How to Cut Wood Thinner?

Cutting wood into thinner boards is a common task in woodworking and carpentry. There are several methods for achieving this, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right method will depend on the type of cut you want to make, the size of the lumber you are working with, and the level of precision required.

In this article, we will explore the different methods of cutting wood into thinner boards, including resawing with a bandsaw, rip cutting with a table saw, planing with a hand-held power planer, and cutting with a hand-held circular saw.

We will also compare each method, discuss the cost and performance, and answer some frequently asked questions.

Bandsaw Resawing: As mentioned earlier, this is the most efficient method to cut wood thinner.
Table Saw Rip Cut: A table saw can be used to make a rip cut, which cuts along the length of the board, resulting in thinner pieces.
Hand-Held Power Planer: A hand-held power planer can be used to shave off thin layers of wood to achieve the desired thickness.
Hand-Held Circular Saw: A hand-held circular saw can be used to make crosscuts, which can result in thinner pieces if multiple cuts are made in succession. However, this method is less precise than using a bandsaw or table saw.

Bandsaw Resawing

Bandsaw resawing is a method of cutting a board into two or more thinner boards by running the blade all the way through the width of the board.

This is an efficient and precise way to cut wood thinner, and it is often used in woodworking and furniture making.

The following is a step-by-step guide on how to perform bandsaw resawing and the tools you will need:

Tools Needed: Bandsaw, Resaw Blade, Push Stick, Fence, Thickness Planer (optional).
Preparing the Bandsaw: Adjust the height of the bandsaw blade to the desired thickness of the final board. Make sure the blade is tensioned properly and the guides are adjusted for the blade width.
Setting the Fence: Attach a fence to the bandsaw table to guide the board through the cut. This will ensure that the board is cut straight and true.
Marking the Board: Mark the board where you want to make the cut, ensuring that it is straight and square.
Start the Cut: Place the board against the fence, using a push stick to keep your hands a safe distance from the blade. Start the bandsaw and slowly feed the board through the blade, allowing the saw to do the work. Keep the board against the fence throughout the cut.
Finishing the Cut: When the cut is complete, turn off the bandsaw and remove the board. Repeat the process as necessary to achieve the desired number of thinner boards.
Sanding and Planing (optional): If necessary, sand the boards to remove any saw marks or rough spots. You can also use a thickness planer to make the boards uniform in thickness.

Note: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as eye protection and hearing protection, and follow proper safety precautions when using a bandsaw.

Table Saw Rip Cut

Table saw rip cutting is a method of cutting a board along its length to make it thinner. This method is often used in woodworking and furniture making to create boards of specific dimensions.

The following is a step-by-step guide on how to perform table saw rip cutting and the tools you will need:

Tools Needed: Table Saw, Rip Fence, Push Stick, Cross-Cut Fence, Miter Gauge, Blade Guard.
Preparing the Table Saw: Install a rip blade on the table saw, adjust the height to the desired thickness of the final board, and make sure the blade is tensioned properly.
Setting the Rip Fence: Attach the rip fence to the table saw, making sure it is straight and parallel to the blade.
Marking the Board: Mark the board where you want to make the cut, ensuring that it is straight and square.
Start the Cut: Place the board against the rip fence, using a push stick to keep your hands a safe distance from the blade. Turn on the table saw and slowly feed the board through the blade, allowing the saw to do the work. Keep the board against the fence throughout the cut.
Finishing the Cut: When the cut is complete, turn off the table saw and remove the board. Repeat the process as necessary to achieve the desired number of thinner boards.
Sanding (optional): If necessary, sand the boards to remove any saw marks or rough spots.

Note: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as eye protection and hearing protection, and follow proper safety precautions when using a table saw. Additionally, use a blade guard and cross-cut fence to keep your hands and fingers away from the blade while making cuts.

