss this type of instructional video contest from you Jimmy. Takes me back to the NYC shop days. Yes, there may be other videos available how to do something, but the community trust you and what you teach. Keep on keeping on brother! Dining table build videos are always appreciated.

[@jimmydiresta]

Thank you! If the blade is sharp. It will be fine. If it’s dull I bring the guard down closer. To have more control… but I often keep it higher for more view

[@derschwartzadder]

11:34 I'd hazard a guess that most shop saws have a much wider blade (.5" or higher) and they won't make the curve without the relief. Or they just don't trust the kids to cut without binding the blade.

[@jamesshimek5694]

@@derschwartzadder as a shop teacher, I can confirm that I don't want students binding the blade, I do try to keep two bandsaws with two different blades, a small one and a resaw one but kiddos aren't always mindful of which blade they're using so I could see enforcing relief cuts due to that. Also as the blade gets abused it's kerf is less wide and thus doesn't allow for tighter turns. Raising the guard up like jimmy does does help with blade maneuverability but again the teacher in me requires students to keep the guard down low in an effort to reduce injuries. Safer all around to have dumb facets on their piece that they can sand away with the spindle sander or disc sander. My rule of thumb is "if the curve is smaller than a coffee cup, use relief cuts. Also: shame on those shop teachers that don't make sure their machines are in safe working order, it's literally part of our job! (and kind of a fun one at that)

[@milliosmiles5160]

Awesome content! More videos regarding machine safety supplemented with pro tips and Diresta magic would be excellent.

[@rogerschamaun8165]

Thanks for the video. Jimmy. I knew some of the tips but there were a lot that I did not know.Somebod you refreshed my memory and taught me a whole bunch period

[@lylefailes4476]

For some, experience is the best teacher, but much can be learned from sharing dos and don'ts. I found most of what you shared from my experience, but found two steps very helpful. (e.g. sacrificial piece for zero clearance.) All in all, very good vid. Certainly do more like this. Power tools and hand tools are slowly becoming a lost art due to tech. So for posterity...

[@mikevyvyan7060]

I've owned a bandsaw for 10 years and it's the one tool I really struggle with. This was a brilliantly helpful video - thank you. I will watch it again and start to implement some of your advice. My nemesis is trying to get straight even cuts whilst resawing to create thinner boards, I would be grateful for advice, guidance or a video even. Thanks again for sharing what you have learnt.

[@mindyhall4638]

Love these type of videos Jimmy; learning from your 50 years of experience is pure gold! Thanks!

[@PMichaels]

I love this! Yes, please make more of these types of videos. (Maybe a table saw one next? Or drill press?) Crazy how many of these things I’ve done or thought were a good idea. 😵‍💫 You are the best, Jimmy! 👊🏼 #DIRESTA

[@elnino0984]

Yes table saw please 🤕

[@lotsofgreendrums]

I’ll throw in my vote for angle grinder and belt sander

[@than111]

I agree, table saw next, then grinder, maybe drill press. This guy is a great teacher.

[@jimwright2795]

Find "Jimmy Tips" for tool-specific vids from way back.

[@marcengall698]

Thanks Jimmy, lessons learned from decades of experience condensed into 20 minutes , this stuff is absolute gold 👍

[@TheMrchuck2000]

EXCELLENT VIDEO! I’ve been bandsawing since I was 12 (I’m 62 now), and I gradually learned and applied all of these practices, especially after almost losing a thumb at 14). My dad was an artist who let us use all his machines, but there was ample training by him (esp. after my accident 48 years ago). I’ve not had one bandsaw accident since then. So much great info here! Subscribed and will save this clip to show others.

[@jimmydiresta]

Thank you! thank you!

[@bucknboard]

Great tips and nice pest control officer. Keep up the inspiring work brother!

[@bRad73016]

I love to watch you work. One can pick up a great deal of your technique just by watching you do things. This is what drew me to your channel initially. When you started doing more voice overs I loved that as well - keep 'em coming. I love to hear your reasoning and, there's something about your voice, personality, mannerisms, etc that just make for good watching. I think myself and many of your regular viewers would like to see more of these sort of "how to" or "how not to" videos. As Scott the Essential Craftsman would say "Keep up the good work" - I really appreciated it! Love and respect to YOU Jimmy!

