It’s not a secret that bandsaws are known for their versatile resaw capacity, but some don’t have enough power, which results in blade fatigue and wobbly cuts.
So if you don’t want to splurge on the wrong tools, here are the best band saws for resawing tested by our experts to ease your cutting process.
Reviews of the Top Band Saws for Resawing
1. WEN 3962T
Not all band saw options include a work light, so we didn’t miss the chance to try WEN 3962T. It may seem trivial, but this feature guarantees safe cutting operations even if you’re using this resawing bandsaw in dim conditions.
And because its throat capacity is 9-¾ inches deep, cutting through thick pieces sized up to 6 inches didn’t become an issue during our tests. It also has an adjustable rip fence and miter gauge, maintaining its consistent cutting capacities.
So as long as you’re using the right blade, its 3.5 amp motor has enough power to execute different cuts.
What We Like
- The best resawing band saw for wood materials
- It has two blade speeds suitable for different projects
- Long-lasting and ball-bearing construction
- It includes a cutting line for added accuracy
- Compatible with different blade options
What We Don't Like
- Must not be used with a thin resaw blade
- Assembling this unit may take time
2. Grizzly Industrial G0555XH
Although not as affordable as other power tools, Grizzly Industrial G0555XH proved its value with its 12-inch resaw capacity. Because of this, you wouldn’t need to spend extra on a riser kit to get the job done.
Unlike other saws, this unit features heavy-duty cast-iron wheels and a durable steel frame to reduce operational vibration. You can also count on the accuracy of this tool because it’s equipped with a quick-release blade tension system.
Its equivalent alternative doesn’t have a cast-iron fence or table, so its price is a reasonable value for its long-lasting durability.
What We Like
- Sturdy steel frame construction and cast-iron wheels
- High resaw capacity & wide-range table tilts
- Extensive table space capable of handling large materials
What We Don't Like
- The resaw fence isn’t made of cast-iron
- Expensive than other industrial bandsaw options
3. Woodskil 3A
Besides wood, did you know that Woodskil 3A is the kind of bandsaw that can easily cut soft metal? And that’s all thanks to its impressive cutting capacity of 2500 feet 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.
If you inspect it closer, you’ll see that the blade is around 59 inches. With this size, it can deliver 3-inch cutting depth and 9-inch wide cuts. It’s also engineered with helpful blade guides and tilting table angles to increase the operation’s accuracy.
What We Like
- Capable of cutting metal pieces
- High-speed and large cutting capacity
- Includes safety switches and locks
What We Don't Like
- Not the best bandsaws for resawing thick pieces
- It needs extra force to slice through some materials
4. RIKON Power Tools 10-3061
If you’re looking to resaw different materials, then we’re sure RIKON Power Tools 10-3061 is the right bandsaw for you. You may not know, but it has a 6 TPI resaw bandsaw blade. Thanks to this, it can cut through wood and metal materials.
The unit’s 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. Through this, you can monitor the operation without the risk of debris flying right at you.
What We Like
- More affordable than other medium-sized saws
- Durable and sharp blades suited for different projects
- It’s made of sturdy and long-lasting cast-iron materials
What We Don't Like
- Smaller bandsaw resaw capacity
- The user manual isn’t beginner-friendly
5. Shop Fox W1706
In terms of user-friendliness, Shop Fox W1706 is the best band saw for resawing you can find in the market. Upon our first-hand experience, our resident craftsmen could change blades quickly through its 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. The scales aren’t complicated to read at all. You just need to adjust it by adding or subtracting 30 degrees.
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 work support that prevents wobbling
What We Don't Like
- Sold at a higher price than other bandsaws
- Heavyweight and difficult to assemble
6. Powermatic PWBS-14CS
While it’s not the best bandsaw for resawing if you’re on a tight budget, we included Powermatic PWBS-14CS mainly for its 60-watt work lamp. As you know, cutting materials require accuracy, and this feature aids that.
If you’re working on large pieces, we’re certain that its 15.0 x 20.0-inch 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.
It’s also reassuring that this bandsaw has a dual-bearing blade guide system that users can adjust for better blade control and less friction.
What We Like
- User-friendly adjustments and controls
- Made with sturdy nine-spoke cast iron
- Dual ball bearings for accurate cuts
What We Don't Like
- Lamp bulb not included upon purchase
- It’s way more expensive than other tools on the list
7. RIKON Power Tools 10-326
As a cutting tool from a trusted brand, we have very high expectations of RIKON Power Tools 10-326. With a dual-volt motor running at one ¾ HP, it’s 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. Besides that, it also features a Table Trunnion locking system that allows table angle adjustments for precise cutting output.
Compared to other bandsaws, it’s hard not to notice that Rikon 10-326 has a taller fence. As it stands with a height of six inches, this size offers great material support.
