Best Bandsaw for Resawing in 2021- Buyer’s Guide Included

Resawing is a quite complex and subtle job for a professional carpenter. This job can be done safely and accurately, wondering how? A resaw bandsaw is the best solution for it. Needless to say, if you are looking for precision in woodwork, it is essential to have the best bandsaw for resawing.

The bandsaw is one of the undervalued woodcutting tools that is used to cut everything with ease. It should be on the top list for a carpenter.

Bandsaw helps to cut the thicker wood piece into thinner pieces for woodwork artifact. They are safer, simple to use, and super versatile than table saws and miter saws. It can cut curves as well as they are best for resawing.

At the same time, numerous manufacturer is competing for your attention and money. It can be challenging to figure out the best bandsaw for resawing. Hence, to help you in this case, we are signing in with our best bandsaw reviews.

Before going to the detailed review lets take a short tour to our list of bandsaw with two most important features.

8 Best Bandsaw for Resawing Comparison Table

8 Best Bandsaw for Resawing Reviews in 2021

WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw – Best Bandsaw For The Money

The WEN 3962 band saw is our top pick, and it comes with lots of attractive features and enhanced durability. It’s an excellent selection for the budget-conscious woodworkers that makes it the best choice bandsaw for the money in 2021.

Powerful Motor

This bandsaw comes with a 3.5 amp motor that can generate up to 2620 FPM. It gives you the ease to tackle the toughest resawing jobs. The machine runs on 120 volts that make it easier to crave through thick boards in a single pass.

Cutting Capacity

It allows you to crave through boards of 9 ¾ thickness along with a cut of six inches deep. The bandsaw features 72-inches blades that can cut woods from 1/8 to ½ inches in size.

Table Dimension and Dust Port

This work table has a dimension of 14 “×12 ½” that can swivel up to 45-degrees. Besides, this WEN bandsaw includes a 3-in-1 dust port to fit a variety of dust collection hose sizes.

Dual Speed Operation

The design operates at two speeds of either 1520 or 2620 FPM to meet the requirements of any project. It also equipped with 6-inches of resaw capacity that can cut board up to 6-inches.

Additional Features

Along with the bandsaw, you’ll get a flexible work light to work at night, a sturdy fence for creating straight cuts, and a miter gauge to cut along a specific angle. As we mentioned earlier, one of the affordable options.

Rikon 10-305 Bandsaw with Fence, 10-Inch

Get all the features of a full-sized bandsaw in the Rikon 10-inch bandsaw. It offers all the premium quality that found in large bandsaws. Besides, it is favorite among woodworker and hobbyist who doesn’t require large cutting capacity and power for their projects.

Robust Construction

The bandsaw comes with a robust steel design that’s is stronger than other plastic models. This table provides a robust work surface, unlike other bandsaws of the same size.

Efficient Motor

It is equipped with 1/3 HP motor s which provides plenty of powers for cutting bowls and pen blanks. The bandsaw features 4-5/8 resaw capacity, which is decent for basic woodworks.

Large and Lightweight work table

It features a large cast-iron saw table which measures 13 ¾ inches by 12 ½ inches. The entire unit is only 68lbs, which makes it easier to set up, and you can move it with ease.

Additional Features

The Rikon bandsaw also comes with a rip fence that is removable to do freehand works. It also includes a dust port for vacuum hook up and safety paddle switch.

Moreover, you can raise or lower the guide with the help of micro-adjustable guidepost. In short, the Rikon bandsaw is excellent for all lightweight works and price is reasonable a well thus you can make it a choice for the best bandsaw for resawing.

DEWALT DCS371B 20V MAX Portable Band Saw

The Dewalt DCS371B bandsaw comes with a superior balance and ergonomics. It is quite distinctive than other bandsaws available in the market. It also allows for more precise cuts with less hand fatigue.

As it is small in design and lightweight it can be considered as the best portable band saw in the market.