Hand-held Power Planer

A hand-held power planer is a tool that can be used to shave thin layers off a board to make it thinner. This method is often used in woodworking and furniture making for precise thickness adjustments.

The following is a step-by-step guide on how to use a hand-held power planer and the tools you will need:

Tools Needed: Hand-Held Power Planer, Dust Mask, Safety Glasses, Ear Protection.
Preparing the Power Planer: Install blades on the power planer, adjust the depth of cut to the desired thickness, and make sure the blades are tight.
Marking the Board: Mark the board where you want to make the cuts, ensuring that it is straight and square.
Start the Cut: Turn on the power planer and place the blade against the board. Slowly move the planer along the board, allowing the blades to shave off thin layers of wood.
Finishing the Cut: When the desired thickness is achieved, turn off the power planer and remove the board. Repeat the process as necessary to achieve the desired number of thinner boards.
Sanding (optional): If necessary, sand the boards to remove any rough spots or to smooth out the surface.

Note: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as a dust mask, safety glasses, and ear protection, and follow proper safety precautions when using a hand-held power planer. Additionally, make sure the planer is securely gripped and the blades are sharp to ensure clean and accurate cuts.

Hand-held Circular Saw

A hand-held circular saw is a versatile power tool that can be used to make straight cuts through wood, including cuts to make the wood thinner.

The following is a step-by-step guide on how to use a hand-held circular saw and the tools you will need:

Tools Needed: Hand-Held Circular Saw, Straight Edge, Pencil, Safety Glasses, Ear Protection.
Marking the Board: Mark the board where you want to make the cut, ensuring that it is straight and square.
Setting the Straight Edge: Place the straight edge along the marked line and clamp it in place to provide a guide for the circular saw.
Preparing the Circular Saw: Install a fine-toothed blade on the circular saw, making sure it is tight, and adjust the depth of cut to the desired thickness.
Start the Cut: Turn on the circular saw and place the blade against the straight edge. Slowly move the saw along the straight edge, allowing the blade to make the cut.
Finishing the Cut: When the cut is complete, turn off the circular saw and remove the board. Repeat the process as necessary to achieve the desired number of thinner boards.
Sanding (optional): If necessary, sand the boards to remove any rough spots or to smooth out the surface.

Note: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and ear protection, and follow proper safety precautions when using a circular saw. Additionally, make sure the blade is sharp, the straight edge is securely clamped in place, and the saw is securely gripped for safe and accurate cuts.

Comparison Between Each Method

When it comes to cutting wood into thinner boards, there are several methods to choose from. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right method depends on factors such as the desired end result, available tools, and budget.

In this comparison, we will discuss four common methods of cutting wood thinner: resawing with a bandsaw, rip cutting with a table saw, planing with a hand-held power planer, and cutting with a hand-held circular saw.

Cost Comparison

Resawing with a Bandsaw: This method typically requires a larger investment in a bandsaw, which can be one of the more expensive woodworking tools. Additionally, resaw blades can be more costly than other types of blades.
Rip Cutting with a Table Saw: This method requires a table saw, which can be a more expensive investment. However, the cost of blades for a table saw is usually less than resaw blades.
Planing with a Hand-Held Power Planer: This method requires a hand-held power planer, which is usually less expensive than a bandsaw or table saw. The cost of blades for a hand-held power planer is usually less than resaw blades.
Cutting with a Hand-Held Circular Saw: This method requires a hand-held circular saw, which is usually less expensive than a bandsaw or table saw. The cost of blades for a circular saw is usually less than resaw blades.

In terms of cost, cutting with a hand-held circular saw is likely to be the cheapest method, followed by planing with a hand-held power planer, rip cutting with a table saw, and resawing with a bandsaw.