[@sawdustjoe]

This isn’t a beginner’s video, it’s an everybody video. Well done!!

[@juhapihkanen]

Being a shop teacher some 25 yrs now, using band saw on daily basis, I learned some new things.... Every day is a schoolday...

[@RobertEchten]

Very timely! I had a small (10") crappy bandsaw that always tipped and was frustrating to work with. One day it dropped and cracked and I went without one, but over time felt the need for one, so I am now close to finishing my own bandsaw based on Mathias Wandell's 16" model plans. Looking forward to being able to do what you do! (in about 50 years)

[@kendesilets9598]

This video for me was an excellence source of basic, key information. I've used bandsaws before in school shop and currently in a volunteer job. So I just added a Rikon tabletop bandsaw to my small shop at home. I haven't started it up yet but thanks to your video I now know what band blades to buy and just as importantly, showing some excellent safe ways to cut. Thank you so much. I could not have watched this video at a better time. By the way, your demonstrations were spot on simple and the explanations behind each one was well done.

[@scooteroo]

Yes, to answer the question would I like more of these. FYI, I wholeheartedly concur about how dangerous those aggressive resaw blades can be. Bought a new 4tpi 3/4" blade back in January. Barely bumped it while installing it and adjust tension using the "flutter" method. It pulled my left hand right in. I'll never have full function of my left thumb or full strength in it again, but at least I still have it. It only takes a fraction of a second's loss of concentration. Thanks for the videos!

[@SfaNoKage]

sheesh. ok, is it just the blade thats a problem? if a normal/safe blade snaps, does it whip around and cut you?

[@paterickcutts5601]

Oh my gosh that's awful! I caught my thumb in a tablesaw blade back in high school and I'm so glad I still have it, and really happy that it's still fully useable (still have a big scar but i can live with that.) I'm actually more afraid of my 16" bandsaw than I am of my tablesaw.

[@davidmeyer9204]

This is Just like your older videos. Even the cat looks the same. Love this style of video. Thanks for being such a great teacher

[@wittworks]

❤

[@FullSailDale1]

I'm 63 and have been breathing sawdust since I was about 10. But I always love learning something new, and that's why I appreciate videos like these. One thing that I see a lot of (with a bandsaw) that concerns me is the distance between material and the upper blade guard. I was taught to adjust it to about 1/8" to 1/4", as that will not only reduce the chance of skin to blade contact, but reduces flex in the blade... sturdier blade equals less drift and deflection. But I'm always seeing people on KZbin with 6" to 8" of clearance. Usually, these are the same ones who wear gloves at the table saw, so I consider the source, but I notice you -- who are vastly experienced -- also had a large clearance. I'd love to know your thoughts on the matter. (Thanks for all you do)

[@TonyUrryMakes]

Ditto

[@garrettshadbolt6443]

We’ll he said he takes a lot of risk I’m sure it’s so he can see better

[@stevemorris3710]

100%, to me seeing the guide so much higher than the top of the workpiece, negated any confidence in the video.

[@rrmerlin3402]

@@stevemorris3710 Really, who has more experience on a Bandsaw that taught you ?

[@stevemorris3710]

@@rrmerlin3402 Yes really. My Instructors. Hope that satisfies your curiosity. So glad for your fact-check lol.

[@quantumleap359]

I have that same bandsaw, a 1948 14 inch Delta that my grandfather bought new. I've been using it since 1960. What a great machine. It is as old as me! In all these years, I have only been bit on the thumb ONCE. And believe me, it taught me a good lesson! Your tips are so spot on, I learned a few things too. You have gotten a subscribe and a thumbs up from me! Thanks for a common sense video.

[@deezworkshop]

As one who recently acquired a bandsaw, this content was super useful and timing was fantastic. As always great video.

