Band Saw Clinic with Alex Snodgrass

[@martinwhitehouse900]

Wow... Just wow! Thank you. This is the most informative video I have come across. Now to my band saw...👍👍

[@stephenwuest391]

I adjusted my bandsaw as described in this video when replacing my blade. The results were fantastic! I'm following this man's bandsaw advice from now on.

[@technofeeliak]

Same here.

[@hardcornpour]

Well, son of a gun!!! I watched this 5 times, followed every step precisely, and now I can actually resaw with my Delta 16”. Just WOW!!! Thank you so much!!!!

[@gregvaneeckhout1877]

Yes this is a great video! I have read nearly everything written about bandsaw adjusting and drift in things like fine woodworking and other woodworking magazines for the past 30 years! and yet this is the first time I have ever seen the saw adjusted quite like this! especially the adjustment so that the gullets of blade are a riding on the crown of the wheel!!! I have tried this with my two bandsaws and it worked fantastic!!! no more "drift" I was able to cut thin strips!!! I still cannot believe I have never heard this trick until now!!! thanks for helping millions of people like me!

[@fredrikgleisnerdonnerman_music]

During these 35 minutes, I learned more about the mystery of the band saw than I have done in my entire life! You´re the King Mr Alex Snodgrass, thank you for the most professional and rewarding lesson I ever seen! :)

[@BitsOfEternity]

The best bandsaw setup video, ever. I'm shocked that there aren't more likes to it, but I have to assume that a lot of people just can't be bothered, because this is very well presented, and chock full of the most useful information out there.

[@LayzieDave]

Video is 35 minutes? Seemed like 5. Best bandsaw setup video on KZbin. Amazing speaker! 10/10

[@mgamga9476]

This video was the best explained band saw video in the world. Anyone who owns a bandsaw and has any questions about band saw blade and guide set up needs to learn from him. I have a cheap Ryobi 9 inch band saw (peice of crap)and a bit different BUT after watching this video. That hunk of crap is finally cutting straight. For what I use it for it now works for me.

[@billyboy9141]

Sitting here with a big grin on my face in sheer astonishment and admiration of true genius! You, SIR, are a bandsaw magician!! I did not think I would watch the whole video and then I didn't want it to end. I have never used a bandsaw and just bought a basic one and I am so glad that I found your seminar. Bravo 😊👍👏👏

[@goawayimbaitin1278]

Check your local Woodcraft store. He’s doing classes all over the US in 2024

[@billyboy9141]

@@goawayimbaitin1278 Thanks for letting me know, but unfortunately for me I live in the UK 😞

[@doughuntart]

ARE YOU KIDDING MEEEE!!!! AMAZING!! I've been wrestling with my bandsaw for 20 years.. Watched your video and went out, followed your set up instructions and knocked out an AMSZINGLY straight freehand 18' cut.... The blade didn't wander at all..... I'm Flabbergasted!!THANK YOU!!!

[@tomhath8413]

Same thing here. I thought the saw was junk, but after a ten minute adjustment following these instructions it works perfectly.

[@thomasarussellsr]

Yeah, I'll have to test this set up process out on my old three wheel Craftsman, once I find it in the attic, that is.

[@willfishing5605]

I'm going out tomorrow to try this on my nemesis...

[@floridasaltlife]

Same here !!!

[@stevecox552]

Yeppers going to give mine a try tonight.

[@planeboardwoodworks5903]

That is a MUST WATCH seminar for new and old bandsaw users alike!

[@ShaneNorleansSpencer]

This is my go to video for refresher tips before I use my band saw. Yesterday, I needed to replace the blade. Before I even opened up the saw, I watched this video first. Whet through the checks and steps... back in business.

[@christschool]

This video should be included with every bandsaw purchase!

[@terrytaylor291]

I had never heard of this man and was told I needed to watch his video. MAN that’s the BEST advice I ever had for learning how to use, adjust and operate a bandsaw. This man is AMAZING….. very easy to understand and hear the his voice, plus you can see that he knows exactly how to operate and use a bandsaw.

[@The_Joker_]

This is the kind of guy the world needs. Someone who learned from experience and learned better than the manuals can show you. Excellent video.

