Bandsaws are powerful cutting tools with consistent movement in one direction that makes them invaluable to woodworkers. They have been used for centuries and remain an important part of any woodshop.
Like any power saw, a bandsaw is only as effective as its blade. At a glance, there might not be much difference between the various blades on the market, but it is important to choose the right one if you want your work to go smoothly.
To help you choose the best bandsaw blade for resawing, we have reviewed five of the most popular that are currently available. We chose these blades for their materials, types, and how many teeth per inch they have.
- Thin kerf
- Cuts at low tension
- Heat resistant
- Cobalt alloy steel
- Cuts quietly
- Reduced vibrations
- Three pack
- 65 to 67 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale
- Cobalt high-speed steel
- All-purpose blade
- Cuts hardwood and softwood
- Cuts mild steel & non-ferrous metals
- Great all-rounder
- Cuts awkward angles
- 64 to 66 on Rockwell Hardness Scale
Product Reviews
There are numerous bandsaw blades to choose from, which can make it difficult to choose the right blade for a specific task. To help you find the best bandsaw blade for resawing, we have reviewed five blades from some of the leading brands, chosen for their type, material, and teeth per inch.
Timber Wolf 1/4-Inch x 1/2-inch 6 TPI Bandsaw Blade
Best Carbide Bandsaw Blade for Resawing
This Timber Wolf blade is said to be able to cut 60% faster than standard thin kerf blades, thanks to its high silicon carbide steel material. It is ideal for resawing thicker stock and can cut under lower tension, which requires less horsepower from the saw.
Carbide also has the benefit of staying cooler for longer while cutting. This improves its durability, as heat is one of the main reasons that blades dull during use.
Timber Wolf makes excellent bandsaw blades, which is reflected in their price. Beginners might want to look elsewhere to save money but, if you have the budget, this is one of the best blades you will find.
Pros
- Thin kerf
- Ideal for thick stock
- Cuts under lower tension
- Excellent heat-resistance
Cons
- Expensive
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.5 ounces |
| Dimensions | 11.2 x 13.8 x 0.6 inches |
| TPI | 6 |
| Kerf | Thin |
| Price | $$$ |
Our Ratings
Milwaukee 48-39-0511 44-7/8-inch 14-TPI Bandsaw Blade
Best High-Speed Bandsaw Blade for Resawing
This Milwaukee blade is high-speed steel and 8% cobalt to make it extremely durable. Its teeth are electron-beam welded to a special backing that ensures a long lifespan, dulling about three times slower than standard bandsaw blades.
The angles of the teeth and their deeper gullets also reduce the vibrations while cutting, which results in a smoother finish and less noise during use. Its relatively high TPI means this blade will also cut through metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and even bronze.
Milwaukee states that its products are American-made, but they also say the blades are imported. It appears that the steel is Chinese, but the blades are assembled and welded in the United States, so both statements are true to an extent.
These blades are high quality and come in a pack of three, so they offer good value and mean you will have two spares when the first blade eventually dulls.
Pros
- Cobalt alloy steel
- Relatively quiet cutting
- Reduces vibrations
- Three-pack
Cons
- American-made, but imported steel
Product Specs
| Weight | 8.6 ounces |
| Dimensions | 19 x 6.9 x 0.2 inches |
| TPI | 14 |
| Kerf | Thin |
| Price | $$ |
Our Ratings
DeWALT 32-7/8-inch Portable BandSaw Blade
Best Portable Bandsaw Blade for Resawing
This DeWALT portable bandsaw blade set is made of 8% cobalt and high-speed steel. This gives it the heat resistance and overall durability needed to keep it sharper for longer.
The teeth score an impressive 65 to 67 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale, a sign that they won’t dull as quickly as carbon steel blades. This also means the blade can cut at high speeds for longer. It has an alloy steel back for greater strength.
This blade is suitable for cutting thick, medium, and thin gauge metals, thanks to its high tooth count and thin kerf. These DeWALT blades are reasonably priced but still score highly for customer satisfaction. As they are sold in a three-pack, they provide even better value for money.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Sold in a pack of three
- Scores 65 to 67 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale
- Cobalt high-speed steel
Cons
- Only suitable for portable bandsaws
Product Specs
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Dimensions | 14 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches |
| TPI | 18 |
| Kerf | Thin |
| Price | $ |
Our Ratings
Olson Saw FB14593DB HEFB 6-TPI Bandsaw Blade
Best for Resawing Hardwood
This is an Olson skip saw blade, which means it has a zero-degree rake angle and widely-spaced teeth. This also makes it a perfect tool for cutting through hardwood.
The benefit of a zero-degree rake is that the blade gums less while cutting because the teeth scoop out most of the debris and sawdust. This prevents the blade from overheating as quickly, which will keep it from dulling for longer. By removing debris, you will also have a clearer view of the cutting line, helping you achieve a neat finish.
