Howdy Recurve Shooter and all others,
Regarding the bandsaw, I picked up a book on 
tuning my little, cheap, ol' bandsaw.  The book is 'The Bandsaw Book' by Loone Bird.  It does say that a higher quality, sharp blade is key.  It also talks about balancing, tension, and blade guides, etc.  I found it very helpful.
Since I have to carry the bandsaw up the basement stairs and outside each time I want to use it, I often opt to just go at it with my spoke shave instead.
All the Best,
Canoe
BTW, I had a coworker who used to chew a lot.  Before he died, they removed his cheek, lip, jaw...  (I'm not sure he actually died or they put him out of his misery!)    But, good luck with that.  