Performance Comparison

Resawing with a Bandsaw: Resawing with a bandsaw is a precise and efficient method that results in clean, straight cuts with minimal waste. Bandsaws are designed specifically for this type of cutting, making them the ideal tool for resawing.
Rip Cutting with a Table Saw: Rip cutting with a table saw is a fast and efficient method that results in straight cuts. Table saws are designed for rip cutting, making them well-suited for this type of cutting.
Planing with a Hand-Held Power Planer: Planing with a hand-held power planer is a precise and versatile method that allows for precise thickness adjustments. However, it can be more time-consuming than other methods and may result in rough spots that need to be sanded.
Cutting with a Hand-Held Circular Saw: Cutting with a hand-held circular saw is a fast and efficient method that results in straight cuts. Circular saws are versatile and can be used for a variety of cutting tasks, but they may not be as precise as other methods.

In terms of performance, resawing with a bandsaw is likely to be the best option, followed by rip cutting with a table saw, cutting with a hand-held circular saw, and planing with a hand-held power planer.

The method of cutting wood into thinner boards that is best for you depends on factors such as the desired end result, available tools, and budget. Resawing with a bandsaw is the best option in terms of performance, but it also requires a larger investment in a bandsaw and resaw blades.

Rip cutting with a table saw, planing with a hand-held power planer, and cutting with a hand-held circular saw are less expensive options that offer good performance, but may not be as precise.

Here is a comparison table between the four methods of cutting wood into thinner boards:

Method	Cost	Performance	Precision	Efficiency	Versatility
Resawing with a Bandsaw	High	High	High	High	Low
Rip Cutting with a Table Saw	Moderate	High	High	High	Low
Planing with a Hand-Held Power Planer	Low	Moderate	High	Low	High
Cutting with a Hand-Held Circular Saw	Low	Moderate	Moderate	High	High

Legend:

High: Excellent
Moderate: Good
Low: Fair

As seen in the table, resawing with a bandsaw offers the best performance in terms of precision, efficiency, and overall performance. Rip cutting with a table saw also offers good performance, while planing with a hand-held power planer is a versatile method that offers good precision. Cutting with a hand-held circular saw is a fast and efficient method, but may not be as precise as other methods.

FAQs

What is the purpose of cutting wood into thinner boards?

The purpose of cutting wood into thinner boards is to create lumber of specific dimensions or to reduce the thickness of a board to create a specific shape or design.

How do I choose the right blade for my saw?

Choosing the right blade depends on the type of saw and the type of cut you want to make. For resawing with a bandsaw, you will need a blade with a high tooth count, while for cutting with a circular saw, you may need a blade with a lower tooth count. Be sure to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations and follow their guidelines.

Can I use a hand-held circular saw to resaw lumber?

No, a hand-held circular saw is not designed for resawing. Resawing requires a long, straight cut, which is not possible with a hand-held circular saw.

Is it necessary to sharpen my blades regularly?

Yes, it is important to sharpen your blades regularly to ensure that they perform at their best and to reduce the risk of injury.

Can I use different types of wood for each method?

Yes, you can use different types of wood for each method, but some woods may be more suited to a specific method based on their hardness, density, and grain structure.

What safety precautions should I take when cutting wood into thinner boards?

Safety should always be a top priority when cutting wood. Be sure to wear proper safety gear, including eye and ear protection, and always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety recommendations.

Conclusion

Cutting wood into thinner boards is an essential skill in woodworking and carpentry. The four methods discussed in this article – resawing with a bandsaw, rip cutting with a table saw, planing with a hand-held power planer, and cutting with a hand-held circular saw – each offer unique advantages and disadvantages.

Resawing with a bandsaw offers the best performance in terms of precision and efficiency, while rip cutting with a table saw offers good performance and versatility. Planing with a hand-held power planer is a versatile method that offers good precision while cutting with a hand-held circular saw is fast and efficient.

Ultimately, the best method for cutting wood into thinner boards will depend on your specific needs, the size of the lumber you are working with, and the level of precision required. Regardless of the method you choose, always prioritize safety and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety recommendations.

How to Cut Wood Thinner?