Most of us love bandsaws for their resawing capabilities. These versatile cutting tools make it easy for just about anyone to resaw thick pieces of wood. So which is the best bandsaw for resawing?
Finding the right bandsaw for resawing in a market flooded with all kinds of bandsaws is not easy. There are several things you should consider in your search for top rated band saws for resawing. These include power, frame, cutting capacity, and sturdy base.
These are the main features we considered in our search for the best resaw bandsaw. From our search, we narrowed down to 8 bandsaws. These are the ones that ticked all the right boxes.
Our top pick was the Jet 714400K, which offered the best resaw capacity. Also, it had an extra-long fence. In the runner up position is the Laguna Tools 220v 2.5hp band saw, which offers plenty of power with a functional capacity for resawing.
All the other options on the list are also worth considering.
8 Best Bandsaws For Resawing Reviews
Jet 714400K Jwbs-14SFX, 14", Steel Frame Bandsaw
Top Key Features
- 21-1/16″ x 17-1/8″ Tabletop
- 14-inch saw blade
- 1.75HP single-phase motor
- 18-3/16″ x 6-1/8″ fence
- 2 to 4-inch diameter dust port
- 13.5-inch throat capacity
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Bandsaws don’t come cheap, and this is undoubtedly true for the Jet 714400K Jwbs bandsaw. This power tool will set you back over a hefty price tag. So is it worth it, especially for resawing?
This 14 inch band saw is perfect for resawing. The reason being it has a capacity of resawing of over 13 inches. This is the best capacity for resawing we have seen on a bandsaw and more than justifies its hefty price tag.
However, this saw has more benefits up its sleeve. For starters, it comes with a 1.75HP motor. This is quite a powerful motor and is prewired for a 115volt. Thus you can use it at home without having to upgrade to a 220v power socket.
Now let’s talk about the fence. This was one of the best things about this saw. At 6-⅛ inches tall, this is quite a tall fence. This further adds to the saw’s status as one of the best resawing bandsaws on the market.
Two Thumbs Up For
- The tall fence can be positioned vertically to handle taller pieces of material
- This bandsaw is pre-wired for 115volt meaning you can use it at home
- Perfectly suited for resawing
- The saw can be connected to a dust extractor via its dual 4-inch diameter dust port
What's Not To Like
- For its price, it doesn’t have onboard storage
- At 300 pounds, it is quite cumbersome, especially when you consider it has to be lifted onto the steel plate it comes with.
This resaw bandsaw has a lot to offer. Furthermore, the few cons it has are not such a big deal as to be a deal-breaker. Overall, it is well worth the hefty price tag that it is attached to it.
Laguna Tools 220v 2.5hp Bandsaw
Top Key Features
- 2.5 Horse Power motor
- 45 degrees right table tilt
- 2×4 inch dust collection port
- 17-1/2″ x 22-1/2″ footprint
- Aluminum fence
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The laguna Tools 220v 2.5HP band saw is another big and expensive bandsaw. From its name, it is evident that its selling feature is its power. However, it does have other useful features that make it ideal for resawing.
One of the exciting things about this saw is how easy it is to set up. Despite its size, it will take you only a few minutes to set up this 300-pound behemoth. It has a solid steel frame that gives it rigidity.
This is hands down one of the most powerful bandsaws out there. It is powered by a 2.5 HP motor that churns out enough power for more demanding tasks. But how does it perform in the resaw department?
With a resaw capacity of 12 inches, it can handle resawing larger pieces of material. The 21 ½” X 16″ table top is also large enough to accommodate larger pieces of wood.
Two Thumbs Up For
- Constructed from solid steel that guarantees rigidity and minimal vibrations
- Has a big tabletop for accommodating large pieces of wood
- Can be connected to either a 110v or a 220v power outlet
- Comes with 2×4 inch dust collection port
What's Not To Like
- This saw does not come with a blade included and has to be bought separately
- Weighing 300 pounds, it is considerably heavy
This is a contractor grade bandsaw; it is large, sturdy, and can handle resawing thicker and more abundant stocks. Thus, while it is expensive, it is one of the best bandsaw for resawing.