Cutting Capacity

The bandsaw comes with 2-1/2″ cutting capacity, which means it can cut up to 2″ SCH 40 pipe with ease. Its centered handle position delivers optimum balance while cutting.

Cutting Speed

It can cut the woods along with the cutting speed of 570FPM, which is good enough for lightweight home projects.

Good-quality Blade

The bandsaw features a blade length of up to 32 7/8″. It also includes dual bearing blade guide rollers that provide enhanced durability in the blade support system. Its blade tracking adjustments increase the blade life by delivering better tracking.

Ease of Use

Moreover, its tool-less blade changing lever loosens blade tension for more natural blade change. The design includes an ergonomic soft grip back handle that provides the user’s comfort and flexibility. You can hang the saw using the hanging hook without damaging the handle or base.

Additional Features

For your convenience, it includes LED work light, so you can now work in dark space. You will get 2V max band saw, TPI blade, and blade tracking wrench along with the bandsaw. This compact unit is available at a reasonable price. So, go for it!

Remember, this can be the best choice among the list if you know how to use it properly for your work.

JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit

The next one is designed to meet the needs of today’s most demanding woodworkers. The JET JWBS bandsaw comes with a massive cast iron frame for enhanced power.

Durable Design

The design comes with a new high tension spring design that lasts for long. It features a cutting capacity of 13.5 inches with 12 inches cutting height to cut larger pieces of wood.

Powerful Blade

It features a built-in retractable blade guard that moves up and down from 0 to 12-inches. You can deal with both small and large pieces.

Dual Operation Mode

Its super-tough cast iron frame operates with a blade speed of 1500/3000 FPM. The frame is rigid as well.

Table Dimension

The bandsaw features a 15 by 15 inches work table that’s designed to tilt 10o left and 45o right for flexibility. The 43.5 inches height ensures that you can meet a range of woodworking jobs.

Optimum Performance

Its superior ball bearing reduces friction. Unlike others, it has a Poly-V belt drive system that provides more precision. A quick-release blade tension assures fast and effortless adjustments.

Additional Features

The bandsaw also includes a blade tracking window for added safety. It also consists of an enclosed stand for the more accessible track with materials. Above all, it is the best bandsaw for wood craving as well. It comes at a decent price, which worth the features.

Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe Bandsaw, 14″

Grizzly offers one of the largest bandsaws in the market. Talking about Grizzly G0555LX Deluxe bandsaw. It comes with classy white design with some excellent specifications and features.

Study Build

The bandsaw features a cast iron frame along with heavy-duty stand and powder coated paint. This precision-ground cast iron table measures 14 by 14 inches wit 1.5iches thickness, which is sturdy enough.

Powerful Motor

It runs with 1 HP motor, which is good enough for woodworks. The table can tilt 45o on the left and 10o o the right. The table height is 43,” which doesn’t let you bend.

Optimum Cutting Capacity

The design includes a large blade along with the optimum cutting height. The blade can operate at dual speeds including 1800/ 3100FPM.

Precision and Stability

The bandsaw features computer balanced cast iron wheels with rubber tire for added stability. It includes the magnifying window and a miter gauge for more accurate cuts.

Adjustable fence

Besides, it features a sturdy extruded aluminum T-shape resaw fence and fence scale. The fence is adjustable for blade lead.

Indeed, it’s an excellent selection for precision cuts and long-lasting performance. It includes a lockable switch with a padlock for added safety. The bandsaws come at a compatible price.

Powermatic 1791216K Model PWBS-14CS Deluxe

Powermatic Deluxe bandsaw is a capable, user-friendly machine for professional woodworkers and hobbyists. Its rugged design offers excellent accuracy and durability.

Solid Construction

It comes with solid steel and cast-iron construction. The build quality is so sturdy that it make it longer-lasting bandsaw. Its heavy-gauge and steel base cabinet offers stability and is resistant to vibration. The bandsaw features extra-large two-piece design.

Powerful Motor

The bandsaw operates with 1 ½ HP motor which delivers enough energy to cut down the thickest wood pieces. The powerful motor of Powermatic comes wide for 115-volts.

