Using & Tuning Bandsaw with Hendrik Varju

The DVD starts by taking you through the features of a typical cast iron bandsaw, including those that are important to have and those you can do without. Hendrik reviews his Delta 14” bandsaw, which has features in common with most cast iron designs. So as not to leave out viewers who own European cabinet style bandsaws, Hendrik also reviews his other bandsaw in great detail: his Laguna 16HD, which has many features in common with other European designed models. By focusing on both styles of bandsaw throughout the production, there is plenty of solid information for everyone, no matter what bandsaw you own. After introducing you to the two bandsaw designs and their various features, Hendrik takes you through bandsaw blades and how to choose the right one. Importantly, he also teaches you how to fold a bandsaw blade, which is something all amateurs struggle with.
In Hendrik’s usual methodical way, he spends two full chapters taking you through various component upgrades that you might want to consider for your bandsaw, such as link belts, phenolic resin blocks, upgraded machined pulleys, etc. Then he takes you through various machinery checks and fine tuning to ensure your bandsaw is up to standard to do fine work.
An absolutely massive chapter takes you through blade changing and set-up, one step at a time. Again, this is covered for both bandsaw designs, including Delta’s 14” cast iron model and Laguna’s 16 HD with its unique ceramic guide block system. Hendrik doesn’t leave any steps out, showing you how to set the blade tension, track the blade properly, set up the thrust bearings, guide blocks and so on. He explains blade drift and shows you a test to set your fence for optimum performance, even when resawing. This technical review teaches you everything you need to know about blade changing and fine set-up to squeeze out every bit of performance your bandsaw is capable of.
But Hendrik doesn’t stop at the technical set-up steps, taking you through another seven chapters on bandsaw use. He starts by taking you through general crosscutting and ripping techniques. As in his table saw DVD, “Revelations on Table Saw Set-up & Safety”, Hendrik takes you through the relevant safety rules for bandsaw use, even down to what each hand and finger is supposed to be doing. Importantly, there are distinct rule differences for the bandsaw compared to table saw technique and he takes you through those differences one rule at a time, while reminding you not to let your new bandsaw techniques affect the way you use the more dangerous table saw.
After covering general ripping and crosscutting techniques, Hendrik then spends a full chapter on the more demanding resawing tasks. He shows you how to make accurate resaws on his smaller cast iron machine, trying to get the most out of the 1 hp. motor. He also demonstrates taller resaws on the larger European model, which has the capacity to resaw over 16” in height.
From there, Hendrik offers a separate chapter on free-hand curve cutting, including how to make tighter outside curves with a wider blade using relief cuts. A separate chapter covers circle cutting using a simple jig you will easily be able to build yourself. After cutting a perfect circle, you will be able to take that same jig over to your drill press and sand the edges of the circle with a sanding drum. Hendrik demonstrates this ingenious process of both cutting and sanding with the same jig.
Another full chapter is devoted to joinery, showing you some other great uses for your bandsaw. He shows you how your bandsaw can easily cut a full tail board for dovetails if you haven’t yet mastered the hand cutting techniques. He also demonstrates the cutting of a tenon to achieve a perfect fit in a mortise. He then teaches you how to cut a complete half-lap joint as well, showing you a simple but ingenious way to creep towards a tight final fit.