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Can an old Craftsman 12in bandsaw actually resaw?

7K views 15 replies 11 participants last post by  nickbatz 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
My bandsaw is a "trashpicked" 12in Craftsman (this one) . Right now it has a 3/8in 4tpi blade that I grabbed with the intention of using it to resaw, but it doesn't seem like it has the "oomph" to really do it.

In my resaw process I typically rip a piece of 6in or less vertically on both sides to remove the most material, then try to slice the remaining 1-2.5in on the band saw, but for whatever reason, this bandsaw struggles, slows, burns and stalls when trying to resaw just that much.

I will admit, I haven't taken that much time to really get it set up, and it still has the old guides/bearings and stuff on it - actualy haven't even replaced the tires. I think because I don't intend on upgrading for a few years though, I'm willing to pour whatever money into it to try and make this saw a little more capable. I don't really use it for much other than cutting some small parts and trying to resaw boards.
 
#3 ·
What is the horsepower of the motor? Anything less than 1 HP is going to struggle but the blade can make a difference too. Do you know what sort of tooth pattern it has? I have a much bigger saw but I get really great results with highland Woodworking Woodslicer blade. Not only does it yield a very nice cut but I can tell it taxes the saw less than other blades I've used for resawing.
 
#5 ·
Same saw and I have been wondering the same thing. I found a 1/2 3tpi blade i was thinking about getting for it. I mainly work in softwood and hope it will resaw that ok. I spent some time tuning the saw and it works fine for basically everything I need but have not tried resawing with it yet. The 1/2 blade is around 35.00 shipped.
 
#6 ·
I use to have the same saw. I never could get it to resaw well. I did the same as your process. I used the tablesaw to cut as much as I could then I used the bandsaw to rip what was left in the center. I was fairly satisfied with that process since I didn't do it much so I didn't do much to it. If you really want to improve it I think a new/sharp and wider blade (I think that saw will take a 3/4inch blade) will help for the re-sawing.
 
#7 ·
I have to agree with "Lazyman", The Woodslicer blades from Highland Woodworking are the only blades I use for resawing, I don't think you will find a better blade unless you go with a carbide tipped blade. I've been using these blades for about 4 years and never had issues, they are extremely sharp. Just remember, to push the wood through slowly so the blade can clear the saw dust.
If you have less then 1 HP you may have issues as it is underpowered
 
#8 ·
I can tell you that guides, tires and adjustments, unless totally worn out will not make any difference in it being to resaw. Just talking ability, not quality.

You are looking at a lack of power and/or the wrong saw blade. A more aggressive blade might help but it is not going to do miracles either.
 
#10 ·
Appreciating the responses so far.

It seems like it's going to come down to increasing the HP (which I thiiiink this uses a 1/2HP motor like nickbatz said). In my mind it was like a 1/3 or 3/4 but I can't check it at the moment.

In any case, between the motor, getting it tuned up for accuracy / no scraping, and a good blade it SEEMS like that's all thats necessary to make it happen.

So, knowing that I can do this for around $100, but that it could be as much as $250 (motor + blade), now I have to ask myself - is it worth it monetarily? I won't get another bandsaw of this size for under probably $500 new. I probably wouldn't have paid $250 for this tool in its condition, but MAYBE if I'd purchased a bandsaw this size that is ALSO capable of resawing I might have been willing to part with $250. It's a bit of a gamble in a way… hmmmm…..
 
#11 ·
I seriously doubt you can upgrade a 12" Craftsman for resawing even at the 5" depth capacity. Some years ago (maybe 30) I tried to use mine to cut 2" oak planks. There was a significant problem of blade drift, but no problem of motor power in spite of a half horse rating. It continues to work find for the light use I give it.
 
#12 ·
I seriously doubt you can upgrade a 12" Craftsman for resawing even at the 5" depth capacity. Some years ago (maybe 30) I tried to use mine to cut 2" oak planks. There was a significant problem of blade drift, but no problem of motor power in spite of a half horse rating. It continues to work find for the light use I give it.

- Phil32
You'd think that the thickness of what it can cut would just be a function of the motor's power, no?

Now, whether it's worth investing in a stronger motor for this saw is another question. I wouldn't.
 
#14 ·
Mine…
Wood Cabinetry Gas Table Machine


And with a kerf in the board, and a new, SHARP 1/2" blade….it will indeed do resaw work….I had to made a jig to help guide the board through…..and learn not to force the cut…

1/2" is about the limit on the width of the blade. Main thing is a SHARP blade…mine runs just fine.
 

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