[@noahcantrel4025]

This guy is a brilliant teacher and technician. I learned so much, and I have been working with wood for more than 50 years.

[@MrRay3801]

Hands down the best bandsaw video I've ever watched!

[@roncruiser]

Is eye protection not required for him? Was eye protection banned at the time?

[@TheTwistedStone]

It's nice to have a video to back up what I have always said, there shouldn't be drift on a properly setup band saw... Guys at work said our industrial saws were old and that's what was causing the drift, took me ten minutes to adjust them to cut true... Just setup a £25 purchased Burgess tabletop band saw and it's now cutting straight, smooth and a hell of a lot quieter using the same techniques as shown in this video. Nothing beats experience...

[@SolarMillUSA]

This video is literally gold. Alex, you are a godsend. Thank you for this public service, and thank you Carter Tools for making quality parts and providing this information.

[@harrysinclair707]

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, well, that video says everything that anyone could possibly want to know about band-saws.Alex is quite amazing, what a teacher!

[@estudiohayabusa]

Hello mr Snodgrass. I just wanted to say I can't thank you enough for this truly lesson, very generous and inspiring. My respect 🙏🏻

[@ChrisRedheart]

Thank you thewoodworkingshows for posting videos like this! It means A LOT to those of us that can not afford to go to the woodworking shows. THANK YOU!!!!

[@jonboy5yo]

After tons of searches for info on Bandsaw set up, Alex you taught me more in this video than any other! The small tidbits of wisdom strategy and theory from top to bottom with the blend of experience that wraps the whole thing in a package that I was able to take right to my band saw and fall in love with it for the first time! Because for the life of me I was jacking that poor thing up with what I "thought" was the correct way to set it up. Side note... I was able to use this in the machine shop and teach our saw guy what you showed me. His exact words were "Good luck! me and the lead Machinist spent 3 hours trying to fix it. That thing is a POS! Needless to say he was sawing repeatedly over 40 Delrin parts within .005 parallelism. We were able to get rid of a manual squaring operation and went strait to the CNC mill. Saving us 10hrs on that job. (Thank you!)

[@bobbg9041]

This might be why I cut everything on the saw I used out of square 99% of the time when I worked in the machine shop and ran a new rather large machine. And I seriously thought I knew what I was doing. I wasn't taught the right way to adjust the guides. However one point he showed could be argued thats folding up a blade even with a 23' blade I could do it by hand and not use the floor. But I will say the blade dealer showed me to toss the blade on the floor to open it. But you don't have to.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

bobbg The blade dealer sells blades if you damage the blade by tossing it to floor and knock a tooth off he wins.

[@GunBlue490]

Just ordered a set of upgrade guides for my old Taiwan knockoff with help from your engineer Kris, and after watching this video, now know more than I ever thought I could know about proper setup! Can't wait to get it running. Thanks Carter Products!

[@freddotu]

Twenty-plus years using a bandsaw, as fast as Alex is, and he still has all of his fingers! Very informative video and a likely sale as a result.

[@Mannypl7550]

Alex guess what? I just purchased a new Ryobi RBS904 bandsaw and set it up as per your instructions. Then I read the manual. It specifically specified that the deepest part of the blade the gullet, had to be tracking in the centre. Good stuff hey? They must have watched your video 😊

[@Chriswoodworker]

This was fantastic. I have learned so much in half an hour. I went straight into my work shop and spent 1 hour tuning. Im only a newbie to woodworking and now have a bandsaw set up like a pro. Well chuffed. Thanks so much.

[@craigraper2911]

I could sit and watch Alex Snodgrass videos all day. Thank you sir

[@rendel5024]

I've been telling my customers about this video since I first saw it, the staff I work with tell their customers. It's gold

[@fedderback1]

8 years late and I still enjoyed it and Learned a lot Thank you

[@MrJohnnyboyrebel]

Holy granola! My very old "Made in Taiwan" 14" saw is now working like a champ! Thanks for this excellent session.

[@theSword-]

This guy is nothing short of a frickin' PRO!!! What a great teacher.

[@TrustNotta]

When I first saw this video in the list I looked at the length and almost didn’t watch it. I’m glad I did. Nice job explaining and I learned several things I did not know. Thank you!

