The growth of the internet has seen tutorials and instruction manuals for DIY projects take off. If you can imagine it, someone probably has a tutorial available for you — and if there isn’t one that matches your vision, it’s easy to tweak existing projects to meet your needs.

Unfortunately, the internet seems to think that if you don’t buy out the power tool section of your local hardware store, you don’t have everything you need to finish these projects. That couldn’t be further from the truth. You don’t need a garage full of tools to create an awesome DIY project.

Here are some amazing DIY projects that you can do at home with nothing more than a bandsaw.

1) Wooden Toy Airplane

It might seem kitschy, but it doesn’t hurt to start small, especially if you’re using a bandsaw for the first time. Using a bandsaw to cut the basic shape of this wooden toy airplane takes much of the project’s work.

Cut the wings from a separate piece of wood — you can do both simultaneously if you tape two pieces together. A belt sander can help you take all the rough edges off, but you don’t need it if you have sandpaper and use elbow grease. Finally, use some tiny 5 mm dowels to attach the wings and finish them with a mineral oil polish. Congratulations — you’ve just completed your first bandsaw-based DIY project.

2) Metal Tile Backsplash

Bandsaws are good for more than just cutting wood. Skip-tooth saw blades work well for soft metals. Hook-tooth blades cut through non-ferrous metals like butter, and wavy and raker-set teeth blades work best for ferrous metals like iron.

If your kitchen needs a refresh and you’re looking to add a new backsplash, utilize your bandsaw to cut metal tiles to shape so they’re ready to apply when needed.

3) Massironi Shelf

It might not be the best option for books, but a Massironi shelf — named for designer Manfredo Massironi — can create a visual form that’s unique and functional. These shelves are made from interlocking semi-circles mounted to the wall, creating shelf space for your knickknacks and trinkets. You can use a planer and sander to smooth out your edges, but most of the work on this project will be completed by your bandsaw.

4) Formwork Frames for Larger Projects

Timber frameworks give you a place to work, whether trying to pour a foundation in your backyard for a pool or outdoor kitchen or have even larger projects in mind. Timber isn’t the best choice for long-term projects, especially outdoors because they tend to absorb moisture and are susceptible to termites. However, they’re ideal for short-term or single-use projects.

You can use your handy bandsaw to cut lumber to size, define joints to improve the formwork’s strength, or create unique designs that will translate into the finished project.

5) Dining Room Table

Forget going to IKEA. Next time you need a new dining room or dinner table, break out the bandsaw instead. These simple DIY projects have endless room for customization, making it easy to create something that will match nearly any aesthetic.

If you’re opting for rustic farmhouse style, use a stain or sealant that augments the natural beauty of the wood grain. Go lighter for a beachy aesthetic or darker for a more formal look. The plans for this desk also include schematics for a pair of benches. You may even be able to luck into some cheap recycled or reclaimed construction materials to help keep your costs down.

6) Segmented Salad Bowls

Bandsaws are ideal for the precision cuts and careful angles needed to complete DIY projects like these segmented salad bowls. Instead of using a lathe to create the finished product, the instructions teach you how to make each layer from a blank, then laminate them together. Then all you need to do is attach the bottom of the bowl, trim it flush to the sides — also with your bandsaw, as long as you set it to the angle of your bowl — and finish it off with food-grade mineral oil so it’s safe to eat from.

7) Stikwood Door

If you’re installing a plain wooden door, you might be better off with a circular saw. However, for creating a unique look for your home or trailer, a bandsaw will be your best friend in creating a carefully shaped Stikwood medium-density fiberboard door. Take your time and sketch out how you want the finished project to look — the possibilities and patterns are endless. Then hang your door like you usually would.

Use Your Imagination on These DIY Projects

A bandsaw might not always be the best tool for the job, but you can accomplish a lot with it when it comes to DIY projects. Take the time to learn the ins and outs. You might be surprised how much you can achieve with this singular saw.

Author: Emily Newton