Introduction
What is Resawing?
Resawing is the process of cutting a board along its thickness to create thinner pieces, often used to produce veneers or reduce the thickness of lumber. This technique is essential in fine woodworking, especially when aiming to achieve consistent, thin cuts. Proper Band Saw Tune-Up is crucial when resawing thin veneers to ensure accuracy, smooth cuts, and to avoid damaging delicate wood pieces.
When properly tuned, your bandsaw becomes an indispensable tool for efficient and high-quality resawing. Neglecting maintenance or setup can lead to blade drift, rough cuts, and wasted materials. This article will guide you through the important steps for tuning your bandsaw specifically for resawing veneers.
Preparation
Checking Blade Tension
Blade tension is one of the most critical aspects of any Band Saw Tune-Up. Insufficient tension can cause the blade to wander during cuts, leading to uneven veneers.
- Consult your bandsaw manual to determine the correct tension for your specific blade width and type.
- Use the built-in tension gauge if available, or manually check tension by plucking the blade to hear a clear, high-pitched tone.
- Apply consistent, firm tension without overtightening, which can reduce blade life.
Adjusting Blade Guides
Blade guides stabilize the blade’s path and reduce lateral movement. For resawing thin veneers, precise guide adjustment is essential.
- Position the guides as close as possible to the blade without rubbing against it.
- Adjust both upper and lower blade guides for side clearance and back clearance according to the blade manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Ensure that thrust bearings are properly aligned behind the blade so they support it without causing friction.
Alignment
Checking Blade Alignment
Proper blade alignment avoids drift and ensures straight cuts—key for resawing veneers.
- Inspect the blade’s tracking on the wheels to ensure it stays centered without rubbing on the tire edges.
- Adjust the tracking knob until the blade runs smoothly and tracks perfectly on all parts of the wheel.
- Use a square against the blade to verify it is perpendicular to the table surface.
Setting Fence Position
The fence guides your workpiece and allows for consistent thickness in your veneer slices.
- Ensure the fence is parallel to the blade to prevent uneven cuts.
- Use a reliable measuring tool to set the fence to the desired veneer thickness.
- Once set, clamp the fence securely to avoid any movement during cutting.
Blade Selection
Choosing the Right Blade Width
Blade width is a significant factor when resawing thin veneers. A wider blade offers more stability but less flexibility; a narrower blade provides tighter curves but can wander more.
- Select a blade at least 1/2 inch wide for resawing thin veneers to minimize drift.
- Opt for blades with a higher TPI (teeth per inch), such as 6 to 10 TPI, to ensure smoother finishes on delicate cuts.
Tensioning the Blade
After choosing the correct blade, make sure it is properly tensioned. Remember that blade tension must be adjusted each time the blade is replaced or changed.
- Follow the manufacturer’s tension guidelines precisely.
- Retension the blade if you notice any blade wander during cuts.
Cutting Technique
Feeding Speed
The pace at which the wood is fed into the blade affects the cut quality. For thin veneers:
- Feed the wood slowly and steadily to avoid overheating the blade and wood.
- Maintain consistent pressure, allowing the blade to do the cutting without forcing the material.
Applying Even Pressure
Uneven pressure can cause the blade to deflect and produce uneven veneer thickness.
- Use both hands to guide the workpiece evenly against the fence.
- Keep your hands clear of the blade path while applying gentle, consistent pressure.
- Consider using push sticks or jigs for better control and safety.
FAQs
Why is blade tension important for resawing thin veneers?
Proper blade tension ensures that the bandsaw blade remains straight and stable during cuts. If the tension is too low, the blade can flex or wander, resulting in inaccurate, uneven veneer thickness. Adequate tension improves cutting precision and extends blade life.
What are the benefits of using a wide blade for resawing?
A wide blade resists bending and reduces lateral movement, which helps maintain straight cuts during resawing. This stability is especially important when producing thin veneers where precision is critical.
How can I prevent blade drift when resawing thin veneers?
Blade drift can be minimized by ensuring correct blade tension, proper blade alignment, using a wide blade with the correct tooth count, and steady, consistent feeding techniques. Regular Band Saw Maintenance such as adjusting blade guides and checking fence alignment also helps.
For more detailed information on bandsaws, you can visit Wikipedia’s bandsaw article. To explore additional maintenance and repair tips, check out our comprehensive tool maintenance guide.
Optimizing your bandsaw with a focused tune-up allows you to achieve consistently precise and clean cuts, perfect for resawing thin veneers. Proper setup and technique improve both the quality of your veneers and extend your saw’s operational lifespan.
Ready to get your bandsaw in top shape for fine woodworking projects? HERE is your next step to mastering the art of resawing with confidence.