[@tractortinkerer11]

How did I just find this video? Great explanation.

[@DukeLaCrosse20]

I love a fast-paced presentation. This was awesome!

[@RichardPelland]

I have a 9" Ryobi table top band saw that has never cut straight. I set it up according to this video and it is now very good! Thank you!

[@gheumann]

Wow. This was WAY more educational than I expected it to be! I appreciate your PERSONAL experience. I'm a seasoned machinist but a fairly new to the band saw. I learned a lot. Thank you.

[@brentnicol6391]

This was the best education I have ever received regarding a bandsaw.

[@danbaker5062]

Holy crap. This video literally just changed my LIFE! I can't WAIT to try these techniques!!!

[@wwtrkr3189]

As a guy just about to purchase my first band saw, this is fantastic. Thank you so much. 12 years after the original post, this is still giving value.

[@strad.philippines]

Your knowledge and passion for teaching are incredible. I got such a lot out of this. Thanks.

[@jamespolucha6911]

This guy is the bandsaw GOD, I had drift so bad and tried all the tricks then I watched his show at one of the wood working shows and talked to him after, well he sold me a thick blade and guides and I can cut paper thin slices of thick wood and no drift at all, the following year I bought from him the stabilizer guild and a thin blade and it cuts on a pin head turn it’s just amazing, if you have any problems he will fix it for sure

[@jakeschisler7525]

I have watched this video over and over and it's the best one i have viewed. I was having trouble with the blade staying on and i see why the tires aren't glued down. Thank you very much

[@rodsheridan7048]

Many Bandsaws don't have glued on tires, they work just fine.

[@thomasarussellsr]

@@rodsheridan7048 may depend on the age of the tire, if it is rubber. Rubber breaks down and stretches over time and will as Alex said, pinch and throw the band blade off the roller. Once this happens, it is time to replace the tires, may as well upgrade. Why glue it down? If it is softened enough to pinch, it is worn out.

[@samrodian919]

That was the most informative 35 minutes I have ever spent on Bandsaw work. A brilliant demonstration of ho to set up. Bandsaw and some of its more unusual uses. Thank you Carter's for posting this

[@bushmaster2936]

If you haven't seen Alex in person at a show, you should. He is one of the nicest people that you could hope to meet :) Excellent video and tips, Alex ! Keep up the good work : )

[@brianmorris8045]

I might have a slight disadvantage to seeing Alex in person...I live down under...lol

[@bushmaster2936]

I heard that an Australian kiss is like a French kiss, but down under as well : )

[@bobbg9041]

ROFLMAO

[@corncobjohnsonreal]

@@bushmaster2936 gross

[@bushmaster2936]

@@corncobjohnsonreal ...if it's gross, you should have her wash it at least twice a day for starters !!

[@dutu000]

You are Great, Alex Snodgrass!!! I've been using my cheap bandsaw for 5 years now... And it always drifted one way or another, It never wanted to cut straight anything! Not even a 8th of an inch thick board... I watched setup tutorials and nothing... Then I found this video. I was very surprised to hear you say that bandsaws should NEVER drift "whatsoever"... And fallowed your instructions to the letter. AND BANG: NO DRIFT!! Amazing!!!! :)) THANKS MAN! You're a genius!

[@egleprice3335]

This is THE best video on setting up a bandsaw. I followed the advice and I suddenly discovered the joy of freehand scrolling cuts. My blade no longer wanders and the whole experience is productive. I'm not sure which bit has made the change, whether it's the running of the blade further back on the wheel, the alignment of the rollers, the tensioning or what. Many thanks for this video!

[@sparkypdx]

It worked, I now have a bandsaw. The manufacturer said to center the blade on the wheel, WRONG. Thank you so much for posting this video. Jon J

[@dkerns2]

Alex, this is one of the best video seminars I have ever seen! Thank you very much!