JET JWBS-15 1.75 hp Bandsaw
Top Key Features
- 1.75HP motor
- 21-1/2 x 16-inch cast-iron tabletop
- 3100 SFPM blade speed
- 45 degrees right tilt
- 6TPI ½ inch wide saw blade
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When it comes to bandsaws, Jet is one of the most well-known brands. And with models such as the Jet JWBS 15 bandsaw, it is difficult to see why. This band saw is definitely not cheap, but if you want to get some serious resawing work done, it is well worth it.
What makes this such as great bandsaw for resawing is its 14 inches resaw capacity. We also loved the saw’s power output. It was able to handle bigger boards than some of the other entries on our list.
This was courtesy of a 1.75 HP motor. Another reason it was able to handle bigger boards was its cast iron, by this iron the 21-1/2 x 16-inch tabletop and saw fence is made. This tabletop provides plenty of space and sturdy.
The fence offered excellent support and had an adjustment dial for exact and precise placement. Adjusting the upper and lower ball bearings was easy and made the resaw set up process simpler.
Two Thumbs Up For
- The cast-iron table tops offer plenty of space to accommodate large-sized boards
- It is easy to independently adjust the upper and lower ball bearing guides without the need for tools
- Has an easy to read blade tension scale that can be viewed through the upper window
- Comes with four dust port collections
What's Not To Like
- This table saw is quite heavy and will be challenging to set up alone
- It is quite an expensive band saw
When you need to tackle demanding resawing tasks, this is the bandsaw for you. It is quite pricey, but it is worth every penny. With this saw, it is unlikely you will need to buy another.
Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 14 x 12 Bandsaw
Top Key Features
- 1-¾ HP motor
- 115 inches blade length
- ⅛ inch and ¾ inch minimum and maximum blade width
- 45 degrees right table tilt
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We absolutely loved the Laguna Tools MBAND 1412-175 bandsaw. This bad boy is an excellent option for resawing purposes, and it has the features to match.
As you would expect from any saw of its caliber, it has a solid steel frame. This bandsaw was very stable and did not feel at all wobbly. Some models struggle with shaky legs and stability, and this is one of the few that does not.
According to Laguna, this bandsaw has a resaw capacity of 12 inches. In our tests, it was able to resaw a 6-inch thick maple wood. But the real test came when we tried to resaw a 12-inch wide plank of cherry lumber.
The results were impressive, and the bandsaw had no trouble resawing the 12-inch cherry plank. Thus, you can expect plenty of power from this bandsaw. A 1-3/4HP motor powers it
Two Thumbs Up For
- Has a powerful motor
- Is quite versatile and can be used to resaw as well as make angled cuts
- Is a very sturdy bandsaw and has no wobbliness
- It is easy to change the blade.
What's Not To Like
- Only has one blade speed and is thus not suitable for cutting metals
- The wheel system is sold separately
This resawing bandsaw is excellent for resawing and cutting wood. And with a capacity of resawing of 12 inches, you can do a lot of resawing with this model.
SHOP FOX W1729 19-Inch Bandsaw
Top Key Features
- 143-inch long blade
- 1/8 to 1-1/4-inch blade widths
- 2 Horsepower motor
- 1700 and 3500 FPM blade speed
- 26-3/4 x 19 x 1-½ table
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The Shop Fox W1729, 19 inch bandsaw, is a professional grade. It is one of the most powerful bandsaws on the market and one our list. Not many bandsaws come close to its 2HP single phase motor.
But what makes it ideal for resawing. For starters, the 12 inches resaw capacity—secondly the fence. While we would have preferred a cast-iron fence, the aluminum fence on this model is not bad, especially since it can be adjusted and lifted off the table.
Speaking of the table, it is a 26-3/4 x 19 x 1-1/2-inch thick that can be tilted at an angle of 45 degrees to the right. At the base of this bandsaw are cast-iron wheels. This provides stability and sturdiness.
