Re-sawing a board into thin, pliable pieces allows you to create curved shapes by bending and gluing the pieces around a form-a process called “Bent lamination.” Marking the board with the cabinetmaker’s triangle allows you to reassemble the thin pieces as they came from the board, so the lamination closely resembles a single piece of bent wood. Partially re-sawing a board on your table saw makes re-sawing with your band saw easier, because the blade has less to cut and the saw kerfs keep it from wandering. It’s a great method to use if your band saw bogs down during full-width re-sawing, and in many cases, it can save time by allowing you to re-saw without installing a re-saw blade.
To get started with resawing, I recommend a band saw of sufficient power and with a large depth of cut. “And, speaking of saw blades: the rule of thumb for resawing is “The wider the better.” Wider blades, 1/2″ and larger, cut straighter, which is the goal. Even if you don’t opt for a “specialty” resaw blade, stick with a wide and open-toothed blade to enhance your resawing activity.
The amount of drift varies with every blade, but you can compensate for it by clamping your fence to match the drift angle. SINGLE-POINT FENCE. Another way to overcome blade drift is to use a single-point fence like the one shown in the left photo above and in the margin. SETTING THE FENCE TO COMPENSATE FOR BLADE DRIFT. FEED RATE & TECHNIQUES. With either style of fence, your saw will help you determine the feed rate for resawing.
After struggling with his bandsaw fence, blocks, clamps, and a resaw guide, WOOD® magazine reader John Hodges of Kaufman, Texas, decided to design his own bandsaw resawing guide. Because few bandsaw blades track perfectly straight, the curved end of part A allows you to steer the board into the bandsaw blade and make adjustments to follow your marked line. Always use a pushstick for safety when resawing on a bandsaw.
Almost all U.S. woodcutting bandsaw blades over 1/2″ wide are made of coil stock. Every bandsaw blade, unless there’s something seriously wrong, can cut straight lines, but each will do so in its own way. The way the blade bowed tells you how to fine tune your fence for very precise resawing.
I’ve had perfectly acceptable results resawing with bimetal blades and great results resawing with silicone-carbide, low-tension blades. Drift varies from blade to blade, so follow this simple setup procedure every time you change blades. Because bearings can be used in contact with the blade, they can help the blade run straighter, resulting in less drift.
how to use a bandsaw resaw guide Related Question:
How does a resaw guide work?
Resaw guides provide a higher level of control when adjusting for band saw blade drift. Curved face of the guide helps steer board into the cut. Easily attaches to the face of the band saw fence. This 7″ Resaw Guide is designed for larger capacity band saws.
What is a resaw guide on a bandsaw?
Re-sawing allows you to create wide panels from narrow boards, thin pliable pieces for bent laminations, thin sheets of veneer, and even turn logs into lumber.
Why are the blade guides so important on a bandsaw?
Bandsaw blade guides keep the bandsaw blade on track while cutting through materials. Blade guides should be set above and below the saw table to help reduce vibration by holding the bandsaw blade in place while cutting. This assures a precise and quality cut.
How much horsepower do you need to resaw?
A 3/4 or 1 HP bandsaw is pefectly adequate for re-sawing stock at home….
Can any bandsaw resaw?
Just about any bandsaw will do acceptable resawing. For example, all the cuts made in this story were done on an inexpensive, 14-in. bandsaw with a 3/4-hp motor. All we did to the saw was add a riser block to increase its capacity.
What size band saw for resawing?
To get started with resawing, I recommend a band saw of sufficient power and with a large depth of cut. Any motor smaller than 1hp and depth of cut less than 10″ will limit your effectiveness. (Some 14″ band saws have about a 6″ maximum cutso you’d be limited to a 12″ wide book-matched panel or less.)
Why is it important to adjust the height of the blade guard on the bandsaw?
Adjust blade guard height to about 3 mm or 1/8 inch to 6mm or 1/4 inch above the top of the material being cut. Wider gaps will place tension on the blade and increase the risk of breaking. Ensure the blade is tracking correctly and runs freely in and against the upper and lower guide rollers.
How many teeth does a bandsaw blade have?
The general rule of thumb is: For wood and soft materials aim for 3 – 6 teeth in the workpiece. For metals and harder materials aim for 6 – 24 teeth in the workpiece.
What is resaw capacity on a bandsaw?
The resaw capacity is the maximum height (thickness) that can be cut. For the small shop furniture maker, go with 14″ as the minimum for a bandsaw, though 16″ is better. Those doing larger work might even want 18″ or 20″ machines. Just make sure you have a minimum resaw height of 12″ for versatility.
What size bandsaw is best?
For a hobbyist, a 12″-14″ bandsaw is the ideal size. This size saw will provide plenty of power and a good deal of resawing capability. A professional will be better served with an 18″ bandsaw for a larger resawing capability. Choosing a 14″ band saw would provide plenty of power in a smaller footprint.
Does a bandsaw have a fence?
If you use your bandsaw only for making curved cuts, you’ll likely never need a rip fence. For accurate ripping and resawing, though, a good fence helps greatly. That said, many bandsaws don’t come with a fence. Those saws that do have fences, particularly on lower-cost models, often don’t work that well.