Precision and Convenience

The motor power bandsaw provides precision in the multi-grooves pulley that is driven by the Poly-V drive belt system. It includes black width marking on the tensioning block for more workspace.

Dust Removal

Unlike others, it has a 14-inch band saw along with built-in air pumps clear chips. It also features a four-inch diameter port cast into the lower housing into housing for effective dust evacuation.

Easy to access table

The best part is that the bandsaw comes with a 15/15 inch table with a 44-inch table height. Besides, it allows you to deal with heavy woodworks. Its carter quick-release handle includes three positions to allow the user to work with all tension settings.

Indeed, it’s an excellent deal to tackle heavy-duty jobs with precision.

Grizzly G0513ANV 2 HP Bandsaw, 17-Inch

For those who need a respectable cutting capacity at a decent price, Grizzly is proudly offering their 17-foot heavy-duty bandsaw. The Grizzly G0513ANV 2HP bandsaw comes with the largest cutting capacity compared to all others on the list.

Construction

The bandsaw comes with precision-ground cast iron table and deluxe extruded-aluminum fence. This heavy-duty machine runs with a powerful 2HP motor which can deal with most woodworks.

Cutting Capacity

Also, its 12-foot cutting capacity and 16 ¼ foot throat are adequate for most applications.

Smooth Operation

Unlike others, it has computer-balanced cast-aluminum wheels with polyurethane tires for quiet operation. The bandsaw features quick-change blade release or tensioner, which allows greater precision and control.

Safe to Use

Besides, its blade tension indicator and blade tracking window help you to keep an eye on the blade to keep you safe.

Additional Features

Apart from this, the bandsaw features deluxe fence, heavy-duty miter gauge, dual 4-foot dust ports, and micro-adjusting geared table. It also has a European-style blade guide that usually found on machines that cost much than this.

All these excellent features assure high-quality standards. Along with the right blade and maximum cutting capacity, it’s an impressive bandsaw. Also, it comes at a decent price.

Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 14 x 12 Bandsaw

The final one in the list is from Laguna Tools which they take two years in making. The Laguna Tools MBAND1412-175 bandsaw comes with world-class fit and finish.

Efficient Motor

The bandsaw operates with one ¾ HP motor that runs through minimum voltage and provides better power. It features a large micro-polished table mounted onto oversized Trunion paired with Aluminum Hi/Low fence.

Solid-cast Wheels

It includes solid cast wheels that are electronically, dynamically balanced, and fitted with a one-piece polyurethane design. It runs cooler and longer than other conventional tires.

Ease of Use

Moreover, its double windows allow you to check both tension and tracking during machine running time. The machine has handwheel conveniently mounted under an upper cabinet for ease of use.

Dust Port

Also, you can easily remove the dust through its 4-inch dust port, as its innovative table inserts force dust into port. The fences come with two settings to allow you to support those bigger boards while resawing.

Additional Features

Its robust cast iron table and steel frame with a pyramid spine provide extra strength for heaviest lumbar. The large table can tilt 7-degree to the left and 45-degrees to the right for versatile cuts. Overall, it’s a multi functional bandsaw comes with a compatible price.

Things to Consider While Shopping Bandsaw for Resawing: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

After going through our best resaw bandsaw reviews, when you have decided to buy a bandsaw. Here are the few things that you should consider before making a final decision.

Power

One of the main factors to consider while buying the best bandsaw. The power of the bandsaw’s motor represents efficiency. You’ll find several models that come with approx. One horsepower or less, which is not sufficient for resawing. Since you tend to be ripping a thicker board, so more is better. Look for a machine with a minimum of one horsepower and not less than that. The market also has few models with one ¼, 1 ½, and even 2-horsepower. So, choose carefully.

Throat Capacity

Throat capacity is basically the size distance between the saw table and top blade guides. A minimum throat capacity of 8 inches or more is required to create the finest book-matched cuts. So, never compromise with the cheapest bandsaw with minimum throat capacity.