The saw has two blade speeds, which is always nice to see. More importantly, you can use blades of between ⅛ inch and 1-¼ inch in thickness. Thus, you have the option of cutting wood or even metal.
Two Thumbs Up For
- Has one of the most powerful motors
- It has cast iron table wheels at the base that offer stability
- Has two blade speeds for cutting versatility
- Comes with a blade tension indicator
What's Not To Like
- The blade size of this bandsaw is not common
- Since its quite heavy it’s not easy to set up
There is no doubt that this is one of the most powerful table saws on the market. Its 2Hp motor gives you sufficient power to cut through metals and wood with ease.
Grizzly Industrial G0555XH Extreme Series Resaw Bandsaw
Top Key Features
- 1.75 HP motor
- Aluminum resaw fence
- 16-1/8″ x 21-3/4″ x 1-½ inches table
- 3000 FPM blade speed
- 337 pounds weigh
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In 2018 Grizzly launched a new industrial bandsaw, the Grizzly G0555XH. The latter became an instant hit with woodworkers. And here is why we think it is one of the best band saws for resawing.
Compared to some of the other bandsaws we tested, this one had an extra-long upper frame. This long upper frame gives it a nice resaw capacity of 12 inches without the need for a separate riser block.
As with most other industrial bandsaws within its price range, it has a 1-3/4-hp motor. This motor can run with either a 110v or a 220v power source. This makes it a versatile option for both industrial and home use.
The cast iron rack and pinion guidepost was a great addition to this bandsaw. Not many bandsaws have a similar feature.
Two Thumbs Up For
- Has a quick release and easy to use blade tension
- The 16-1/8″ x 21-3/4″ tabletop is large enough to hold larger pieces of material
- The powder-coated cast iron frame offers rigidity and stability
- The table can tilt up to an angle of 45 degrees for angled cuts.
What's Not To Like
- Is quite an expensive tool
- The fence is aluminum instead of iron.
This is one of Grizzly’s most popular resaw bandsaws. It has all you would need from a bandsaw. A powerful motor and a tall fence. Additionally, weighing about 337 pounds, it is lighter than most other similar options.
Delta 28-400 14 in. 1 HP Steel Frame Band Saw
Top Key Features
- 1,620 FPM and 3,340 FPM variable blade speed
- 1 HP motor
- 3/4 in. x 3/8 inch miter slot
- 15 3/4 in. x 18 7/8 inch table top
- 4 inch dust port
- 40 3/4 inch table height
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Not all resawing bandsaws are priced arms and legs. The delta 28-400 bandsaw is priced at below this price tag. This begs the question of how does it compare with the pricier bandsaws.
Overall, the saw looks and feels very well made. The table is made from a powder-coated cast-iron to give it a smooth finish. Cast iron is more common on more high-end models, with most budget options featuring an aluminum table top.
The blade is rotated by aluminum blade wheels that are easy to adjust. The 1 Hp motor doesn’t seem like much compared to some of the other saws on our list. However, considering its price, this is sufficient for the kinds of resawing tasks you will tackle with this saw.
One of the best things about this bandsaw is its dual-blade speeds. It can run at speed of 1620 FPM as well as at speeds of up to 3340 FPM. Thus you can use it to cut wood as well as metal with ease.
Two Thumbs Up For
- Compared to some of the other options on our list it is an affordable option
- It is easy to use
- The motor has the option to wire it for either 115 volt or 230volt
- It runs very quietly and smoothly
- Has two blade speeds and can cut wood as well as soft non-ferrous metals
What's Not To Like
- Does not come with a RIP fence
- Does not have a miter slot
In our eyes this is a great option for anyone looking for a good resaw bandsaw but dont have the money to spend on a high-end model. It is priced at a relatively lower price tag but delivers the same resaw capabilities as some pricier models.
