Paul Pryibil did not invent the band saw. Others did, earlier in the nineteenth century.

From VintageMachinery.org:

…Pryibil’s patent is notable because it is, so far as we know, the first patented bandsaw that actually saw commercial production.

A German immigrant, he was brilliant with things mechanical. Pryibil invented the tension regulator for the Singer Sewing Machine Factory. In connection with the band saw, he was the first person to successfully design and create a band saw blade stiff enough to resist bending at high speed. And he also is responsible for the blade guide design still in use today, with screws that adjust to the thickness of the blade. For additional patents, please see this page.

Click on the image at right, to enlarge. I wish I had THAT machine!

The following video shows Pryibil’s story, gathered using historical documents and assembled into a compelling portrait of the man. The band saw is such a critical tool in our shops today, that, if push comes to shove, many of us would sell the table saw, in favor of keeping the band saw. It is that versatile.

Lest we forget its past, I invite you to view this video. Enjoy!

Credit: With thanks to Hoosierwoodcraft for posting the video on YouTube.

What were your thoughts as the story developed?

In your opinion, has our motivation to innovate diminished since the days of Pryibil’s developments in the shop?

What could we do better to improve our lot, and our machines?

I look forward to your replies.

— Al Navas