See Also: JET JWBS-14SFX Bandsaw Review
What We Like
- It has great stability during heavy-duty usage
- It’s capable of handling a wide range of materials
- No extra tools are needed for any adjustments
What We Don't Like
- Additional costs for different blade sizes
- Too heavy to move from one place to another
Band Saw for Resawing Buyer’s Guide
Frame Design
The best bandsaws for resawing are usually made with cast-iron frames. Since it has more compression strength than steel, it can withstand regular usage. However, units equipped with cast-iron frames often have less power and motor size.
On the other hand, steel frames have excellent durability [1]. Despite its advantages, it offers a larger cutting capacity than its cast-iron alternatives.
Tabletop Size
Some may think table size isn’t an important feature, but did you know that it determines the project size you can handle? Buying tools with 16″ x 20″ tabletop size should suffice for general usage.
Resaw Capacity
Another feature you should remember to check is the unit’s resaw capacity. If you don’t know, this specification represents the overall distance between the tabletop and the tallest blade guide in your unit.
It means that if you buy a 14-inch bandsaw, its cutting capacity is also 14 inches.
Horsepower
Given that these tools run with motor power, your bandsaw should have enough horsepower rating to tackle the materials you’ll be cutting.
If you’re handling smaller wood stocks, models with 1½ HP will suffice. Meanwhile, you may need 2 to 3 HP if you want to cut larger and thicker hardwoods.
Blade Guides
If you scan today’s market, there’s no way you won’t know that most bandsaws are equipped with either ball-bearing or ceramic blade guides. These features are important for stability and material support.
However, we recommend ceramic guides if you’re aiming for stability. On the other hand, the bearing ones are more effective for blade guidance.
Blade Size, Speed, and Compatibility
Now, what is the best width bandsaw blade for resawing? Typically, we’d say that 0.5-inch blades are the most compatible for the task.
However, you’ll also need to consider the blade type you’ll be using. Should you use hook-toothed blades for thicker wood or opt for skip tooth for softwoods and plastics?
While you ponder that, you should also know that speed setting can affect how well your blade will cut. Don’t forget that the higher speed it can go, the better it’ll perform in cutting tough materials.
Fence
Resawing is impossible without a fence system, so it’s only natural to check its quality. Getting models with higher fences is a no-brainer, especially if you’ll be cutting large materials.
The fence system most suitable for woodwork should range around 4 to 6 inches tall.
Throat Capacity
Models with higher throat capacities are often powerful enough to tackle tough cutting jobs. If you want it done efficiently, your cutting tool should have at least an 8-inch deep throat.
Variable Speed
If you look at our product suggestions, you’ll see that some options have two variable speed settings while others have one. If you ask us, dual variable-speed configurations will come in handy if you’re cutting more than one type of material.
Guide Wheels
No matter what your project is, we don’t 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
Not all bandsaws are affordable. However, investing in premium-quality models for long-lasting usage is also not a bad idea. Depending on the features, sizes, and material, these tools can range from $200 to $1000 or more.
To ensure that you’ll get the best of these tools, don’t forget to check if the manufacturer offers product warranties.
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 don’t know, resawing is the term used for the process of slicing thick wood into thinner logs. It’s a kind of rip cut that’s usually made through the board’s thickness.
Advantages 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 won’t have to lift the blade guards to accommodate these materials. Besides that, it can execute smoother cuts thanks to its thin kerf.
Vertical vs. Horizontal Bandsaws
These tools come in two varieties; horizontal and vertical bandsaws. You may not know, but these options offer different blade movements and capacities. Here’s how exactly they differ.
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.
This is also why these tools aren’t recommended for bigger 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.
Other than that, horizontal bandsaw options often have more power, making them capable of handling larger wood, metal, or plastic materials.
How to Set Up a Bandsaw and Resaw Wood
Before you do anything, check if you have the correct blade size for resawing. As previously mentioned, you can get the best cut quality if the blade is 0.5 inches wide. Besides that, there should be a tall fence for better material support.
Once these things are ensured, the blade tensioning should be around 7000 to 15000 PSI. You can manually check it by opening the blade section. If the blade is properly tensioned, it should have a resonation similar to a guitar string.
When resawing logs, the blade should align with the fence. You can adjust the upper wheel to ensure the alignment remains the same. However, there will be models where the blade is oriented with the miter slot. But be careful when using this tool if you want to avoid unexpected bandsaw accidents.
FAQ
What width of blade is best for resawing?
The width of the blade that’s best for resawing is 0.5 or 1/2 inches. It also has to have at least 3 to 4 teeth per inch for a better cutting result.
Can a band saw blade be resharpened?
Yes, you can resharpen a band saw blade. It’s quite economical, especially if you want to save money by buying replacement blades. However, this process is time-consuming because you’ll have to sharpen each tooth for a better cutting experience.
Do you need different bandsaw blades for 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.
It’s also important to note that different blade types are used for cutting wood and metal.
Our Top Pick For a Bandsaw for Resawing:
WEN 3962T
The best band saw for resawing doesn’t have to be expensive, so we selected WEN 3962T as our top pick in this product evaluation.
Given its two-speed configurations, we don’t doubt that this unit is versatile enough to tackle different resawing projects. On top of that, its compatibility with most blade options is a cost-effective feature not many options have.
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