Guide Wheels

Bandsaw guide wheels drive the blade, so the quality of guide wheels affect the bandsaw. The more large drive wheels are better for maximum inertia and momentum of blade. It results in smoother cuts of woods. Bandsaw’s guide wheel can be either aluminum-made or cast iron-made. Among them, aluminum is comparatively lighter, which is used in cheap bandsaws. Cast iron-made wheels are quite heavier, which is used in high-quality bandsaws. So, cast-iron made guide wheels are best in this case.

Speed Control

Having control of the machine’s speed is essential for resawing. Experts preferred slower cutting speed for resawing to get a steady cut. It prevents the saw from binding while removing lots of material with each pass. You can use higher speed to produce faster, cleaner, and more precise cuts.

Cutting Height

If your bandsaw runs with one horsepower motor, then make sure that it has the cutting height of 6″ or above. As the motor under one HP can struggle with this width.

Blade Guides

The Blade Guides is used to make sure that the blade movement is straight. It is also the thrust support that presses against the back of the bandsaw blade. Usually, superior-quality machines have two sets of blade guide, where one placed above the saw table, and the other is underneath the table.

Blade guides are available in two types, one is sealed bearing, and the other is ceramics. Though both works excellently, the ceramic one is less durable and difficult to replace. Conversely, sealed bearing guides are durable and replaceable.

Fence System

A good-quality fence system is essential for having decent cuts. It has to be strong, stable and sits squarely on the table. If you are resawing more pieces of timber, then the fence height should be high. Most models come with 4-6 inches height, which may not be sufficient.

So better find a design along with the option of attaching some T-tacks. You can fix a 3/4 inches plywood to get better support for the timber. Also, you need to ensure that the fence cinches down well and firmly stays in place. Most bandsaw designs come with micro-adjust features that give you the ease to fix the fence.

Bevel Capacity

You need to consider bandsaw’s bevel capacity if you are doing more cuts like dovetails. Make sure that your selected design can tilt at least 45-degree or higher for miter cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Band Saw?

A bandsaw is a power cutting tool with a long, sharp blade be made up of an endless group or band of toothed metal stretched between two or more wheels to cut materials. This power saw is used to make any irregular or curved shape cuts basically in woods. The blade of a bandsaw is stretched over two pulleys where the upper one is shiftless and the lower one is driven by a variable speed motor that controls the loop of the blade.

These wheels rotate in a downward motion that helps the blade to produce smoother and safer cut than a table saw. The bandsaws can come with a different size blade with different tooth pitches that enables it to cut a wide range of materials including wood, metal or plastics. But bandsaw is most popular for woodworking projects.

Types of Bandsaw

Based on construction, bandsaws can be categorized into two broad types:

1. Benchtop Bandsaw
2. Cabinet Bandsaw

Benchtop bandsaws are small and compact in size that can be mounted on your worktop or workbench the name defines. These saws are cheaper than other bandsaws and also popular for amateurs and beginners for their ease of use. But these saws may not be fit with any blade size due to their compact size.

Cabinet bandsaws are more popular for professionals who are regular to their work with a bandsaw. Cabinet bandsaws are less portable than the benchtop model and these can accommodate different sizes blade to cut through harder or thicker materials.

Based on applications, bandsaws can be divided into three main categories:

1. Metal cutting bandsaw
2. Meat bandsaw
3. Woodcutting bandsaw

Metal cutting bandsaws, according to its name, are designed especially for cutting strong metals. The significant blade adjusted to the bandsaw containing a series of teeth per inch that helps the saw to cut more efficiently. But you can also use the regular woodcutting saw to cut the metals.

Meat cutting bandsaws are seen at any butcher shop to cut meat. These bandsaws are made by stainless steel and a very sharp blade to make a faster and clean cut. It is also used to make steak, lamb, mincer, spout, etc.

