Bandsaw — Lutherie Encyclopedia

BandsawType: toolA continuous-blade saw essential for resawing tonewoods, cutting body outlines, and shaping neck blanks in guitar building.## Description A bandsaw uses a continuous loop blade running over two or three wheels to make straight and curved cuts in wood. For lutherie, a 14-inch bandsaw with at least 6 inches of resaw capacity is the minimum practical size. The blade passes through a table with an adjustable fence and miter gauge. Blade widths range from 1/8 inch (for tight curves) to 3/4 inch (for resawing), and blade tooth configurations vary for different cutting tasks. A quality bandsaw runs smoothly with minimal vibration and accurate blade tracking. ## Use in Lutherie The bandsaw is arguably the most important power tool in a lutherie shop. It is used for resawing tone wood billets into thin plates for tops, backs, and sides; cutting guitar body outlines from blanks; rough-shaping neck blanks and headstock profiles; cutting kerfed lining strips; slicing bridge blanks; and cutting curves in braces and other components. Resawing is the most demanding operation, requiring a wide, sharp blade and a well-tuned saw to produce flat, consistent cuts through dense hardwoods like rosewood and maple. ## Selection Guide A 14-inch bandsaw from Laguna, Rikon, or Grizzly with a 1 HP or larger motor is a solid choice for a lutherie shop. The key specifications are resaw capacity (at least 6 inches for guitar work), motor power, and blade guide quality. Ceramic or bearing-style blade guides are superior to friction-block guides. Budget 400 to 1500 dollars for a capable bandsaw. Invest in high-quality blades fr…