Resawing

Resawing is a woodworking process in which a piece of lumber is cut along its thickness to produce thinner boards, laths, or veneers. It is used to maximize yield from a log, achieve a desired thickness, or create veneer sheets for plywood and cabinetry. Resawing can be performed on powered machinery or by hand.

The most common method uses a bandsaw. A resaw blade, tall and with fine teeth, is guided by a fence and supported by wheels or guides. The stock is fed toward the blade to slice it into thinner boards. For larger quantities or thicker stock, frame saws or circular saw resaws may be used. Hand resawing with a saw on a bench or with a frame saw remains common among hobbyists and small shops, and for slicing small pieces from logs before drying.

In veneer production, slicing or rotary peeling is used. Slicing produces thin sheets by passing the log over a sharp knife, while rotary peeling removes a continuous sheet from the log. In lumber production, resawing aims for uniform thickness and flat, square faces. The kerf and blade quality influence yield and surface finish; grain orientation and moisture affect warp and tear-out.

Safety and management: Ensure proper blade tension and alignment, use push sticks, and avoid feeding too quickly to prevent kickback or gouging. Drying and acclimation help minimize distortion after resawing. Proper stock preparation and routine equipment maintenance are essential for consistent, high-quality results.