Woodcutting bandsaws are the most common, versatile and popular bandsaw type in its category for carpenters, professionals or even beginner woodworkers. Wood curving is being so easy and fine with this saw. Again the timber mills also use these saw to cut logs. You can also use this saw to cut metal in some cases.

There 3 types of wood bandsaws are seen most commonly on the market:

Double cut bandsaws have double-sided teeth on the blade for cutting wood and even metals and plastics also. These kinds of saws are used mostly in sawmills.

Resaw bandsaws are for cutting lumbers into smaller pieces by wasting less wood with their tiny kerf. They are also used for making any curved or odd-shaped cut.

Head bandsaws come with large silver teeth on the blade organized at a 2-3 feet expanse so that they have a more intensive effect on the wood stock. They are usually used to cut hardwoods such as Oak or Cherry etc.

Based on their shape and size, bandsaws can be further categorized into three different types:

1. Vertical bandsaw
2. Horizontal bandsaw
3. Handheld bandsaw

Vertical bandsaws are the most common type of benchtop bandsaws you see in most of the mills or woodworking place. These saws have two wheels, one is fixed and one is controlled by an electric motor to control the speed of the saw. You need not move the blade but need to move the materials from one end to another so that the blade can go through the material to cut it smoothly. These saws are used for woodworking projects.

Horizontal bandsaws require more expertise form you to operate as they have complex settings and more power as they are preferable to cut metals like steel pipe or gas cylinder, etc. The materials remain fixed on the saw bed where a horizontal blade comes down to cut the materials. These saws can be used for large timber cutting projects also. However, these bandsaws can’t produce curved cuts precisely.

Handheld bandsaws are more popular as they are lightweight to carry anywhere for any kind of woodworking project. They are smaller than other bandsaws but capable enough to cut any irregular or curved cuts, or cut large logs into small pieces so easily when you are not able to move the logs.

How Does Bandsaw Work?

Before buying or operating a bandsaw it is the most crucial part to know how the machine actually works for both smooth cutting and your safety. When the word bandsaw comes, there are two broad types of it; one is vertical and another is horizontal saw.

Most of the vertical bandsaws are used in home-based workshops or in smaller projects where materials need to cut in smaller pieces or curved or irregular shapes. Vertical bandsaws have long-toothed and sharp blades of different sizes to cut through any wood, plastics or even metals. There are two or more wheels that make rotate the blade and you need to move the material from one end to the other end of the saw bed so that the blade can go through the materials.

Again in horizontal saws, there have also two or more wheels to rotate the blade but here the material remains fixed to the bed of the saw and the blade comes itself down to cut the materials. Horizontal saws are used mainly in any industrial projects and by professionals only as it has more power and is more complex to operate than a vertical bandsaw.

In general, most workshops have medium-sized bandsaws that have common blades to cut any materials and to change the blade so that you can fit the blade according to your cutting requirements and cutting objects. The main reason for having such cuts from a bandsaw is the endless blade stretched with two or more wheels that assign the teeth of the blade to rotate throughout the surface of the materials that are being processed.

Do I Really Need a Bandsaw: Bandsaw Uses?

We have discussed in the earlier part of this article that what a bandsaw can do. It is very clear to you now that when you really need a bandsaw. Here are some jobs for what you can count on a bandsaw:

• To make any straight cut on woods
• To make any irregular or curved or odd shapes on different woods
• To cut big lumber into small pieces
• To resaw any materials like wood or plastics or metals
• To make any relief cut or cross-cut
• To make any square cut like when you have to make a leg of a chair
• To make a perfect circle cut

But the use of the bandsaw is not limited to the following. You can use your bandsaw in multipurpose cutting even metals. But we recommend metal cutting saws to cut metals to have better result instead of using a bandsaw for this purpose.

How Much is the Best Bandsaw for Resawing?

When you have come to this point, you are very much clear about your work, your requirements, your choice, etc. And so the price of a bandsaw depends on its features like motor power, resaw capacity, blade length, and quality, etc. The average price of a bandsaw can go from $150 to $1500 depending on the features and brands of the saw. And yes, people are buying these pricy bandsaws also for their work!