This is an excellent all-purpose blade. It is affordable, allowing beginners and less experienced bandsaw users to get working without spending a lot of money. Despite its lower price, it will cut through hardwood and softwood, plastics, non-ferrous metals, and mild steel.
It is compatible with most stationary, floor-standing, and vertical two-wheel bandsaws.
Pros
- Great price
- Suitable for beginners and professionals
- All-purpose blade
- Cuts hard and softwood
- Cuts mild steel and non-ferrous metals
Cons
- Made abroad
- May vibrate a lot during use
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.76 ounces |
| Dimensions | 10.2 x 10.9 x 1.0 inches |
| TPI | 6 |
| Kerf | Medium |
| Price | $ |
Our Ratings
Powertec 13117X 93-1/2-Inch Bandsaw Blade
Best Budget Bandsaw Blade for Resawing
This Powertec saw blade has a set of raker teeth that scoop the excess debris and sawdust away from the blade more efficiently. That means less friction and the blade staying cooler while cutting, which preserves its teeth for longer.
It has 10 teeth per inch, enabling it to neatly cut softwood and non-ferrous metals. It can also cut plastics and aluminum, with teeth that score 64 to 66 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale.
The blade is made of high-carbon steel, which provides an ultra-sharp cutting edge but dulls relatively quickly. While it can saw through hardwood, you should stick to softer materials if you want to preserve the blade for longer.
Carbon steel is flexible, so it is ideal for cutting awkward angles. It has far more flex than rigid cobalt and carbide steel blades.
Pros
- Excellent price
- Great all-rounder
- Ideal for beginners
- Cuts awkward angles
- 64 to 66 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale
Cons
- Carbon steel dulls quickly
- Best suited for softer materials
- Some welding issues
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.6 ounces |
| Dimensions | 10 x 10 x 1 inches |
| TPI | 10 |
| Kerf | Thin |
| Price | $ |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | TPI | Kerf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timber Wolf 6 TPI Bandsaw Blade | Carbide Blade | 1.5 oz | 11.2 x 13.8 x 0.6″ | 6 | Thin |
| Milwaukee 48-39-0511 14-TPI Blade | High-Speed | 8.6 oz | 19 x 6.9 x 0.2″ | 14 | Thin |
| DeWALT 32-7/8-inch BandSaw Blade | Portable | 5.6 oz | 14 x 5.2 x 0.6″ | 18 | Thin |
| Olson Saw FB14593DB HEFB Blade | Hardwood | 1.76 oz | 10.2 x 10.9 x 1.0″ | 6 | Medium |
| Powertec 13117X Bandsaw Blade | Budget Pick | 1.6 oz | 10 x 10 x 1″ | 10 | Thin |
What is a Resaw Bandsaw Blade?
A resaw bandsaw blade allows you to make cuts along the grain to create boards or veneers. Resaw blades are usually wider than standard blades, typically 2 to 3 inches, and have a small kerf to reduce the amount of wood that is wasted. The kerf is the slit created when the saw cuts through the material.
Resaw blades cut straighter and have less flexibility than standard bandsaw blades. This reduces the amount of bowing when the stock passes through the blade. Resaw blades need to be tensioned correctly to ensure the blade deflects no more than 0.25 inches when pressed in the middle. The pre-tensioning of the blade ensures it will provide a neat, accurate cutting line.
How to Choose a Resaw Bandsaw Blade
There are various factors you need to consider if you want a reliable, accurate resaw bandsaw blade:
Blade Width
Thinner blades are better suited to cutting awkward angles and curves and generally have a higher tooth count. Wider blades provide greater tension and less bowing, making a more precise cut when you are splitting boards or making long, straight cuts.
These wider blades generally have a lower tooth-per-inch (TPI) count, making them better suited to chewing through hardwood and making rip cuts.
If you want to make veneers, you should choose a blade that has an average tooth count with less width to make it as versatile as possible.
Blade Thickness
The thicker the blade, the wider the kerf will be. If you are resawing boards, a thinner kerf will produce better results. For a 14-inch bandsaw, the blade should be no thicker than 0.025 inches. Any thicker and you will have issues tensioning the blade properly.
Type of Blade
For occasional resawing, a flex-back or hard-back blade will work best. If you need to resaw frequently throughout the day, a hard-back or bi-metal hook-tooth blade with 3 teeth per inch will be an ideal choice.
Hook-tooth blades have a deep gullet with wider teeth that will be suitable for most materials. Another advantage of a low tooth count is that the blade won’t have as much sawdust and debris stuck to it. The larger gullets help to scoop any waste away from the cut, making it easier to control the workpiece and to clearly see what you are doing.
Tooth Material
The material has a major influence on how expensive blades are, but it is also a significant part of how durable they will be.
Carbon steel is softer and generally used for cutting wood and plastic. This is why they are usually the cheapest blades to buy. However, this lower cost is somewhat misleading as you will need to replace them more frequently.