RIKON Power Tools 10-326 14" Deluxe Bandsaw
Top Key Features
- 13-inch cutting capacity
- 1,445 / 2,950 FPM dual blade speed
- 1-¾ HP motor
- 21-1/2″ x 15-3/4″ tabletop
- 45 degrees table right tilt
- 3/4″ x 3/8″ miter gauge slot
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The Rikon Power Tools 10-326 is a powerhouse of a bandsaw with the ability to tackle larger pieces of material. It is an industrial-grade bandsaw with all the features you would expect from such a bandsaw.
With this band saw, you get a cutting capacity of 13 ⅝ inches wide and 13 inches high. Meaning that you can rip large pieces of wood. More importantly, it is able to handle resawing of larger and thicker pieces of wood.
It is powered by a 1-¾ HP motor that turns the blade at a dual speed of 2950 FPM and 1445 fpm. Also, you can use it with either a 115volt or a 230volt power outlet. We put this saw to the test resawing 12-inch boards and it performed flawlessly.
Overall we loved how easy this bandsaw was easy to use. The blade guide for example was easy to use. You can also change the orientation of the fence from half and inch to six inches.
Two Thumbs Up For
- It is a large bandsaw made from cast iron thus is very stable and rigid
- The cast-iron wheels at the base are balanced and stable
- Comes with a guide system that is easy to use without the need for tools
- Features dual blade speed, which is handy for cutting different materials
- Has a great cutting capacity of 13 inches
What's Not To Like
- The instructions manual is not descriptive enough
- The on/off power button protrudes a bit too much
This is yet another band saw that is worth its price tag. Similar to some of the other models on our list, it doesn’t come cheap. However, it has features you are unlikely to find in most budget bandsaws.
Rikon 10" Deluxe Bandsaw
Top Key Features
- ½ Horse Power motor
- 13-3/4″ x 12-1/2″ tabletop
- 5/8″ x 1/4″ miter gauge slot
- 12-1/4″ x 2-3/8″ fence size
- 2.5-inch dust port
- 77.5 pounds in weight
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The Rikon 10 inch Deluxe bandsaw is more lightweight and affordable than most other resawing bandsaws. It features a 10-inch saw and does not take up too much space. We got a chance to test this band saw and here is what we thought of it.
Our first impressions were that it was quite small making it ideal for small workshops. So how does it compare in the power department? With a ½ HP motor, it is pretty powerful for such a small bandsaw.
As for its resaw capacity stands at 5 inches, it was what you would expect from a saw its size. The saw has to blade speeds 3,280 sfpm and 1,515 SFPM for wood and softer metals respectively.
Measuring 12-1/4″ x 2-3/8″, the fence is quite tall. Furthermore, the tabletop has a wide surface area of 13-3/4″ x 12-1/2″. There is a little window on the upper house that allows for blade tracking even when the door is closed.
Two Thumbs Up For
- This band saw is quite small and does not take up a lot of room
- It is easy to set up and use
- Despite its size, it has a sufficiently powerful motor and can handle cutting hardwoods and soft metals
- Comes with two blade speeds for cutting different materials
- The fence on this bandsaw with a secure locking mechanism makes resaw setup easy
What's Not To Like
- The included blade is not good for resawing
- Is not ideal for resawing overlay thick pieces of wood
This band saw is considerably lighter and smaller than some of the other entries on the list. It is thus perfect for small workshops with limited space.
If you are new to woodworking or carpentry, you have probably heard the term resawing being thrown about. But what exactly does resawing mean? More importantly, is it essential? In this article, we are going to dive into what resawing is and why it’s done.
What Is Resawing
For the sake of those of us who are new to this concept, let’s start at the beginning, what is resawing? In the simplest of terms, this is splitting a thick piece of board along the grain to create thinner slabs.
In this regard resawing is a type of rip-cut. However, it is worth noting that not all rip-cuts are resaws. When resawing, you are cutting a board along its thickness.
How To Resaw Wood
Now that we all understand what resawing is, let’s go to the next question, how to resaw wood? Resawing can be done with the aid of a hacksaw, table saw or band saw. Using a hacksaw is manual and tedious work that we wouldn’t recommend.
