Best Bandsaw Blades For Resawing

It’s amazing what you can accomplish with a bandsaw machine.  From making accurate cuts – eg carving up thin sheets of veneer to complex curves or rough work, bandsaws are capable of handling a wide range of jobs.  If you have a bandsaw, you may be wondering, what are the best bandsaw blades for resawing?

To answer this question means you’ve understood that the only way to achieve your different bandsaw projects (like resawing) is with the correct blade installed. At the end of the day, you don’t need the best bandsaw for woodworking, you just need one with the correct blade that is suited to you and your project.

If your first crack at precision work like resawing has ever been thwarted by ordinary blades, this guide will explain some of the differences in blade types.  After all, the fundamental reason behind an accurate cut for resawing, is definitely the saw blade.  Just take a premium bandsaw blade out for a spin and you’ll be amazed at the difference it can make.

In this post we have hours and hours (plus purchased a couple of blades for testing purposes) to bring you this review on our Top 5 bandsaw blades for resawing.  We have included a mix from very low budget to very high cost and have not held back on our criticisms of each one.  At the woodworkingpost.online, we stand with integrity behind each of our carefully researched and planned reviews to assist you in making the right choice for your needs.

Underneath the product reviews, is our buyers guide on features to consider when selecting a bandsaw blade specifically for resawing purposes.

Related: Best Bandsaws For Resawing

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Our Top 5 Bandsaw Blades for Resawing

**Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, with no additional cost to you, I can earn from qualifying purchases. 

Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade 3/4″ x 93-1/2″, 3 TPI – Top Pick

There is no doubt the Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade is an ideal bandsaw blade for resawing.  Once properly installed, it will do a quick and clean job of resawing.

Really like that it comes with the unusual combination of high silicon (keeps each individual tooth sharper for longer) and low carbide steel.  This combination allows it to work like a more expensive blade without the high price tag.

It’s interesting to note that this blade was originally designed for instrument makers who make a living slicing up blocks of wood that are worth their weight in gold. They can’t afford any cutting problems and demand the smoothest possible cuts. This blade will give you a good cut.

We recommend you reduce blade tension about one blade size on the gauge – eg 1/2” mark rather than ¾” then center the blade on the bandsaw tires with the guide bearings on the center of the blade and this should prevent resaw drift.

The saw’s width and low tooth count are perfect for resawing and making long ripping cuts.  Note; you might want to put on safety gloves when lifting it out of the package as the teeth are really sharp.

Also the width of this Timber Wolf Bandsaw is ¾” which makes it effective for resawing as the wide blade will resist bending as lumber is pushed into it.  Really the wider the blade the better (for resawing) as long as your saw is big enough to handle it.  Having said that, if you have a 14” saw, it is better to go for a ½” width for optimal effectiveness and beam strength.

To check out the price and read reviews of the Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade 3/4″ x 93-1/2″, 3 TPI, Click here.

Features:

•  1 ounces
• Carbide Steel
• TPI 3
• Wide: ¾”
• Thickness: 0.025

The Good:

• Silicon and low carbide steel construction for enhanced long-term sharpness
• Ideal and purposefully built for resawing
• Can run under low tension
• 3 teeth per inch
• Effective even in low horsepower hardware
• Offers perfect finishing of the skip
• Provides 60% more speed capabilities than the hook blades
• Great for thick stock resawing
• Comes with cooler
• the only blade on the market that’s a full 3/4-in. wide but only 0.025 thick.

The Bad:

• Tensioning instruction needs work.
• Does not come in multi-packs (not a deal breaker but thought I’d mention it)
• Some have found the blade to dull quickly

Olson Saw FB23193DB 1/2 by 0.025 by 93-1/2-Inch HEFB Band 3 TPI Hook Saw Blade – Best For Beginners

While certainly not a premium bandsaw blade, this 3 TPI blade by Olsen is great for resawing and those on a tight budget who are just getting started.  The stand out feature is its hooked angled teeth.  These teeth are able to carry more shorn material out of the grove and will keep your cut clearer without the need to stop and blow out space.