[@ppot8]

Thank-you. Very useful, they may seem obvious when watching, but its a different story when you are using the machine. We all make mistakes, we generally learn from from our mistakes, but having someone pass that there knowledge to you, priceless. So when you are faced with one of these problems, you'll probably not remember this exact video, but maybe one of these little gems of wisdom will stick in your mind, and while your in the process of making your mistake, or wondering why ..., there will be that ah-ha moment and Jimmy's words will come back to you.

[@paulburch2278]

This is fantastic - your confidence is based on years of experience, but I'm even more impressed with your ability to teach

[@kevindaniels8809]

I've been using band saws for a few years now and have learned a lot by trial and error. I appreciate all that you presented in this video and learned a few things that will deffinately serve me well. Thanks and best wishes for continued prosperity.

[@erwin0265]

Bloody awesome! There's nothing more useful than learning from someone who has years and years of practical experience such as yourself!

[@AdamWrightthegeek]

Love this type of video! Reminds me of your older tool training vids. We can all use a drill, but it's awesome learning tips from someone with 6853256 hours of drill usage.

[@jazzdad52]

I agree with all the positive comments, great explanation of all the mistakes I’ve made! One additional thing I do, as you said, to back out of the cut, turn off the saw first. Sometimes I also, AFTER TURNING THE SAW OFF, I insert a small shim at the start of the cut, usually widens the whole cut to make it easier. Would also work with the saw running, but would be really dumb to be that lazy.

[@jessecornett4710]

Loved hearing some of your tips and thoughts. Would definitely enjoy more of these.

[@smoothbrain8519]

just finished fixing up a broken 10 in bandsaw, first of its kind in my shop and i’m so excited. great timing for this video for me, thanks !

[@BigAfroPower]

Thank you Mr. Diresta for such amazing videos, i've been a long time subscribers now and it's been a long time since i've had the time to watch one of your videos. i'm starting to work with wood and those tutorials are amazing. It'd be great to have more videos like this one on different machines

[@SmokingDeWalt]

I love this type of video where you explain what you are doing and giving tips. I also love your cat in the videos, I miss Spike!

[@chrismurphy3538]

Wow! I really appreciate the time you took to share this video. I'm hoping this will help many beginning woodworkers keep their heads, fingers, and enthusiasm. Certainly helping me to do so. Thanks again. Much appreciated.

[@mikesmith9510]

Thanks mate, I've been working in wood for over 50 years and i reckon the way you told the viewer how and why is perfect. No nonsense just practical.

[@roberts1938]

Your tips not only make work easier, but also increase safety. I look forward to more advice and explanations.

[@dougpisik]

Jimmy, I've used a bandsaw for 25 years, and I can still learn a trick or two from you. One trick I have for you regarding cutting outside curves with a wide blade: I know you don't like relief cuts, but what I do is make relief cuts just shy of the cut line...about 1/16-1/8" from the line. Then when cutting the curve, I can do it in one smooth motion keeping the blade in the cut line while the wood bends and breaks away where I cut the reliefs. Works great without stressing the blade or creating the flats you mentioned in the video.

[@richarddominguez7817]

Great presentation, please make more. In a few minutes of watching your video I corrected several problems I've been having... kudos!

[@contax50mm]

Thank you Jimmy, great video to clear up all the mess.

[@861LJ]

I can wheel a chainsaw, use a chop saw like nothing else, handle a circular saw without a problem....I have a tabletop band saw from Craftsman that I'm scared to death of using. I do feel a little more confident now that I've watched this. Thank you Jimmy...yes, more videos like this. Someone mentioned a table saw.....that would be great! I have one of those, too, that I've used but still leary about cutting with it.

[@yacovpetrovich1612]

50 years and 10 fingers... quite an achievement !

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

Great video! A few years back you were posting some tips and tricks for shop tools. This "What NOT To Do" is also great - I'd love to see more, especially with some insights for used tools. Thanks for posting and thumbs up.

[@jimaspinii7579]

Thank YOU! Appreciate your knowledge and willingness to share!

[@otagomike]

I recently finished restoring a Tanner bandsaw made in Auckland New Zealand in 1952 and have been watching quite a few videos. This was the best one yet.Very helpful.Great vid. Especially the part about the upper guide setup and the pencil idea.

