When it comes to resawing lumber, having the right band saw blade can make all the difference. As a woodworking enthusiast myself, I’ve tried various types of blades for resawing and have found that certain blades excel in this specific task. In this article, I’ll share my experience and insights on choosing the best type of band saw blade for resawing.
The first consideration when selecting a band saw blade for resawing is the width of the blade. A wider blade provides more stability and less chance of drifting, which is crucial for achieving consistent, clean cuts. Typically, blades with widths between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch are recommended for resawing, as they strike a balance between stability and maneuverability.
The second important factor to consider is the tooth configuration of the blade. For resawing, a blade with a low tooth count and large gullets works best. This allows for efficient chip removal and prevents clogging during the cutting process. A skip tooth or hook tooth configuration, with a tooth count of around 3 to 4 teeth per inch, is ideal for resawing thick boards or logs.
Understanding Resawing
As a woodworker, I often find myself needing to cut thicker pieces of wood into thinner boards. This process is known as resawing, and it is a valuable technique for creating veneers, small boards, or even cutting a large log into usable pieces. Resawing allows me to maximize the potential of a single piece of wood and create multiple pieces from it.
Resawing is not simply cutting a piece of wood in half; it involves precision and control. It requires using a bandsaw with a wide blade that is specifically designed for resawing. The blade should have a low TPI (teeth per inch) count and a wider gullet to remove sawdust efficiently. This type of blade is necessary to prevent binding and overheating, which can damage the wood and the blade itself. It is crucial to choose the right blade for the specific kind of wood you are working with, as different woods require different blade configurations.
When resawing, it is important to take into account the width and height of the wood piece, as well as the desired thickness of the final boards. Careful measurements and planning are required to ensure precise and consistent cuts. Additionally, it is essential to maintain a steady and even feed rate throughout the process to avoid any variations in the thickness of the boards.
In conclusion, resawing is a technique that allows woodworkers to make the most out of a single piece of wood by cutting it into thinner boards. It requires the use of a bandsaw with a specific blade designed for resawing, as well as precise measurements and control. Proper attention to the details of the process will result in high-quality, uniform boards that can be used for various woodworking projects.
Factors to Consider
When choosing the best type of bandsaw blade for resawing, there are several important factors to consider. These factors will vary depending on the specific needs and preferences of the user, but they generally include blade width, tooth configuration, and blade material.
Blade width: The width of the bandsaw blade is an essential factor to consider when resawing. A wider blade provides more stability and less flex, which is important for producing straight and accurate cuts. However, a wider blade may require a more powerful bandsaw to accommodate it. Additionally, a wider blade will remove more material, which can be beneficial for thicker stock but may result in more waste for thinner materials.
Tooth configuration: The tooth configuration of the bandsaw blade plays a crucial role in its cutting performance. For resawing, a blade with fewer teeth per inch (TPI) is generally preferred. This allows for more aggressive cutting and faster stock removal. However, a blade with fewer TPI may leave a rougher surface finish, which may require additional sanding or planing. It is also important to consider the set and shape of the teeth, as they can impact the blade’s ability to clear sawdust and prevent overheating.
Blade material: The material of the bandsaw blade can greatly influence its durability and cutting performance. Common blade materials include carbon steel, high-speed steel (HSS), and bi-metal. Carbon steel blades are more affordable but may require more frequent sharpening. HSS blades are more durable and can maintain their sharpness for longer periods but come at a higher cost. Bi-metal blades offer a combination of durability and affordability, making them a popular choice for many woodworkers.
These factors should be carefully evaluated and considered to select the best type of bandsaw blade for resawing that will meet your specific needs and preferences. It is also important to consult the user manual of your bandsaw to ensure that the blade you choose is compatible with your machine.
Blade Width
When it comes to choosing the best type of band saw blade for resawing, one important factor to consider is the blade width. For resawing thicker stock, a wider blade is generally preferred. This is because a wider blade is more stable and less likely to wander off course. It also allows for greater control and accuracy when making long, straight cuts.
On the other hand, for resawing thinner stock, a narrower blade may be more suitable. A narrower blade can create a more precise cut with less waste, especially when working with delicate or expensive materials. It also requires less power and strain on the machine, making it easier to achieve smooth and consistent results.