[@dustydave9347]

This is awesome. I've just bought my jet band saw used. I got it from an elderly man. He seemed to be very knowledgeable about the saw and in general wood working. I had a project that i bought the saw specifically for. I started with a new blade and it did ok. I watch this video after I saw a video by the wood whisperer he shared it and i immediately went out to the shop and took the table off the saw and removed the blade. I then began the setup. OH MY GOD! THE SOUND OF IT WAS SO QUIET! IT WAS BEAUTIFUL! Thank you Alex, this is an awesome tutorial. it should be stickied in all woodworking forums.

[@triples6959]

You did a great job demystifying all of the parts and pieces that were confusing me at the woodworkers store this weekend! Well done!

[@imzzaudae]

Thank you Alex. I picked up a used saw about 2 years ago. Never could get the blade to stay on. After installing the correct size blade and a careful setup as you describe. My $50.00 band saw is a working machine again!

[@hunterdogztc]

Alex: Love the video. Like most woodworkers, my band saw (Powermatic 15") is one of my favorite tools in my arsenal. But honestly, I have heard so many different theories about set up that it becomes confusing. I'm guessing that every single book I have read or tutorial I have watched has told me to run the saw blade on the center of the tire. I discovered, accidentally by the way, that running the blade where the deepest part of the gullet was running on the center of the tire, dramatically improved this already wonderful saw's operation. Now I know why. Thanks for the great video.

[@edrobbins1146]

I saved your video to a playlist to go back for reference. Amazing job explaining how to do so much so simply.

[@stevensimons.soss1]

Brilliant video I have had my bandsaw set up wrong for years , now its sorted ☺

[@sovannahong6472]

Wow, what showmanship, knowledge, and demonstration. I was searching up how to install a bandsaw blade and stumbled onto this video and was just sucked in. I left so much more informed on the band saw. Thank you sir!!!

[@tarekammar1256]

Dear Alex,I am just sorry that I have not come across this presentation until now. I am in the UK and have a band saw but only 14" that has never cut straight line since new. I had it now for nearly two years and all the time the company responses are that band saws must have drift and only table saws are for cutting straight lines.I have just followed your setup instruction and despite not having the very good guides that you show in this video I have just done my 1st straight line cut in 24" long hard Maple. This is in addition to cutting my 1st 3mm veneer sheet in 10" tall by 12" long Walnut. All I can say is thank you very much and will be looking for these guides when I am in the USA in the Summer.

[@alexlinegar3429]

New bandsaw has been cutting at crazy angle with the blade going all over the place, followed this method and now it's cutting beautifully, thankyou

[@FuriousFilipino]

Brilliant tips. Setting up your bandsaw this way actually will make up for the lack of tight tolerances common in cheaper bandsaws. On the nicer saws, it just makes them that much more consistent, especially when changing out blades; there are common reference points regardless of blade type.

[@paulnye1899]

Alex Snodgrass is the best. Thanks a million.

[@bellmichael]

Used your tips today on my Delta 14"...it has never run so well. Thank you Sir.

[@juliochaves3622]

I never get bored of watching Mr. Snodgrass' video. He is really amazing! Greetings from Costa Rica

[@JamesBSmith-hr5kr]

I bought my BANDSAW IN 1994 ("14") and was told that it was good to go except to put the blade on and put it in the centre of the wheel. If I had put a mark on the walls of my garage every times in 21 years I have tried to cut or re-saw and cursed it I I would not have to paint my garage. After watching your video and setting the saw up as you describe I was able to re-saw a 24" piece of 2x4 on a line I had square and the sawblade never varied 0.002"(measured) THANK YOU ALEX.

[@flyinlo1474]

Every manufacturer should send this video out for newbies to watch. What an educational and well done video. So glad I watched this before my new saw came in!!!

[@Veilands]

Much appreciate, very well done, excellent education material, this is very useful and I wish I knew it all at the time when we bough our band-saw.

[@Denzilcleveridge]

After watching this guy explain how to set up a bandsaw properly I decided after having my Elu ebs 3401 for over 30 years I decided to treat the old girl to a proper birthday. I started by cleaning it out using the hoover and a brush, inside it’s now cleaner than a cats ass.This thing has really done so much work and never been set up according to the Alex way. Now it is and runs a treat, I’m so pleased. Thanks mate.

