Reviews Of The Top Band Saws For Resawing
1. WEN 3962T
We didn’t pass up the opportunity to test WEN 3962T, as not all bandsaw options have a worklight. Although it may seem insignificant, this feature ensures safe cutting even when the bandsaw is used in dim lighting.
And because its throat capacity is 9- inches deep, cutting through thick pieces sized up to 15 cm didnt become an issue during our tests. The miter gauge and rip fence can be adjusted to maintain its consistent cutting capabilities.
So as long as youre using the right blade, its 3.5 amp motor has enough power to execute different cuts.
What We Like
- The best resawing bandsaw for wood materials
- You can use it for two different types of projects.
- Construction that is long-lasting and ball bearing
- It includes a cutting line for added accuracy
- Compatible with other options
What we don’t like
- Not to be used with a thin, resaw blade
- This unit can be difficult to assemble.
2. Grizzly Industrial G0555XH
The Grizzly industrial G0555XH was not as inexpensive as other power tools but it proved its worth with its 30 cm resaw capability. You don’t need a riser kit to do the job.
Unlike other saws, this unit features heavy-duty cast-iron wheels and a durable steel frame to reduce operational vibration. This tool is equipped with a quick-release tension system that ensures accuracy.
The equivalent product does not have a cast iron fence or table so the price is reasonable for its durability.
What We Like
- Sturdy steel frame construction and cast-iron wheels
- High resawing capacity and wide-range of table tilts
- Large table space that can hold large items
What We Don’t Like
- Cast-iron is not used to make the resaw fence.
- More expensive than other industrial bandsaw options
3. Woodskil 3A
Woodskil 3A can cut soft metal, in addition to wood. And thats all thanks to its impressive cutting capacity of 762.0 m per minute and 1720 RPM motor speed.
Despite its high power, our testers noticed that it can still produce a smooth and aggressive cut without the hassle of excessive noise.
The blade measures approximately 150 cm if you look closely. With this size, it can deliver 8 cm cutting depth and 23 cm wide cuts. To improve the accuracy of operations, it has helpful blade guides and tilting tables angles.
What We Like
- Capable of cutting steel pieces
- High-speed and large cutting capacity
- Include safety switches and locks
What we don’t like
- These are not the best bandsaws to resaw thick pieces.
- It needs extra force to slice through some materials
4. RIKON Power Tools 10-30161
If youre looking to resaw different materials, then were sure RIKON Power Tools 10-3061 is the right bandsaw for you. It has a 6-TPI resaw bandsaw blade. Thanks to this, it can cut through wood and metal materials.
The units cast-iron table can achieve different angled cuts, as it can tilt from 0 to 45 degrees. On top of that, its blade-tracking feature will keep the power tool from moving away from the set cutting line.
We also liked that this resawing band saw has a viewing window. This allows you to observe the operation and avoid any debris from flying at you.
What We Like
- This saw is more affordable than medium-sized saws
- Blades that are durable and sharp, suitable for various projects
- Its made of sturdy and long-lasting cast-iron materials
5. Fox W1706
Shop Fox W1706 is the most user-friendly band saw available for resawing. Our firsthand experience has shown that our skilled craftsmen were able to change blades quickly using the quick-release tension system.
Another notable feature of this resawing band saw that makes it easier to use than the rest is its premium miter gauge. It is easy to read the scales. Simply add or subtract 30 degrees to adjust the scale.
Shop Fox W1706 can also tilt in both left and right directions, so users can expect it to make angular cuts easily.
What We Like
- Well-constructed with ball bearings
- Can easily change to different blades
- Solid support for your work that doesn’t allow you to wobble
What We Don’t Like
- Sold at a higher cost than other bandsaws
- Heavyweight and difficult to assemble
6. Powermatic PWBS-14CS
While its not the best bandsaw for resawing if youre on a tight budget, we included Powermatic PWBS-14CS mainly for its 60-watt work lamp. This feature helps you cut materials accurately, as you probably already know.
If youre working on large pieces, were certain that its 15.0 x 51 cm worktable can easily accommodate it. Additionally, it houses a T-square rip fence with a resawing attachment that is not only user-friendly but also efficient for cutting operations.
This bandsaw also features a dual bearing blade guide system, which users can adjust to improve blade control and reduce friction.
What We Like
- Controls and adjustments that are user-friendly
- Made with sturdy nine-spoke cast iron
- Dual ball bearings for accurate cuts
What We Don’t Like
- Lamp bulb not included upon purchase
- Its way more expensive than other tools on the list
7. RIKON Power Tools 10-3226
We have high expectations for RIKON Power Tools 10-326, as a trusted brand’s cutting tool. With a dual-volt motor running at one HP, its not surprising that the unit is geared for tackling thick and extensive materials.
And through its user-friendly fence knobs, our testers could adjust blade drift without using other tools. It also has a Table Trunnion locking mechanism that allows for table angle adjustments to ensure precise cutting output.
Rikon 10-326 is a much taller bandsaw than other models. This size provides great material support as it stands at six inches high.
