This video was created by Billy from Newton Makes. It offers a unique take on resawing technique by showcasing why he prefers using the table saw over the bandsaw for most resawing tasks.
While many woodworkers automatically reach for the bandsaw, Billy’s hybrid method combines the strengths of both tools to save time, improve cut quality, and reduce frustration. His approach is practical, especially for those looking to streamline their workflow without sacrificing safety or results.
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What Is Resawing?
Resawing is the process of cutting a board along its thickness to create thinner pieces. It’s often used to produce veneers, bookmatched panels, or just reduce a board’s thickness while preserving its surface grain.
The most common tool for this task is the bandsaw, thanks to its vertical blade orientation and ability to cut through thicker stock. But Billy’s technique challenges the assumption that this is always the best—or safest—option.
Why the Table Saw Comes First
Billy starts his resawing process at the table saw. He uses a homemade jig that rides along the fence, providing extra support and control for the board.
By raising the blade just under halfway through the board’s width, he makes the first cut, then flips the board and makes a second cut on the opposite side. This leaves a thin center strip that is then easily removed with a final pass on the bandsaw.
The Hybrid Advantage
This method balances speed and safety. The bulk of the work is done quickly and cleanly with the table saw, while the bandsaw is used only to finish the final cut.
Avoiding a full-depth cut on the table saw reduces the risk of kickback and binding. It also avoids overloading the bandsaw with thick cuts, which can be slow and error-prone.
Speed and Efficiency Gains
Billy points out that bandsaw resawing can be painfully slow, especially when working with hardwoods. Rushing the cut on a bandsaw can lead to blade drift, uneven cuts, or burn marks.
The table saw, in contrast, powers through each side of the board in seconds. With the jig in place, it provides consistent results and allows for quicker processing of multiple boards.
Accuracy and Repeatability
When working on projects that require uniform thickness—like drawer fronts or panels—accuracy matters. The table saw excels here, with an adjustable fence and consistent blade alignment.
Bandsaws often suffer from blade drift, making it harder to maintain consistent sizing across cuts. Even a high-quality resaw blade doesn’t fully eliminate this challenge.
Cleaner Cuts, Less Cleanup
Another benefit of the table saw is the quality of the cut surface. Compared to the bandsaw, which often leaves rough marks, the table saw produces a cleaner edge that needs minimal sanding.
Billy’s hybrid method means there’s only a thin center sliver to remove, which is easy to clean up. Less post-processing means more time saved in the long run.
Safety Considerations
Billy doesn’t ignore the risks—he acknowledges that table saws are not typically recommended for full resawing due to kickback hazards. That’s why he avoids cutting all the way through and uses the bandsaw to finish the cut.
He also mentions the hidden risks of the bandsaw, like the blade continuing to spin silently after power is off. Each tool has trade-offs, and his method seeks to reduce the downsides of both.
Dust Collection and Kerf Concerns
Dust control is another factor in Billy’s preference. Table saws generally offer better dust collection setups, while bandsaws tend to scatter fine dust throughout the shop.
Material waste is another topic that often comes up. While bandsaw blades have a thinner kerf, the difference is minor when using a thin-kerf blade on the table saw. For most resawing jobs, it’s not a significant loss.
High-End Blades Aren’t a Silver Bullet
Some woodworkers believe that upgrading to a premium bandsaw blade, like the Laguna Resaw King, will solve all resawing problems. Billy disagrees.
While those blades do offer better performance, they can’t fully eliminate drift, rough cuts, or setup hassle. A better blade helps—but doesn’t make the bandsaw magically perfect.
Find What Works for You
Billy closes the video with a reminder that woodworking should be enjoyable, not frustrating. If a common method isn’t working for you, don’t hesitate to try something different.
The goal is to find a technique that suits your shop setup, tools, and comfort level. His resawing method isn’t for everyone—but it’s a helpful example of thinking outside the box to improve your process.
Please support Billy by visiting his website here: https://www.newtonmakes.com/shop.