What is Resawing on a Bandsaw?

In general, resaw means to saw the materials again and again. Resawing on a bandsaw means to cut large timber along with the grain to reduce larger parts into smaller pieces or veneers. This means to reduce the thickness of wood to have thinner slabs.

Resawing and rip cut is the same process but in rip cut the material is cut across its width direction, while in resawing cut across its thickness direction. Resawing slices the logs into thinner boards reducing only the thickness while the length and width remain the same.

Why a Bandsaw for Resawing?

What we are talking about resawing on a bandsaw, this job can be done also with a table saw. But we recommend you to use a bandsaw for any of your resawing works. Why?

It is recommended to use the bandsaw for resawing over the table saw because bandsaw can cut much wider wood than the table saw. You can adjust the blade guide of a bandsaw to feed wood of any width. Another advantage of the bandsaw is it has thinner kerf than the table saw that reduces the waste of the wood and produces smoother cut than a table saw can.

Moreover, using a bandsaw is safer than using a table saw in case of resawing as the blade is visible while you pass the wood through the saw bed.

How to Resaw With a Bandsaw?

Resawing has never been tough because we know about bandsaws, how they work, we have user manuals or there are so many resources online on how to do this task easily. The general process of resawing starts setting the blade height according to the width of the material. Then you need to set the fence parallel to the blade and mark on the board to set a straight line for the passing object accurately.

Ensure your safety requirements before starting the machine. Once you start, let the blade reach full speed. Then push slowly the object from the starting side to the other side of the saw top to feed the material against the blade to make the desired cut.

To know more read our how-to article on using a bandsaw safely.

What is Bandsaw Resaw Capacity?

Bandsaw resaw capacity is the most common term used in every bandsaw description. So you must know about the resaw capacity of your selected models to purchase as it matters a lot.

The term “resaw capacity” refers to the distance between the visible-m-inline and the highest point that the blade guide can be elevated to. In easy form, if you want to measure the resaw capacity of a bandsaw then you need to measure the distance between the saw bed and the possible highest position up to which the blade guard can be lifted.

This measurement is important because it determines how large stock you can resaw and still slide through the saw blade guide. For example, if you see this written in your bandsaw model name “9-inch bandsaw”, means you will be able to cut up to 9-inch width with this saw. Most of the average size bandsaw has a 6-inch resaw capacity where some model allows you to increase the capacity to 12-inch with a riser block. However, the resaw capacity varies widely from model to model.

Can a Bandsaw Cut Metal?

The simple answer is yes. You can cut metals with your bandsaw. You have to put just a metal cutting blade on your bandsaw instead of the woodcutting blade. And the most important thing to be noted that you should slow down, I mean enough slow down the speed of your bandsaw in case of cutting metals. You may need a jackshaft or speed gearbox to get to the right speed.

Bandsaws are not suitable to cut very thin metal sheet. Some professionals suggest that the thickness of the metal should be excessed than the depth of 3 bandsaw blade teeth together. If you are professionals to heavy metalworking then you must go for cut off saw model instead of a bandsaw.

Final Words

Resawing offers an excellent opportunity to save money and material. Whether you are an ambitious woodworker or DIY enthusiast, you can cut rough lumber with ease.

The best bandsaw also offers excellent flexibility to produce your own veneers. Though you can get the same benefit using a table saw, but the best bandsaw for wood carving provides a precise and standardized way to do it. However, all our recommended bandsaws can quickly meet your resawing needs more efficiently.

Thank you for going through our guide. Best of luck with your bandsaw shopping!

Jake Leach

Jake Leach, a gardening power tools researcher, resides in the USA together with his loved ones. In childhood, he saw his dad perform gardening staff all day long. After Jake was 25, he wished to help his dad by discovering what tools could make gardening simpler. From then, he is currently performing his research and discovering what tools may be the very best for any job that is gardening. He is now 30 and expert enough to look for the best gardening tools available on the market.