What We Like
- It has great stability during heavy-duty usage
- It can handle a wide variety of materials
- No extra tools are needed for any adjustments
What we don’t like
- Extra charges for different sizes of blades
- Too heavy to transport from one place to the next
Band Saw For Resawing Buyers Guide
Frame Design
Cast-iron frames are the best for resawing bandsaws. Since it has more compression strength than steel, it can withstand regular usage. Cast-iron frames are less powerful and have smaller motors.
On the other hand, steel frames have excellent durability . It has a greater cutting capability than cast-iron, despite its many advantages.
Tabletop Size
Some may think table size isnt an important feature, but did you know that it determines the project size you can handle? For general use, tools should be 41 cm x 51cm in size.
Resaw Capacity
You should also check the unit’s resaw capacity. This is the distance between your tabletop and the highest blade guide in the unit.
It means that if you buy a 36 cm bandsaw, its cutting capacity is also 36 cm.
Horsepower
Given that these tools run with motor power, your bandsaw should have enough horsepower rating to tackle the materials youll be cutting.
Models with 1 HP are sufficient for smaller wood stock handling. If you need to cut thicker and larger hardwoods, however, you might require 2 to 3 HP.
Blade Guides
You will find that many bandsaws have either ceramic or ball-bearing blade guides if you look at the market today. These features are crucial for material support and stability.
If you want stability, ceramic guides are the best choice. Bearing guides are better for blade guidance.
Blade Size, Speed, And Compatibility
What is the best width bandsaw blade to use for resawing? We would say that blades of 1 cm are most compatible for this task.
However, youll also need to consider the blade type youll be using. Should you use hook-toothed blades for thicker wood or opt for skip tooth for softwoods and plastics?
This is a good question to ask yourself. Speed setting can also affect the quality of your blade’s cutting. It is important to remember that cutting tough materials will be easier if your blade can travel at a faster speed.
Fence
A fence system is essential for resowing. It’s not possible to do so without it. Getting models with higher fences is a no-brainer, especially if youll be cutting large materials.
A fence system that is most suitable for woodwork should be between 4 and 15 cm high.
Capacity For The Throat
High throat capacities can often be sufficient to handle difficult cutting tasks. If you want it done efficiently, your cutting tool should have at least an 20 cm deep throat.
Variable Speed
You’ll notice that some options have two speeds while others only one. Dual variable-speed configurations are a great option if you’re cutting multiple types of material.
Guide Wheels
No matter what your project is, we dont recommend buying a bandsaw with aluminum guide wheels. We suggest heavier wheel materials like steel and cast iron if you want more stability and momentum during the resawing procedure.
Price Range And Warranty
Bandsaws can be expensive. It is a good idea to invest in high-quality models that will last for a long time. Depending on the features, sizes, and material, these tools can range from to or more.
Make sure you check the warranty details to ensure that you get the most out of these tools.
Through this, you can ensure that the seller is committed to providing quality products and are willing to replace them in case of a defective purchase.
What Is Resawing?
For those who dont know, resawing is the term used for the process of slicing thick wood into thinner logs. This is a type of rip cut, which is usually made through the boards thickness.
Benefits Of Using A Bandsaw For Resawing
One of the biggest perks when using a bandsaw for resawing is its ability to handle wider boards. You wont have to lift the blade guards to accommodate these materials. It can also make smoother cuts due to its thin kerf.
Horizontal Vs. Vertical Bandsaws
These tools come in two varieties; horizontal and vertical bandsaws. These options have different capacities and blade movements, which you may not be aware of. These are the differences.
Vertical Bandsaws
Most vertical bandsaws are utilized for cutting complex shapes. And because the blade remains static during the process, you must be mindful in moving the working piece in vertical bandsaw options.
These tools are not recommended for larger materials.
Horizontal Bandsaws
Unlike its alternative, a horizontal resaw bandsaw moves during the cutting operations. Because of this, the workpiece being cut can remain in its place.
Horizontal bandsaws are also more powerful and can handle larger wood, metal or plastic materials.
How To Set Up A Bandsaw And Resaw Wood
Before you start any work, make sure you have the right size blade for your resaw. The best quality cut is possible if your blade is at least 1 cm in width.
A tall fence is also recommended to provide better support for the material.
Once these things are ensured, the blade tensioning should be around 7000 to 15000 PSI. It is possible to manually check the tension by opening the blade section. The blade should have a resonance similar to a guitar string if it is properly tensioned.
The fence should be aligned with the blade when resawing logs. You can adjust the upper wheel to ensure the alignment remains the same. There will be models in which the blade is oriented with a miter slot.
FAQ
What width of blade is best for resawing?
The width of the blade thats best for resawing is 0.5 or
Can a band saw blade be resharpened?
Yes, you can resharpen a band saw blade. This is a cost-effective option, especially if your goal is to reduce costs by purchasing replacement blades. However, this process is time-consuming because youll have to sharpen each tooth for a better cutting experience.
Are you looking for different bandsaw blades to make different cuts?
Yes, it would help if you had multiple bandsaw blades for different materials and cuts. You may not know, but the best bandsaw to use for resawing are the ones with wider blades.
Its also important to note that different blade types are used for cutting wood and metal.
