For my business I need to slice 4 x 4 x 8′ green clear cedar posts into 1/4″ X 3 1/2″ x 8′ strips. I use a Grizzly G555 bandsaw (1hp) with a Highland Woodworking Wood Slicer blade. If the wood is dry, I can get a decent cut. When it is wet, as it often is, cuts are not straight and take a long time, and I waste a lot of expensive wood. Do I really have to dry the wood first before I can resaw it or will a more powerful bandsaw, or different blade do the job. Would a table saw be better for this purpose? Any other suggestions?
Thanks for any help.
David
Edited 7/24/2008 1:50 pm ET by das533
Edited 7/24/2008 2:08 pm ET by das533
Replies
Hi David,
I'm afraid you do need to either dry the wood or upgrade to a real band saw. Sorry. A one hp will not handle green wood. I would also change my blade to something more aggressive. Try that first I guess. Go with a 1/2 or 3/4" 3 tpi hook tooth blade. The hook tooth is important as it cuts more aggressively. Maybe it will work. Slow down your feed rate and let the blade clear the wet chips away. Your blade isn't tracking because it can't get rid of that waste material. But if you get tired of buying blades, then go find a good 3 to 5hp 3 phase old band saw. You will blow through the wood. I've attached an image of my old 36" Yates American band saw. Good luck. Gary
Thanks Gary. That is what I needed to know. I am using a 1/2 " blade with 3 tpi which works OK if the cedar is dry, but if it is a little wet it is hopeless. So I guess I will upgrade to a saw with more power.
Thanks again
David
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