A table saw, or band saw is better for resawing than using a hacksaw. Regardless of the tool, you use the process is mostly the same. First, you have to set the blade straight, and the fence parallel to it.
Next, push the lumber against the fence and towards the blade to make the cut. A band saw is great for resawing for two key reasons. Bandsaws can resaw much thicker boards. Second, the kerf of a bandsaw blade is much thinner compared to that of a table saw.
This brings us to the next question, how to resaw wood on a bandsaw?
Resawing wood on a bandsaw
Question what is resawing on a band saw? The answer to this question is the same answer to the question of what is resawing. The more important question is, how to set up a bandsaw for resawing.
How To Set Up A Bandsaw For Resawing And Resawing Wood On It?
The first thing you will want to do is ensure you have the right blade. So what size is the best band saw blade for resawing? Ideally, a ½ inch wide blade with 3-4 teeth per inch will be ideal for resawing. Next is ensuring you have a tall fence for the board to ride against.
Next is checking the tension of the blade. For resawing, the tension of the blade should be between 7,000 and 15,000 PSI. To manually check if the blade is tensioned correctly, pluck on the open section of the blade. A well-tensioned blade should resonate like a guitar string.
As you always can not count the tension gauge on a bandsaw, the easiest way is to take any kind of square element and set it away about a quarter inch from the blade and push the blade with your thumb. If the blade is about to touch the square item by the gentle push, you are good to go, and the blade tension is perfect for resawing.
If your bandsaw fence is not tall enough, you can purchase a tall fence, or you can attach a flat board onto your fence. To resaw lumber, the blade needs to be parallel to the fence. However, in some bandsaws, the fence is usually parallel to the miter slot.
A simple way of making the blade parallel is adjusting the upper wheel to make the blade be parallel to the fence.
The lumber you plan on resawing should have one surface that is planed flat and another that has a square edge. The planed flat side is placed against the fence while the square edge side is pushed towards the blade.
It is essential to feed the lumber slowly to allow the blade time to cut into it and allow it enough time to clear out sawdust that accumulates.
Why Resaw Lumber?
So why exactly should you resaw lumber? There are several benefits of resawing thick pieces of timber. These are;
Firstly it is cost-effective. Let’s say you have a piece of exotic wood you want to use; you can resaw it to create two thinner matching pieces. This saves you the cost of having to purchase another piece of exotic wood.
Resawing produces two thinner slabs with almost identical grain that can be book-matched. More importantly, the new slabs may have a grain with unique and interesting grain patterns that will add a unique design to the finished product.
Resawing is the best way of producing veneers. The latter are thin sheets of timber, usually between 0.5mm to 2.5mm in thickness. These are used in making furniture and for interior decoration. Veneers also come in handy when you need to cover an MDF.
The process of resawing produces thinner sheets of timber from a thick sheet that can be easily used in various woodworking projects. This will go a long way in saving materials, especially if you have a lot of products to make.
How to set up a bandsaw for resawing will depend on the type of bandsaw you have. However, with virtually any bandsaw, you can resaw thicker pieces of lumber. While you can resaw with a table as well, we recommend using a bandsaw.
There are many benefits to using a bandsaw, one of which is that you can adjust the blade guide to accommodate thicker sheets of timber for resawing.
Why Bandsaws Are Perfect For Resawing
You can use a table saw to resaw your wood, but the best tool to use is a bandsaw. But why is this? The biggest advantage of a bandsaw is that it can accommodate wider boards.
Unlike a table saw it is possible to raise the blade guard to accommodate wider boards. Also, a bandsaw’s blade has a thinner kerf which aids in making smoother cuts.
Useful Resawing Tips
For resawing purposes you will need to use the right blade. Ideally, the blade you pick should be about ½ inch wide and have 3-tooth-per-inch. This helps provide a smooth cut and saw dust extraction, which is crucial when resawing.
Also important is the tension of the blade. To check that your blade has the right tension, carefully poke the blade with your index finger. The blade will deflect and seem to hit a wall. When it has the right tension it will not deflect easy.