[@lgerback34]

Amazing Jimmy. I’ve probably made all of those mistakes over the years. I honestly think this is one of your best videos you’ve made. Also, very cute cat.

[@ratchetwise440]

I rate it THEE best. I've been watching Diresta since the very beginning

[@angrylittlespider4593]

Relief cuts are often necessary when removing material from inside of a curve while using a wide blade. And if they are not absolutely necessary they certainly make the task easier. With the wide blade, Jimmy just made a series of MANY small relief cuts. But without a doubt his method of doing it works well.

[@dougforshey8998]

Thank you for taking the time to do this video. Much appreciated

[@blankireland5119]

great video, when i saw it on list I thought I don't need to watch that, I already now about bandsaws, then decided , oh all right i'll give it a minute. Watched whole instruction, and I learned lot more than nine things, THANK YOU

[@murphymmc]

Great tips, Jimmy, thanks. I saw a tip a few years ago that I incorporated as an experiment. It was helpful (or an illusion of helpful). Using a fine stone, diamond file, or steel file you simply dress the back of the blade, while it is running, to soften the hard edges. The theory is it reduces drag while doing curved cuts.

[@rkberta]

That is how I was taught 63 years ago and it does make a difference.

[@ThomasWren]

30-50 bandsaw tips in 3-5 minutes.

[@matthiasmacdesigns7754]

Always love your tip videos and especially your bandsaw videos. I’m happy watching you make anything on the bandsaw.

[@a24396]

I loved this and the amount of flinching I was doing watching you show what not to do tells me you're showing some important stuff. I also REALLY love this is your band saw from when you were 7. That's terrific!

[@schnookieshullHull]

All these tips yet the most basic one is the blade upper guide. Which you dont use correctly 😅😅😅

[@mandowarrior123]

He does use it correctly. His blade's still on just fine.

[@adrianellis4497]

A little bit of humility and respect shown to others less skilled than you would go a long way?

[@BBQLord.]

Excellent! I just started using a bandsaw so your timing was perfect.

[@drummer0864]

Long time since I've used a band saw, but I just bought an old one a little while ago. I fixed it up and now she's ready to go and your tips have reinforced some old Tekneek's I used a long time ago. THANKS for helping to clear the cobwebs.

[@philbrunet3130]

Thanks for your great Bandsaw intro - looking forward with confidence in using this great tool !!

[@abumstead1219]

What a refreshing informative video. Such a change from all to many KZbin videos where the “how to” is in fact “ how not to”. They frighten me so much!

[@DrAndyHolt]

Just bought my first bandsaw - glad I found this video. Thank you!

[@falfield]

Thank you - good tips, clear illustration in use, clear English articulation and grammar (SO many fall down on this) and always to the point. A well-chosen speed of delivery meant that I could happily sit through the tips I knew already (as I knew they wouldn't take long) and at the same time, could just about keep up with the ones which were unfamiliar. Bravo!

[@whiskeyfoxtrot301]

Thank you, Jimmy. I appreciate the tips from your years of experience.

[@Membee]

Thank you. I'm just about to buy my first bandsaw and found your information and style very helpful.

[@nicknimocks1792]

This is awesome! Thanks for all the useful tips and sharing your knowledge!

[@petersmith5199]

You have done so many videos I've watched, but this is one of the best for sure. Well done!

[@frankkatusa1790]

The BEST bandsaw use video I have seen with lots of common sense. I tend to trust guys who do videos who have all their fingers and fingertips. He admitted to being cut, who hasn't, but losing a finger shows some flaw in the user. Thank you very much.

[@bendavanza]

Excellent tips, Jimmy! Thank you

[@steveprice5664]

Great info! I've been using bandsaws for over 50 years and I learned a couple of things. Thanks!

[@gyrogearloose1345]

Thanks for the vid Mr Diresta. Always a pleasure to see a master in action! Thanks for sharing.

[@ralphpack1295]

Just bought my first bandsaw, and this video is really, really helpful!

