Cutting round material on a bandsaw is one of the most deceptively dangerous operations in the shop. Logs, branches, dowels, and other cylindrical stock may appear stable, but once they contact the blade, they can rotate instantly and be pulled from the operator’s hands. In this video, Bandsaw Master Alex Snodgrass explains why unsupported round stock is so risky and demonstrates how the right jigs turn a hazardous cut into a safe, controlled process. For anyone involved in craft woodworking or milling their own material, this is essential knowledge.
The danger comes down to physics. A bandsaw blade cuts in a continuous downward and forward motion. When a round object touches the blade without support, it naturally wants to roll. That rotation can force the stock into the blade, damaging the blade, destroying the workpiece, or causing serious injury. Alex stresses that experience alone does not make this cut safe. Without proper support, even seasoned woodworkers are at risk.
Instead of avoiding round stock altogether, the solution is to control it. Alex demonstrates how purpose-built jigs eliminate rotation by fully supporting the workpiece throughout the cut. These jigs keep hands safely away from the blade while allowing the material to feed smoothly and predictably. The result is a process that is not only safer, but far easier to repeat with consistent results.
Two tools are highlighted for this task. The Carter Products AccuRight Miter Mill securely holds round or irregular stock for straight, accurate cuts, making it ideal for preparing blanks or breaking down smaller logs. For larger material, the Carter Products AccuRight Log Mill provides a stable platform that supports the log along its length, making it possible to safely mill stock that would otherwise be unmanageable. Both tools are valuable additions to a shop focused on custom woodworking or working with raw lumber.
Beyond safety, proper support improves cut quality. With the stock stabilized, the bandsaw cuts cleaner and more accurately, reducing waste and preserving valuable material. This level of control is especially important when working with green wood, reclaimed logs, or hard-to-replace pieces.
Alex’s demonstration reinforces a simple rule of shop safety: if a cut feels unsafe, it probably is. Using the right jig doesn’t just reduce risk, it improves efficiency and confidence at the saw. For woodworkers building a reliable set of woodworking supplies, investing in proper bandsaw accessories is a smart step toward safer, more predictable results.
By respecting the mechanics of the bandsaw and using the right supports, cutting round stock becomes a manageable task rather than a dangerous gamble.