[@eltonherrera7524]

Alex!! Your video is the answer to all the problems that I have with this old band saw that I purchased. That old band saw is kicking my butt, till this wonderful video that you posted and let me tell you that band saw will fears me now. Hahaha. Thanks a million for sharing your knowledge.

[@charlesmdasilva]

This is pretty much a KZbin and woodworking classic.

[@joebell1150]

Hi Alex I would not call myself a woodworker, but I enjoy “having a go”. As a young man I worked at the local saw mill and our band saws had 8 foot diameter wheels upon which ran 6 inch wide bands with welded on teeth. These were always set to run on the edge of the wheel. In my home shop I bought a small band saw and of course from my experience set it up like the larger ones I had use. Was never satisfied with its performance! Must thank you for an excellent tutorial on small machines, I can now get effortless straight cuts. Snodgrass is a very English Name Cheers Joe Bell UK

[@brandtl1486]

Fought with my cheapo entry level Craftsman bandsaw for years. Just put it down to a beginner band saw as to why i couldn’t resaw a matchstick! Found the video. Spent 30 minutes dialling my bandsaw in and BAM.... resaws PERFECTLY, and even with a less than stellar blade. I hastily clamped a wooden fence parallel to the blade, and made no allowance for drift angles... “there should be no drift on a bandsaw, ever". Never been so pumped about my silly little bandsaw. Thank you sir!

[@tpobrienjr]

I would suggest putting a Sharpie black dot on the thrust bearing so it's easy to see that it's turning. Just saying.

[@roncruiser]

I would suggest starting off with eye protection.

[@jamespolucha8790]

I met him at a wood show and thought I would buy and try everything he has and said when I got home I did what he said and couldn’t believe it worked, I was almost going to sell my saw and get a new one but now my old delta works perfect, thanks Alex

[@NSResponder]

Now there's a man who's done a fair bit of practicing. Very informative talk. -jcr

[@tomowens2720]

Hello Mr. Snodgrass, I doubt you'll see this but if you do, the tutorial was great! I just bought a shiny new Rikon 10-3061 10" bandsaw. Not a big machine but neither is my sawdust emporium. I put your procedures to work and man, do my cuts kick ass and take names! A little time spent in setup is golden. Thank you sir.

[@garylynn1730]

Thank You! After following your instructions, my bandsaw will cut a straight line! Respectfully, G Lynn

[@ramblinman2033]

Followed your steps to the letter and got my band saw cutting straight. Priceless information. Whenever you are in my area I will personally thank you for this lesson.

[@osvaldocristo]

Thank you very much! At last I found in internet someone that really knows what he is talking about!

[@CamsWoodcrafting]

This video should be mandated in all band saw books sent when you buy your saw, this was by far the most amazing instruction I've ever seen on a saw, I have struggled to get a good cut, keep my blades from breaking not to mention stupid bearing replacement, I was sure I got a LEMON saw, but then I followed these instructions, and I use my band saw now more and more and enjoying it like crazy, even went out and bought a smaller saw, so I could build those little boxes for my granddaughters :) Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

[@ProDMiner]

Seriously thank you, literally answered so many questions I been trying to figure out for years.

[@dougolarry]

I build and fly model airplanes. About 7 years ago I purchased A Craftsman table top ban saw. I followed the setup manual to the letter but the saw did not function properly. I watched your video and followed your instructions .......Thank you Thank you Thank You ....now it works grear!

[@maxc1520]

Yes, a brilliant lesson. I watch this every year or so to remind me how to look after mine

[@barrydubuque4256]

Couldn't afford a big band saw, and am just getting started, so purchased a 10" Craftsman Table Top saw. Set it up followint Alex's directions, and it works beautifully. I'm keeping this website so that someday when the big saw comes in, I will get that one dialed in as well as this one. Thank you for your expertise!

[@elbenaso]

Alex, you just rock, dude!

[@andrewmuss3245]

Alex, You are a scholar and a gentleman.... I have never seen such a brilliant tutorial on a Band Saw before. thank you so much.....

[@DopeItUp]

Amazing information. I'm going to go try this out right now.