Overall, the blade width chosen for resawing will depend on the specific requirements of the project at hand. It is important to consider the thickness of the stock, the desired precision of the cut, and the power of the band saw being used. By selecting the appropriate blade width, you can ensure that your resawing tasks are done with efficiency and accuracy.
Blade Tooth Style
When it comes to choosing the best type of band saw blade for resawing, one important factor to consider is the tooth style of the blade. Different tooth styles are designed to perform different functions and produce different results. It’s important to choose the right tooth style for your specific resawing needs.
One common tooth style for resawing is the hook tooth. This type of tooth has a deep gullet and a steep rake angle, which allows it to remove a large amount of material with each pass. The hook tooth is ideal for rough resawing, as it can handle thick and hard materials with ease. However, because of its aggressive cutting action, it may leave a rough finish that requires additional sanding.
Another tooth style to consider is the skip tooth. This type of tooth has a larger gullet and a less aggressive rake angle compared to the hook tooth. The skip tooth is designed to remove chips and debris faster, which helps prevent clogging during resawing. It also produces a smoother finish compared to the hook tooth. The skip tooth is a good option for resawing thinner materials or when a smoother finish is desired.
Blade Material
When it comes to choosing the best type of band saw blade for resawing, one important factor to consider is the blade material. The material of the blade can greatly affect the performance and longevity of the blade, as well as the quality of the resawing cuts.
There are several common blade materials that are used for band saw blades, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. One popular option is carbon steel, which is known for its durability and affordability. Carbon steel blades are often recommended for general resawing tasks, as they can effectively handle a variety of materials.
Carbon steel blades
- Pros: Durable, affordable, can handle a variety of materials
- Cons: Can dull quickly, may require frequent sharpening
Another common blade material is bi-metal, which combines the hardness of high-speed steel with the toughness of carbon steel. Bi-metal blades are known for their long-lasting sharpness and ability to cut through tough materials. These blades are recommended for heavy-duty resawing tasks where durability is a priority.
Bi-metal blades
- Pros: Long-lasting sharpness, can cut through tough materials
- Cons: More expensive than carbon steel blades
Summary
When it comes to choosing the best type of band saw blade for resawing, considering the blade material is crucial. Carbon steel blades are durable and affordable, making them suitable for general resawing tasks. Bi-metal blades, on the other hand, offer long-lasting sharpness and are recommended for heavy-duty resawing tasks. Ultimately, the choice of blade material will depend on the specific resawing needs and budget.
Blade Tension
Blade tension is an important factor to consider when resawing with a band saw. It refers to the amount of force applied to keep the blade running straight and cutting efficiently. Proper blade tension is crucial for achieving accurate and clean resaw cuts.
To achieve the optimal blade tension for resawing, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or the instructions provided with your specific band saw. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow:
- Tight but not too tight: The blade should be tensioned enough to prevent it from deflecting or wandering during the cut. However, over-tightening the blade can cause excessive stress and can lead to premature wearing or even breakage.
- Uniform tension: Ensure that the tension is evenly distributed along the length of the blade. Uneven tension can result in uneven cutting and can lead to a poor resawing outcome.
- Regular checks: It is a good practice to regularly check the blade tension during extended resawing sessions. Over time, the tension may loosen, and adjustments may need to be made to maintain the desired cutting performance.
In conclusion, blade tension plays a crucial role in achieving accurate and clean resaw cuts. Proper tensioning ensures that the blade runs straight and cuts efficiently. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines and regularly checking the tension will help ensure optimal results and prolong the life of your band saw blade.
10 Best Type Of Band Saw Blade For Resawing
Supercut 105-inch x 5/8-inch x .025 x 3 TPI Woodsaver Carbide Resaw Bandsaw Blade for resawing Exotic Hardwoods. (Made in USA)
Features
| Part Number | 93495 |
| Warranty | See manufacturers website for more details |
- 100% MADE IN THE USA - Not made anywhere else but the USA.
- 100% LIMITED LIFETIME WELD WARRANTY - Fatigue resistant premium carbon tool steel blade is built with the toughest alloys fused by our superior weld.
- THIN KERF- thin kerf precision ground tooth set to reduce waste of material
- FACTORY EXCLUSIVE- Comes with our factory exclusive carbide impregnation process.
BDI Wear Parts Box Blade Ripper Shank, 18" Box Blade Ripper Teeth with Adjustable 4 Holes Shanks, Rippers/Scarifier Tooth for Replacement, Tilling, Digging -...
