A band saw can be used to cut curves, even in thick lumber, such as in creating cabriole legs, to rip lumber and to crosscut short pieces. The most common use for the band saw, however, is in cutting irregular shapes. The second most common use is in resawing or ripping lumber into thinner slabs.

What is the purpose of a bandsaw?

A bandsaw (also written band saw) is a power saw with a long, sharp blade consisting of a continuous band of toothed metal stretched between two or more wheels to cut material. They are used principally in woodworking, metalworking, and lumbering, but may cut a variety of materials.

Is a bandsaw necessary?

If you only work with one inch timber, maybe the odd bit of two, then you won't need a bandsaw; hand saws are very efficient at ripping that thinner stuff. But if you work a lot of two, three and four inch, then you'll know what a job it can be.