Set low-tolerance guide blocks

Accurate bandsaw adjustments make all the difference between a so-so cut and one that requires little cleanup. During a visit to the shop of premier master craftsman, Michael Fortune, he shared with us how he uses his $350 bandsaw to get results you'd expect to see from a saw costing two or three times as much. Here's one of this shop-proven tips.The ideal setting for guide blocks, according to Michael, removes any side-to-side play in the blade without rubbing constantly on it. "I fold a thin piece of tracing paper that measures 1/1000" thick around the back edge of the blade to establish the needed clearance," he advises. "Too much play could let the blade twist and score the blocks when cutting tight curves."