Mark Duginske's book, subtitled "Everything you need to Know About the Most Important Saw in the Shop", is right on the money. If you are just starting out, you would do well to consider the band saw for your first shop machine, particularly if you are not going to be process sheet goods. It's safe to use, inexpensive compared to a table saw, and extremely versatile. With it you can rip stock (and crosscut short stock), cut a variety of joints, cut curves, and re-saw lumber.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned woodworker you'll get the most out of any machine by understanding how it functions and how to adjust and maintain it.

"The New Complete Guide to the Band saw" is the cats meow when it comes to understanding the band saw. Any shortcomings can be ignored because of the overall completeness and scope of the book.

Duginske covers material in a sequential, logical format. There are copious photos and illustrations, though a number of the photos are really too small to see features clearly, and somewhat on the dark side.

He begins with an introduction to the band saw, its parts, and safety procedures, and then discusses the different models, styles, and features that you need to consider when shopping for a saw. A band saw is only as good as the blade on it, and Duginske does an excellent job of explaining how to  select and maintain saw blades. He takes you through the finer points of adjusting the band saw, including blade tracking and tensioning. The latter part of the book then shows you techniques for making both straight and curved cuts (including re-sawing stock), and making and using jigs and templates.

This is definitely not a 'coffee table' book; it's really a 'shop manual' that you'll want to keep close at hand for the inevitable 'how-to' queries that come up regardless of how seasoned a woodworker you become.

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