Adjusting your fence is also important when resawing. Usually the fence will be parallel to the miter slot. For resawing you need to adjust it so that it skews ½ inch to the right or left of the miter slot.
It is possible to cut your logs into lumber when they are wet or dry. However, it is advisable to do it when they are wet. The size of logs you can resaw will be dependent on your saw’s capacity of resawing. If you have larger logs than your saw can handle you can get a riser block.
When feeding the wood to the blade do it at a moderate and consistent pace. Feeding it too slow will result in the blade wearing out faster. Feeding it too fast and you will have wood with wide bands of diagonal tooth marks.
How To Buy Best Resawing Bandsaw : Things You must Need To Consider
So what are some of the things you should consider when shopping for a resawing band saw? The most important are
Type of bandsaw
Some bandsaws are large and bulky, while others are small and lightweight. Some models such as the Rikon 10″ Deluxe Bandsaw are lighter than your average bandsaw. These typically tend to have a smaller resaw capacity of 6 inches.
The good thing with smaller bandsaws is they are affordable compared to larger models that offer a bigger capacity of resawing. For professional heavy duty resawing a larger bandsaw will be ideal. But if it’s for home use, a small option may be better especially since you can increase its capacity of resawing with the addition of a riser block.
Power
Power depends on how many horsepowers a bandsaw’s motor can churn out. The more the horsepower the more power you get. Some models such as the SHOP FOX W1729 19-Inch Bandsaw offer a horsepower of 2HP.
However, most resawing can be done with a motor with a horsepower of between 1 and 2HP. Anything below this and the bandsaw will struggle to resaw larger and thicker stocks.
The tabletop
The tabletop is where you place materials for cutting. A wider table can accommodate larger pieces of material. However, size isn’t the only thing to consider when it comes to the table. It is also important to consider what it is made of.
Cast-iron is the best material for making bandsaw tables. A powder-coated table will offer a smooth finish that will help slide materials towards the blade with ease. Cheaper bandsaws feature aluminum tables.
Throat capacity
This is the distance between the top blade guides and the bandsaw table. This distance is important for resawing band saw. For efficiency, you need a throat capacity of 8 inches and above. As with power, the more the throat capacity the better.
Guide wheels
The guide wheels in a bandsaw are responsible for driving the blade. These wheels are typically made from aluminum, steel, or cast iron. Due to it being lightweight aluminum is not the best material for making guide wheels.
Some cheaper models feature aluminum guide wheels. For serious resawing, you need steel or cast-iron guide wheels. And similar to the table cast iron wheels are the best as they are heavier and result in more momentum to the blade.
Variable speed
Some saws will have two blade speeds while others will have one. The question, which option is better? Well, it depends on your work. If you intend on cutting different materials such as wood and metals a dual blade speed will be better.
However, a single blade speed will do just fine if you need a tool just for wood resawing purposes. All the same, dual speed bandsaws are more versatile in their cutting.
Blade Speed and Size
The speed at which the blade turns matters a lot. A higher blade speed is suited for cutting thicker or harder to cut materials. When it comes to size a wider blade is not always the best for resawing.
A ½ inch wide blade is ideal for resawing.
Blade guides
The work of blade guides is to ensure the blade stays straight and square to the table. Blade guides are usually made of either sealed bearings or ceramics. Both materials are great but ceramic guides are less durable and difficult to replace.
The fence system
It is not possible to resaw wood without a fence. That being said, the fence should be sufficiently tall to accommodate larger pieces of wood. The best bandsaw for woodworking will typically offer a fence that is 4 to 6 inches tall.
The best option is a band saw that has the option of t-tracks, this way you can install a ¾ inch plywood to raise the height of your fence.
Conclusion
Bandsaws are perfect for resawing, however, not all band saws will be best suited for resawing. The above eight offer all the features you need to finish your wood resawing work. Ultimately though, the best bandsaws for resawing will depend on your needs.
1 thought on “8 Best Bandsaw For Resawing: {Editors Choice}”
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