Common Cuts You Can Master on a Bandsaw

The bandsaw is a staple in both woodworking and metalworking shops because of its incredible versatility. Whether you are prepping rough lumber or crafting intricate designs, here are the primary cuts you can achieve:

Straight Cuts

The most fundamental application of a bandsaw is the straight cut. These are used to divide material into smaller sections or to square up an edge. For maximum precision, these cuts are typically performed using a rip fence or a mitre gauge to keep the material perfectly aligned with the blade.

Rip Cuts

A rip cut involves cutting a piece of timber along the length of the grain (parallel to the wood fibres). This process reduces the width of the board while keeping its thickness and length the same. It is the go-to method for sizing boards for furniture or removing waney (natural) edges.

Crosscuts

Crosscutting is the process of cutting across the width of the material, perpendicular to the grain. This is used to shorten a board to its final length. While many woodworkers use a mitre saw for this, a bandsaw with a mitre gauge can produce exceptionally clean and safe crosscuts.

Resawing

Resawing is a specialized form of ripping where you cut a board through its thickness to create two or more thinner, wider planks. This technique is ideal for creating custom veneers, “book-matched” panels, or simply thinning down a thick piece of stock without wasting wood through planning.

Curved Cuts

The bandsaw’s thin blade allows it to follow curves that most other saws cannot. From simple circles to complex organic shapes, this tool excels at curved work. When cutting tight radiuses, “relief cuts” (short straight cuts made into the waste wood) are often used to prevent the blade from binding.

Freehand Cuts

Freehand cutting is done without the assistance of a fence or guide. This allows for total creative freedom when following a pencilled line or carving out irregular, artistic shapes. It requires a steady hand and a “feel” for how the blade tracks through the material.

Summary: From basic dimensioning to artistic shaping, the bandsaw is a powerhouse of utility. By mastering these different techniques, you can unlock the full potential of your machine and take your craftsmanship to the next level.