Choosing the Best Band Saw Blade for Resawing: Features to Compare Before You Buy
You need to resaw wood and you want to choose the best blade for the job. Resawing is cutting a board vertically to make thinner boards. You need to know about blade width, TPI, tooth profile, material, and tension.
Resawing is the process of cutting a board vertically along its width to produce thinner boards. It requires a blade that can handle thick stock, cut straight, and remove sawdust efficiently. The right blade makes the difference between a smooth surface and a rough one.
Key Features to Compare
1. Blade Width
Wider blades are more stable and cut straighter. For resawing, wider is better.
| Width | Stability | Maximum Resaw Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 inch | Low | 3 inches | Small stock |
| 3/8 inch | Medium | 6 inches | General resawing |
| 1/2 inch | High | 6 to 12 inches | Serious resawing |
| 3/4 inch | Very high | 12+ inches | Production resawing |
| 1 inch | Highest | 12+ inches | Large resawing |
Recommendation: Use the widest blade your saw can handle. For 14-inch saws, 1/2 inch is ideal. For 18-inch saws, 3/4 to 1 inch.
2. TPI (Teeth Per Inch)
Lower TPI cuts faster and removes sawdust more efficiently. For resawing, fewer teeth are better.
| TPI | Cut Speed | Sawdust Clearance | Cut Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 TPI | Very fast | Excellent | Fair | Very thick stock (4+ inches) |
| 3 TPI | Fast | Excellent | Fair | General resawing (2 to 6 inches) |
| 4 TPI | Medium | Good | Fair to good | Smaller stock (1 to 3 inches) |
| 6 TPI | Slow | Fair | Good | Thin stock (under 2 inches) |
Recommendation: 3 TPI for general resawing. 2 TPI for very thick stock (4+ inches). 4 TPI for smaller stock (under 3 inches).
3. Tooth Profile
Hook Tooth (Positive Rake)
The best choice for resawing. Advantages:
- Cuts aggressively.
- Pulls the blade through the material.
- Large gullets clear sawdust efficiently. Disadvantages:
- Produces rougher surface.
- May leave visible tooth marks.
Skip Tooth (Large Gullets)
Good for resawing softwoods. Advantages:
- Large gullets clear sawdust.
- Good for soft or gummy material. Disadvantages:
- Less aggressive than hook tooth.
- May cut slower.
Variable Pitch (Alternating Teeth)
Good for mixed thicknesses. Advantages:
- Reduces vibration.
- Smoother cuts. Disadvantages:
- May not clear sawdust as efficiently as hook tooth.
Recommendation: Hook tooth for most resawing. Skip tooth for softwoods. Variable pitch for mixed thicknesses.
4. Blade Material
Carbon Steel
Cost: 10 to 20 dollars. Lifespan: 20 to 60 linear feet of resawing. Best for: Occasional resawing, softwoods. Limitations: Loses sharpness quickly in hardwood.
Bi-Metal M42
Cost: 25 to 40 dollars. Lifespan: 100 to 300 linear feet of resawing. Best for: Hardwood resawing, frequent use. Advantages: 2 to 5 times longer life than carbon steel.
Carbide-Tipped
Cost: 80 to 200 dollars. Lifespan: 500 to 2000 linear feet of resawing. Best for: Production resawing, abrasive woods. Advantages: 5 to 10 times longer life than bi-metal.
Recommendation: Bi-metal M42 for most users. Carbon steel for occasional use. Carbide-tipped for production.
5. Blade Tension
Proper tension is critical for resawing. Low tension causes the blade to wander.
| Blade Width | Recommended Tension |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | 15,000 to 20,000 PSI |
| 3/4 inch | 20,000 to 25,000 PSI |
| 1 inch | 25,000 to 30,000 PSI |
How to check: Use a tension gauge. If you do not have a gauge, tension the blade until it rings when plucked like a guitar string.
6. Blade Set
The set is the amount the teeth are bent to the side to create clearance for the blade body.
Types:
- Standard set: Alternating left and right set. Good for general resawing.
- Raker set: Pattern of left, right, and unset teeth. Smoother cuts.
- Wavy set: Wavy pattern. Good for thin material.
Recommendation: Standard or raker set for resawing.
Recommended Blades by Saw Size
14-Inch Band Saw (93-1/2 Inch Blade)
Blade: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42. Cost: 25 to 35 dollars. Resaw capacity: 6 inches (12 with riser).
18-Inch Band Saw (150 Inch Blade, verify)
Blade: 3/4 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42. Cost: 40 to 60 dollars. Resaw capacity: 10 to 12 inches.
20-Inch Band Saw (157 Inch Blade, verify)
Blade: 1 inch, 2 to 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42 or carbide-tipped. Cost: 60 to 200 dollars. Resaw capacity: 12+ inches.
Popular Resawing Blade Brands
| Brand | Blade Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber Wolf (Suffolk Machinery) | Low-tension carbide | 30 to 60 dollars | Popular for resawing |
| Olson Saw | Bi-metal M42 | 25 to 40 dollars | Good value |
| LENOX | Bi-metal and carbide | 30 to 200 dollars | Professional grade |
| Starrett | Bi-metal M42 | 30 to 50 dollars | Professional grade |
| Wood Slicer (Highland Woodworking) | Carbon steel | 20 to 30 dollars | Popular for resawing |
FAQ
What is the best blade for resawing?
A 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth bi-metal M42 blade for 14-inch saws. For 18-inch saws, a 3/4 inch blade. For 20-inch saws, a 1 inch blade. Use the widest blade your saw can handle with the lowest TPI.
What TPI is best for resawing?
3 TPI for general resawing. 2 TPI for very thick stock (4+ inches). 4 TPI for smaller stock (under 3 inches). Lower TPI cuts faster and clears sawdust more efficiently.
How long does a resawing blade last?
Carbon steel: 20 to 60 linear feet. Bi-metal M42: 100 to 300 linear feet. Carbide-tipped: 500 to 2000 linear feet. Lifespan depends on wood hardness, blade tension, and feed rate.
References
- Suffolk Machinery (Timber Wolf). “Resawing Blade Guide.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
- Olson Saw. “Resawing Blade Selection.” Olson Saw Company.
- Fine Woodworking. “Resawing Guide.” Taunton Press.
- Highland Woodworking. “Wood Slicer Blade Guide.” highlandwoodworking.com.
- Popular Woodworking. “Resawing Blade Comparison.” Popular Woodworking Magazine.
