Resawing
Resawing (Figure 45) is the process of cutting a board into two or more thinner boards. The maxi- mum board width that can be resawn is limited by the maximum cutting height of the bandsaw.
One of the most important considerations when resawing is blade selection. Generally, wider blades are better. In most applications, a hook or a skip tooth style will be desirable. Choose blades with fewer
When resawing thin pieces, a wandering blade (blade lead) can tear through the sur- face of the workpiece, exposing your hands to the blade teeth. Always use push blocks when resawing and keep your hands clear of the blade.
To resaw a workpiece:
1.Verify that the bandsaw is setup properly and that the fence is parallel to the blade.
2.Adjust the upper blade guide so it is about 1" above the workpiece with a minimum amount of blade exposed.
3.Install the resaw fence, set it to the desired width of cut, and lock it in place.
NOTICE
The scale on the front rail will NOT be accu- rate when using the resaw fence.
4.Support the ends of the board if necessary.
5.Turn the bandsaw ON.
6.Using push paddles and a push stick, keep pressure against the fence and table, and slowly feed the workpiece into the moving blade until the blade is completely through the workpiece (see Figure 45).
G0636X 17" Ultimate Bandsaw
Figure 45. Example of resawing lumber.
Cutting Curves
When cutting curves, simultaneously feed and turn the stock carefully so that the blade follows the layout line without twisting. If a curve is so abrupt that it is necessary to repeatedly back up and cut a new kerf, use either a narrower blade or a blade with more TPI (teeth per inch), or make more relief cuts.
Always make short cuts first, then proceed to the longer cuts. Relief cuts will also reduce the chance that the blade will be pinched or twisted. Relief cuts are cuts made through the waste portion of the workpiece and are stopped at the layout line. As you cut along the layout line, waste wood is released from the workpiece, alleviating any pressure on the back of the blade. Relief cuts also make backing the workpiece out easier, if needed.
NOTICE
The list below displays blade widths and the corresponding minimum radii for those blade widths.
Width | Radius |
1⁄8" | 1⁄8" |
3⁄16" | 3⁄8" |
1⁄4'' | 5⁄8'' |
3⁄8'' | 11⁄4'' |
1⁄2'' | 21⁄2'' |
5⁄8'' | 33⁄4'' |
3⁄4'' | 51⁄2'' |