This video was created by Norman Pirollo from WoodSkills. It’s a detailed look at the role of bandsaws in woodworking and how adding a second bandsaw can streamline shop efficiency and expand your project capabilities.
Drawing from over 30 years of experience, Norman shares his insights on how a well-optimized bandsaw setup can improve accuracy, speed, and versatility in any woodworking shop.
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Why the Bandsaw Deserves a Spot in Every Workshop
A bandsaw is one of the most useful tools in woodworking, capable of handling a wide range of tasks. From resawing thick boards to cutting tight curves, it offers precision and control that many other machines can’t match.
Norman’s long-term reliance on his Delta bandsaw highlights its importance. Compact but powerful, it’s a tool that fits just as well in a small basement shop as it does in a large professional space.
Expanding Capability with a Second Bandsaw
Adding a second bandsaw wasn’t about redundancy—it was about efficiency. With two machines in his shop, Norman can leave one set up for resawing and the other ready for intricate work like curved cuts or fine joinery.
This saves time by eliminating the need to constantly swap blades or adjust settings mid-project. It also lets each saw be fitted with a different blade type, optimizing performance based on the task.
The Setup Process and Challenges
Moving and assembling the bandsaws involved more than just lifting heavy machinery. Disassembling key components allowed Norman to better understand how each saw worked—and revealed opportunities for upgrades.
While setting up the second saw, Norman also revisited his original Delta machine, making sure it was tuned to match the new saw’s capacity. This included reinstalling a riser block to allow for consistent blade use across both machines.
Comparing the Old and the New
Norman’s original bandsaw has served him well, featuring a reliable motor, solid steel construction, and custom modifications that have kept it functional over the decades. Its performance has been refined with improved dust collection and a well-designed fence system.
The new bandsaw includes modern upgrades like a larger table, more powerful motor, and a built-in dust chute. It also has a mobile base, making it easier to reposition for long workpieces or storage—a convenience Norman appreciates in his limited workspace.
Upgrading and Aligning the Fence Systems
A key part of any bandsaw setup is the fence. Norman has customized the fence on his original saw to increase safety and control during resawing. This low-rise fence style, based on a 1930s design, helps keep the blade rigid during cuts.
Transferring a similar fence to the new machine required careful adjustment to ensure blade alignment and accuracy. This process ensures that both saws can deliver consistent results, regardless of the blade or the task.
Matching Blades to the Job
Choosing the right blade makes a significant difference in performance. Norman uses a wide rip blade with a low tooth count for resawing thick boards. For the new saw, he’s ordered narrower blades that will allow him to make precise curved cuts with better control.
Understanding blade width, tooth geometry, and tension helps woodworkers tailor their tools to their needs. Norman’s setup allows him to quickly switch between operations without compromising cut quality or wasting time.
Takeaways for Any Woodworker
Even if you’re not ready to add a second bandsaw to your shop, there are valuable lessons in Norman’s approach. Maintaining your equipment, upgrading thoughtfully, and tuning your setup for efficiency are all habits that improve your workflow.
Norman’s experience shows that a tool doesn’t have to be new to be effective—what matters is how well it’s set up and how intentionally it’s used.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re working in a small garage or a dedicated shop, the bandsaw is a versatile and essential machine. Investing in a second bandsaw, or simply optimizing the one you already own, can significantly improve how you approach woodworking tasks.
Norman’s insight from decades of experience offers a practical blueprint for making the most out of this machine. It’s a reminder that the right setup isn’t about having the latest tools—it’s about building a system that works for you.
Support Norman by visiting his website: https://www.woodskills.com/