As the hooked teeth are a little larger than average, they take up more space than their smaller counterparts.  Therefore there’s only three teeth per inch which makes it great for resawing. It’s also effective for some speciality hardwood or plastic cutting jobs that demand this type of deep gauge cut.

Also noteworthy is that it’s a ‘multi-talented’ saw blade –  ie you can use it with any saw according to it’s size.  It provides compatibility with stationary, vertical and floor standing 2-wheel band saws.  It’s good on both soft and hardwood, non-ferrous metal, mild steel plus plastic.

For a low cost saw, many are surprised at how well it resaws straight from the first pass and with even thickness.  For non-professionals, beginners or those who dabble in weekend DIY, this bandsaw blade is well worth considering.

To check out the price and read reviews of the Olson Saw FB23193DB 1/2 by 0.025 by 93-1/2-Inch HEFB Band 3 TPI Hook Saw Blade, Click here.

Features:

•  Material: Cobalt
• 4 ounces
• Hook teeth
• 3 TPI
• 025” thick
• Fits 14”
• 93-1/2 length
• Blade width 1/2 “

The Good:

• Low cost
• Multi-purpose blade
• Can handle heavy-duty resawing
• Durable
• Straight forward installation process
• Hook teeth configuration
• Fits most 14” bandsaws

The Bad:

• Manufactured in China
• Known to vibrate sometimes with the thicker welded joint

POWERTEC 13115X Band Saw Blade 93-1/2-Inch x 1/2-Inch x 4 TPI – Low Budget

If you’re planning on using this blade for resawing purposes, then how it is tensioned will be key to its effectiveness.  We would recommend you tension it using the flutter method.

This band saw blade comes with sharp teeth of Rc 64-66 hardness.

We must admit there are a lot of concerns with this blade from users who have tried it and have not been happy with the results.  Everything from bad weld and inaccurate cuts.

We found it to work fine and managed to turn some firewood into lathe blanks.  It actually tracked in the wood better than the Woodslicer and the Resaw King blades we’ve used in the past.  Still, it’s important to mention criticisms others have observed especially things like ‘dull cuts’.

It’s not a premium saw blade – more of a basic bandsaw blade at the lower end of the market.  There is far too much criticism of this blade to be our top pick even though it worked fine for us.  To be honest, the reviews on it are a bit hit and miss so we’re not sure if we just got a good one or if there were other variables (like in shipping and handling) that effected the experiences of others.  Regardless, for less than $10, it’s worth testing if you’re not willing to opt for a more premium make.

If you do get this blade, test it out quickly, within the warranty guidelines in case you need to return it.

To check out the price and read reviews of the POWERTEC 13117X Band Saw Blade 93-1/2-Inch x 3/16-Inch x 10 TPI x 0.025, Click here.

Features:

• 4.8 ounces
• Material: carbon steel
• 4 TPI
• Hook teeth profile
• Saw width 1/2″
• Fits 14″ Band Saw

The Good:

• Tension is low and good for resawing
• Smooth cuts and minimal drift
• Condensed teeth for fine woodworking
• cutting works with hard and soft woods, plastic, and non-ferrous metals

The Bad:

• Welding is ordinary
• Blades might not be sharp enough for all kinds of resawing projects
• Some have reported that the blade dulls quickly

Laguna ProKing Bandsaw Blade 115″ x .75″ x Variable TPI – Premium Quality

The Resaw King is perhaps the world’s finest resawing blade. Manufactured with C4 carbide teeth, this blade allows you to cut ultra-smooth, wafer-thin veneers with minimal waste.

Admittedly this blade is more on the expensive side, it can handle pricey veneer grade wood and can efficiently resaw planks into veneer.  Generally it is known to live longer than bimetal blade and carbon steel.

The inventer behind it, Torben Helshoj is an award winning woodworker.  There is certainly a lot of thought and attention to detail that has gone into the product.  The variable tooth spacing significantly reduces vibration and fosters sleek cuts.  We’re not sure the price is warranted and I think it would sell better if it wasn’t so expensive.