[@rvelez7275]

Great job. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and pearls of wisdom

[@Flightdevildoc]

Superb video, I am a beginner woodworking self-learner, just bought a band saw and love it. Thanks for passing this wisdom and knowledge to us. With 50 years of experience, I think you should be standard for anyone making bandsaw videos. 😊

[@mikec2810]

Great video Jimmy! Most of these tips I have never seen on any video about the bandsaw! Thanks and more like this please!

[@Daddymouse-ny9cz]

Thank you so much. Your experience has taught me a lot!

[@davidmetz9499]

Your tips are pure gold!

[@alfabsc]

Thanks for sharing your decades of experience, and your encouragement to us amateurs. Two things that I struggled with at first were blade tension and drift. I finally figured out that the tension scale on my saw was telling me to set my blade too loose. Now I ignore that "feature" and tension by feel. I thought I had to put the blade centered on the high point of the tire. That is why I had really bad drift. When I put the blade gusset at the high point, drift is almost zero. I totally agree with you on blades. Timber Wolf blades solve your blade problems.

[@billbender6926]

Enjoyed this video, good practical advice that’s easy to understand. I’ll definitely follow you for more like this or whatever you post! Thank you!

[@HowDadIsThat]

Thanks for helping an aspiring wood worker. I've been wanting to do more and continue to fail and learn. The 0 clearance tip is such a simply, yet, revolutionary concept for me. Also, getting quality blades. Ordered from Timber Wolf today and dropped in your channel to see if they want to shoot something your way.

[@thomlipiczky9021]

Great to see your experience at work! More, please.

[@louislandi938]

Priceless instruction for this ancient beginner sawdust maker! I probably did everything you said ‘not to do’! Can’t argue with that many years of experience.

[@strakap]

Great video! I bought my first bandsaw about a year ago and since then I think I have made all 9 of your errors. Too bad I just found this video. You really are a talented craftsman and gifted teacher. Thank you.

[@user-sd7vt7yy7x]

Just watched your band saw video learned something I have beeb using one over 60 years you did a great job in the video

[@kiwdwks]

Awesome tips Jimmy...thanks so much!

[@johnnyb95678]

Thank you so much Jimmy! Great tips for long time users and newbies. Your common sense approach is great! Please keep making more of these.

[@ralpholiver1519]

PRICELESS......This should be required viewing in all HS shop classes as well as a DVD packed in with all new bandsaws. Thanks for the refresher course.

[@jimmydiresta]

Thank you!

[@bastian6173]

I don't know you but I was just wanna let you know how much I appreciate getting guidance from a complete stranger with 50 years of bandsaw experience. Thanks man

[@wattermand]

Good video. Been using a bandsaw for 50 years also but still picked up some pointers. Thanks

[@jamesparsons3134]

This is the best Video on KZbin. I have seen so many folks with missing hands or digits it scares me to think about it... This video is TOPS for safety ! ! Thank you so much, BTW keep your Kitty indoors and safe, love that Kitty !! !

[@brianreber8842]

Great video! Thank you so much for sharing! Love to see more of it! I Have a ShopSmith and just added a band saw last December. Very little experience with it so far.

[@bruceholmes8075]

Thank you. I've been woodworking for 50+ years. Not much in the bandsaw. Glad to say I learned a few great tricks today.

[@oliverclaffey5186]

Thank you for the great tips. New to using bandsaw.

[@sherwoodlayton9595]

Excellent tips and demonstrations, thank you.

[@ardybe7011]

Thanks Jimmy, you were the one that got my hooked on bandsaws in the beginning!

[@w.j.bendellr.c.flying.1037]

Love It, I’ve used a bandsaw for years and everything that you brought up Your 100% right. “THANK YOU” Grate Video ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@Ron_EZ]

Jimmy, Thanks for the tips, tricks, & wisdom

[@steveocvirek6671]

I just bought my first bandsaw- thank you for making this video and showing how to do things right! Much appreciated!

[@johnreedy7037]

Thanks, great video! As a band saw newbie this gave me a lot to think about!