[@karanbhatt5963]

Like the others have mentioned, this is the best information I have found to setup my bandsaw. I also ordered Carter's magnetic fence and now re-saw with zero blade drift!! Also with the deepest part of the gullet at the center of the wheel, I don't have to adjust the bearings every time I change blades. Thank you Mr. Snodgrass!

[@bentcountershaft]

I saw him yesterday at the Indy show. Very informative.

[@quirkycaches93]

Don't want to sound like a Parrot repeating previous comments but this video has made my year!!! I've had good quality machines for many years and rarely ever got repeated straight end products no matter how many times I tinkered with the mechanism. One way to sum up this video - Bloody Brilliant - Thank You :-)

[@saleemsadique]

Don't have a bandsaw, however, this was a really great guide for future when I buy one

[@ronsellen5749]

Oh "THANK YOU" . Having bought my bandsaw 3 years ago I made all the rookie mistakes I thought it was a waste of time and money so it sat in the corner gathering dust. Watched this hoping it would help. Followed your tutorial to the letter and blew my mind when I got a perfect straight cut 5mm thick . Total gratitude to you for sharing your knowledge. Ron Sellen, Toowoomba, Australia.

[@PERRYS_PROPS]

wish i saw this video a long time ago, very informative. Thanks

[@dannyscobee6530]

I seen most of this presentation this winter in Indy, but missed the beginning of it. So glad to see it completely!!! Thanks a million!

[@mtabernig]

you are right about the no drift. however you did not tell anyone on how to adjust the band saw so it will not have drift. First, must make sure your top and bottom guides are in perfect plumbing and I am talking about the trust bearings also.. Second. must tight the bearings or sliders until they touch the band saw without deflecting it. (let it touch, nothing is going to happen) Third. Tight your blade a bit more than manufacturer spec. Now, try with scrap wood. If ok go ahead if not note the direction of the drift and adjust with the guides to the opposite side of the drift. do that until it is perfect. Mine band saws do not drift at all. Thank you.

[@alt-w7130]

mtabernig Thanks that sounds good and it working.

[@laurencelance586]

Hands down THE best demo on band saws I've ever seen!

[@edwardburrowes4243]

I agree there’s no substitute for experience awesome video!

[@curtisschmidtlein5606]

You , Sir, are brilliant! I have tried and tried again, read numerous articles and watched many videos by the "experts" and have never been able to get my saw to cut acceptably. Five minutes after your video I was cutting perfectly. Thank you, thank you , thank you!!!!!

[@MountainFisher]

I used these guidelines and my table top 9" Ryobi cuts straight as an arrow with no drift.

[@glennr9913]

Glad to hear the 9" Ryobi will cut straight. I'm struggling with mine & it's still not right. I'll watch this video again...and try some more. It's good to know that it is a capable machine.

[@MountainFisher]

@@glennr9913 I do have to warn you to use good blades, the Bosch that Home Depot sells are decent, but I buy my blades online from pro bandsaw blades. They are a little thicker, but man they cut even better than the bosch. Remember you cannot cut steel with this saw, it's too fast and not enough power, but I do cut brass and aluminum. 10 tpi blades use oil on the part and never use oil on the blade. www.probandsawworks.com/index.php/

[@Leib33]

I don't even have a band saw nor plan at age 64 to be buying one, but love learning handy stuff anyway. This was one of the best explanations of ANYTHING that I've ever seen in my life and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@TAG-1984]

Love this man and his clear explanation. I was wondering, if setting the blade back and the gaulets on center, and therefor resting the sharp teeth on more rubber surface, (instead of them being sort of suspended) could cause more wear on the weels?. it's great advice either way.

[@pluckerpick]

I tried it, it didn't work for me. The blade was way offline, nearly cutting at a 45 degree angle.

[@CWK09]

@@pluckerpick sounds like you did something wrong

[@CWK09]

The blade moves at the same speed as the wheels so don’t think of it as the teeth pulling the wheel along. It’s more like they are side by side. If anything the teeth press in sideways and depress as it rolls off

[@juliacamp6790]

Thanks for this video. My dad gave me his old bandsaw telling me that the guide bearings were worn out. Since i know nothing about bandsaws, this gives me a bit of confidence about where to start...removing the table. Lol. I now have hope that i can progress through your advice and actually get to use it.