It’s Swedish silicon steel backing, variable TPI and carbide teeth allow neat cuts which is great to reduce any need for sanding leaving a finished surface.

Teeth are individually brazed and ground to perfection using diamond wheels on their custom-built Shark grinder designed exclusively for this blade.

If you’re after a premium blade that can re-sharpened up to 4 – 5 times, then the Laguna ProKing Bandsaw Blade is definitely worth considering.

Others have commented that it cuts as smooth as their table saw.  It is a bit pricey for our liking, but sometimes, you get what you pay for.  Woodworkers demanding the best will be impressed.

To check out the price and read reviews of the Laguna ProKing Bandsaw Blade 115″ x .75″ x Variable TPI, Click here.

Features:

• 14.6 ounces
• 3/4″ width
• Material C4 carbide alloy
• 2/3 TPI (variable spacing)
• 0.041″ kerf

The Good:

• Narrow kerf
• Triple varitooth design
• Great for resawing on hard and softwoods
• Can use for ripping
• Cut wafer thin veneers
• Minimal sanding needed
• Carbide tips can be sharpened by Laguna (resharpen up to 5 times)
• Manufactured in Germany

The Bad:

• High cost

Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade 1/2″ x 93-1/2″, 4 TPI – Best for 14″ Bandsaws

There’s no doubt, Timber Wolf bandsaw blades are a popular choice regardless of whether you need to make a quick rip cut or cut contours with precision.

Just like our top pick Timber Wolf reviewed above, this blade is constructed from low carbide steel with silicone coated teeth and a thin kerf (0.025”).

As a low tension blade, it puts less pressure on the balls and bearings of your band saw ensuring less stress on your saw over time.  This should allow for a lot less maintenance in the long run.

The tooth geometry of this blade is different from other blades with a unique five-set tooth pattern.  This makes for smooth, precise and thin cuts in large stocks of hardwood within seconds.

If you’re in search of a durable blade that will remain productive even after hours of cutting, then the Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade is a perfect fit for your workshop bandsaw.

This saw blade is perfect for those with a 14” bandsaw as the ½” width of the blade will dissipate excess heat away from the teeth and prevent the blade from bending as lumber is pushed towards it.

If your saw is bigger than 14”, we would recommend you choosing our Top Pick, the Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade 3/4″ x 93-1/2″, 3 TPI, reviewed above.

Really there is very little differences between the two blades in terms of their resawing capabilities.  If you are deciding between the two, choose the best one for the size of your saw as mentioned.  Our Buyers Guide below will also assist in addressing what to look out for when selecting a blade optimised for resawing.

Lastly, it is worth noting that the company is very well respected in the industry.  This  is reassuring when you’re after a quality product.  Their blades aren’t cheap, but I would be wary of getting any band saw blade for less than $20.

To check out the price and read reviews of the Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade 1/2″ x 93-1/2″, 4 TPI, Click here.

Features:

• 4 ounces
• High silicon, low carbide steel
• 4 teeth per inch
• 1/2″ kerf

The Good:

• Silicon and low carbide steel construction for enhanced long-term sharpness Minimal dust
• Ideal for resawing of thick stock
• Offers perfect finishing of the skip
• Can be used for cross-cutting
• Quiet
• Precision
• Durable
• Effective even in low horsepower hardware
• Eliminates the complexity of resawing any critical zone using the round designed gullet
• Ideal for resawing thick stock and runs under low tension
• Thin kerf

The Bad:

• Need to tune carefully
• Expensive

Key Facts to Consider Before Choosing Your Band Saw Blade for Resawing

Before you hit, ‘add to cart’ there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you select the best band saw blades for resawing.

Ordinary Bandsaw Blades

Your average bandsaws come fitted with ordinary carbon-steel or spring-steel blades.  These types of blades are good for basic bandsaw uses, but untreated metal isn’t really designed to withstand the pressure of resawing wood.  When you resaw you essentially rip cut a board across it’s width.  When you do this, a huge amount of wood is removed from the heat and abrasion caused by resawing.  Thus it will quickly wear out an ordinary blade.

