Magnetic Guide Points Way to Better Bandsaw Cutting
Setting up and adjusting the fence is a lot of bother when you just want to make one quick cut with your bandsaw. Make a handheld guide like the one shown at top for fast, accurate bandsawing parallel to an edge.
Cut the guide body from hardwood stock 11⁄16 -11⁄2 " thick. Bore a hole into the bottom, where shown, to place a strong magnet—one salvaged from a 10" or 12" speaker, for instance. Bore deep enough that the magnet will stand out from the bottom surface about 1".
Add a knob or handle, if desired. Epoxy the magnet into place. If your bandsaw has an aluminum table, leave the bottom of the guide flat and adhere a piece of non-skid router mat to it.
To use, start bandsawing on your cutting line. Then hold the point of the guide against the stock adjacent to the blade to maintain a constant cutting width.
—C.R. Alexander, Topeka, Kan.