Features
| Color | 4 Holes - 18" |
| Size | 5 PK |
- Adjustable Shank - Shank Height: 18", Hole Spacing: 2", Hole Diameter: 2/3'', the ripper/scarifier tooth comes crimped to the box blade shank. Each Shank features four adjustable hole settings, making it handy for a range of cutting and grading tasks.
- No Assembly - The ripper/scarifier tooth is crimped to the shank of the box blade.
- Durability - Heat treatment has been applied to the shank and point to increase strength and durability and withstand heavy use in rough terrain and harsh conditions.
- Easy to Install - The box blade can be quickly mounted to the tractor using a hitch pin (not included) through the four-point hole Without any laborious procedures.
- Application - Box blade shanks are suitable for various environments, including agricultural fields, construction sites, landscaping projects, and road maintenance. They can be used for different purposes, such as grading, leveling, filling, and smoothing surfaces. Box blade shanks can work well on different types of soil, including clay, sand, and gravel.
Timber Wolf 133" x 1" x 3TPI x .035 Silicon Steel Bandsaw Blade
Features
| Part Number | 133-103PC |
- Sold on Amazon
142" x 3/4" 3423VPC Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade Silicon Steel Low Tension Resaw
Features
| Part Number | TW 3423VPC 14200 |
- 142-3423VPC: 142" long x 3/4" wide x 2-3TPI in Variable Positive Claw (VPC) tooth style
- Other Blade Specifications: .049 kerf; 6.5 degree tooth angle; 5-7/16" cut radius
- Cutting Application: resawing kiln dry domestic wood
- Suitable Material Thickness: kiln dry hardwood 3" - 12"; softwood 3" - 10"
- Made in the USA
Timber Wolf 105" Three-Blade Curve/Ripping/Resawing Silicon Steel Bandsaw Blade Set
Features
| Part Number | 105-1406pc-3804pc-1203pc |
- 105-1406PC: 105" long x 1/4" wide x 6 TPI in Positive Claw (PC) tooth style, 105-3804PC: 105" long x 3/8" wide x 4 TPI in Positive Claw (PC) tooth style, 105-1203PC: 105" long x 1/2" wide x 3 TPI in Positive Claw (PC) tooth style
- Other Blade Specifications: 105-1406PC: .042 kerf; 6.5 degree tooth angle; 5/8" cut radius 105-3804PC: .042 kerf; 6.5 degree tooth angle; 1 1/4" cut radius 105-1203PC: .048 kerf; 6.5 degree tooth angle; 2-1/2" cut radius
- Cutting Application: curve, template, and pattern cutting, ripping, cross cutting, roughing and resawing dry wood
- Made in the USA
FAQ:
What is the best type of band saw blade for resawing?
The best type of band saw blade for resawing is a wide and thin blade with a low TPI (teeth per inch) count. This type of blade provides more stability and control when cutting through thick pieces of wood.
What size blade should I use for resawing?
The size of the blade for resawing depends on the size of the wood you are cutting. Generally, a band saw blade with a width of 1/2 inch to 1 inch is suitable for most resawing applications.
What tooth pattern is best for resawing?
A hook tooth pattern is usually the best choice for resawing. This pattern has a deep gullet that allows for efficient chip removal, and the hook shape of the teeth helps prevent the blade from getting stuck in the wood.
Should I use a carbide-tipped blade for resawing?
Using a carbide-tipped blade for resawing is recommended for cutting through harder woods or materials. Carbide teeth are more durable and can provide cleaner and smoother cuts compared to regular steel blades.
How often should I replace the blade for resawing?
The frequency of blade replacement for resawing depends on how often you use the band saw and the type of materials you are cutting. Generally, it is recommended to replace the blade when you notice a decrease in cutting performance or when the blade becomes dull or damaged.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to resawing, the best type of band saw blade is a wide, thin kerf blade with a low TPI count. This blade type provides the necessary rigidity and stability to effectively cut through thick stock while minimizing waste. Additionally, a blade with a low TPI count ensures efficient chip removal and reduces the chances of the blade clogging up during the process. It is important to choose a blade with the appropriate tooth pattern and rake angle to achieve smooth, clean cuts. Ultimately, selecting the right band saw blade for resawing is crucial for achieving accurate and efficient results.