Cobalt blades have at least 8% cobalt mixed with their steel to create a hard-wearing alloy. These blades last longer than carbon steel ones and are also more resistant to heat. Overheating during cutting is one of the main reasons that saw blades dull quickly.
Carbide-tipped blades have teeth that are coated in either tungsten or titanium to provide even better protection against dulling and heat damage.
Did You Know?
Tooth Pitch and TPI
The pitch of a blade refers to its teeth per inch or TPI. A higher TPI means there are more teeth that are smaller, making smoother cuts but working more slowly. If you are resawing boards, you should choose a blade with a TPI of 14 to 18.
When cutting lumber, a blade with a lower tooth count will be more suitable. Look for a blade with a TPI of 3 to 6. For general resawing, you will need a high enough tooth count to achieve a smooth finish, if you want to avoid extensive sanding later.
How Do You Set a Bandsaw to Resaw?
Bandsaws are excellent tools but if you want to use one to resaw materials, it is important to know how to set it up properly.
1. Choose the Right Blade
Like any sawing task, it is important to choose a suitable blade for the job. If you are resawing boards and want to remove debris while cutting, choose a blade with a lower tooth count and deep gullets. Resawing typically requires a saw blade that is thicker and will reliably cut a straight line.
Remember
2. Tension the Blade
The correct blade tension will keep your stock centered and provide better control. It also prevents the blade from flexing, which could otherwise cause issues if you need to make precise cuts and potentially even become dangerous.
With the saw unplugged, install the blade using lateral guides, with the thrust bearing opened and backed off. Make sure this is done above and below the table, checking that they are not in contact with the blade. You can now safely tension the blade.
Top Tip
3. Adjust the Blade Guides
With the saw blade tensioned correctly, close the wheel covers and power up the saw. This will let you see how the blade tracks and adjust its speed to see how it behaves at full throttle before you proceed. Adjust the tracking as necessary while monitoring the blade.
If the blade starts to vibrate, increase or decrease the tension slightly until it stops vibrating. Once you achieve the correct tension, you should hear a change in how the saw sounds. Preventing the saw from flexing unintentionally will also help you make neater cuts.
4. Lateral Blade Guides and Thrust Bearings
Now that the blade is tensioned correctly and running smoothly, switch off the machine. Move the thrust bearings and lateral blade guides close to the blade. Make sure they are snug as this will help guide the blade while cutting.
You can now switch the machine back on and start resawing stock.
FAQs
Can You Resaw on a Small Bandsaw?
It’s possible to resaw on a small bandsaw. Resawing is cutting a board along its length into two or thinner boards. It’s a common woodworking technique that can be performed on various saws, including table saws, radial arm saws, and bandsaws.
Bandsaws are particularly well-suited for resawing because they can make precise cuts, and their narrow blades create less waste than wider blades.
However, not all bandsaws are created equal. Smaller bandsaws may need more power or blade size to resaw thick boards. Generally, you should only attempt to resaw boards half the thickness of your saw’s blade.
How Much Horsepower Do You Need to Resaw?
While it is possible to resaw lumber on a 3/4 HP or 1 HP bandsaw, it is not ideal. These smaller saws simply don’t have the power to cut through thick lumber quickly or easily. As a result, you’ll likely end up with very uneven cuts and a lot of sawdust.
If you’re serious about resawing lumber, you’ll need a bandsaw with at least 2 HP. This will allow you to make cleaner, more precise cuts and will greatly reduce the amount of sawdust your project produces.
What Is the Resaw Height of a Standard Band Saw?
14 inches is the minimum resaw height for most band saws, but 16 inches is better if you do a lot of resawing.
The best way to find out the resaw height of your band saw is to consult the owner’s manual. If you don’t have the manual, you can usually find the information online or by contacting the manufacturer.
What Type of Blade Is Used to Resaw Timber Into Lumber?
You’ll need a bandsaw blade and they come in a variety of sizes, with the most common size being 1-1/4 inches wide. A wider blade can cut thicker pieces of lumber, but it’ll take longer to cut through the wood.
What Bandsaw Blade Is Best for Resawing?
If you’re looking to buy the best bandsaw blade for resawing, the Olson FB14593DB is your winner.
This particular Olson saw features what’s known as a skip saw blade, which has teeth that are widely spaced apart with a rake angle of zero degrees. Because of this, it is an excellent instrument for cutting through hardwood.
The teeth of a zero-degree rake are designed to scoop up a significant amount of waste and sawdust, which reduces the amount of gumminess experienced by the blade during sawing.
This prevents the blade from overheating, which would otherwise cause it to dull more rapidly. For you, as a user, it means a clearer perspective on the cuts you make, leading to excellent results.
This is the best blade for use in every situation. Not only is it more affordable, but it is also designed to accommodate users with less experience or who are just starting out with bandsaws.