How do premium blades differ?

As premium blades have hardened teeth, they simply last longer than ordinary saw blades. There are three types of premium blades; flex-back, hard-back and bi-metal.

Other things to note…..

When you’re looking at some of the variables that effect blade quality, you come across such terms as silicon steel, tungsten steel, carbon manganese spring steel, and even, cobalt/molybdenum high-speed steel.  It’s fair to say, it can all get a little confusing.

We find what most people really want to know is; ‘How do the blades perform?’  To address this question, you need to be mindful of the features a blade saw has so you know the differences between the basic and premium varieties.

Buyer’s Guide to the Best Bandsaw blades for Resawing

 Blade Thickness/Kerf

For a decent resawing bandsaw blade (for use on a 14” bandsaw), we recommend a maximum blade thickness of 0.025 inches. Otherwise there might be a problem with tensioning and metal fatigue.  Thinner blades have narrower kerf (thickness) and are used for special jobs such as veneer sawing or resawing tasks.

Most 14” saws are just not built to properly tension a blade thicker than .025” and the thicker the blade the more tension it takes to make it work properly. As well as this, if you force a thicker blade in a 14” wheel at 35 mph, metal fatigue and possible breakage can occur. You can test this by taking a length of wire from a clothes hanger and bending it back and forth several times. After a while it will break in two due to metal fatigue.

Bandsaw blades are no different. For smooth cuts, narrow kerfs are better and thicker blades make kerf wide.

Blade Width

For resawing purposes, it is best to use the widest blade your saw can handle. This is because a wide blade will resist bending as lumber is pushed into it. This is also known as “beam strength.” Wide blades also dissipate heat and this is good. The extra metal acts as a heat sink, drawing the excess heat away from the teeth.

You should note that even though most 14” bandsaws take a ¾” blade, this size is too thick (0.032”. or greater) for your saw. Therefore, it’s the thickness of the blade that limits how wide a blade you can put on a 14”. saw. Generally, you are limited to ½”wide blades in order to stay within the 0.025” thickness limitation.

Teeth Per Inch (tpi)

For resawing, use a 3 tpi blade on a 14” bandsaw. On a 3 tpi blade, the larger teeth have deeper gullets to move the sawdust through the cut without binding. To get a slightly smoother cut, use a 4 or a 6 tpi.  If you do, it is best to slow your feed rate down on wide stock.

Tooth Form

Tooth form refers to the shape of the tooth. For resawing, a hook tooth is the best choice. This is because the hook angle cuts aggressively and feed pressure is reduced by a self-feeding action.

Tooth Material and Durability

In terms of resawing, we recommend the bi-metal blades over carbon-steel blades.  They are more expensive, but the extra-hard teeth are designed for heavy endurance.  It is the carbide that makes the blade durable so if budget isn’t an issue, go for a carbide constructed blade.

Final Thoughts…………

We hope our reviews of the best bandsaw blades for resawing, has addressed what makes a bandsaw blade suited specifically for this purpose.  If you are in the market for a bandsaw, you may want to check out our product review guide on our top 5 recommended bandsaws for resawing and or our buyers guide.

We have also completed other reviews on other power tools such as scroll saws, table saws, miter saws, circular saws and reciprocating saws.

If you do buy a bandsaw or blade, please let us know as we would love to know how it works out for you!

Quick links to the Bandsaw blades mentioned in this review:

1. Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade 3/4″ x 93-1/2″, 3 TPI – Top Pick

2.  Olson Saw FB23193DB 1/2 by 0.025 by 93-1/2-Inch HEFB Band 3 TPI Hook Saw Blade – Best For Beginners

3. POWERTEC 13117X Band Saw Blade 93-1/2-Inch x 3/16-Inch x 10 TPI x 0.025 – Low Budget

4. Laguna ProKing Bandsaw Blade 115″ x .75″ x Variable TPI – Best Variable TPI

5. Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade 1/2″ x 93-1/2″, 4 TPI – Best for a 14″ Bandsaw