To test bandsaw blades for resawing, we selected 1/2-in.-wide blades, a size well suited to resawing on a 14-in. bandsaw. The same saw (Delta model 28-241) was used for all of the tests. When it comes to resaw blades, most woodworkers have only three demands: that the blade be reasonably fast and that the cut be both reasonably flat and reasonably smooth. To measure speed, we timed low long it took to cut through a section of  9-1/2-in.-wide soft maple, with short times equating to fast-cutting blades. To assess flatness, we measured the amount of barreling on the test block using a straightedge and a set of feeler gauges. To find the smoothest cutters, we measured how much sanding had to be done to remove the blade marks. The Olson MVP blade did well in the speed test, taking just 20.60 seconds to cut through the test block.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

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This is the saw I want in my shop. For one, it’s easy to use. All of the controls are easy to reach and manipulate, and the glide mechanism is both robust and smooth. The handle works well for righties and lefties. Then there are added bonuses that no other saw has. For instance, its hold-down is superb, as it can move to different locations, hinges for a greater range of coverage, and actually holds down the work. In addition, the saw has two points of dust collection, letting it firmly beat the rest of the field. The one downside was the saw’s laser, which was so faint we had to turn off the shop lights to see it. Still, all these pluses in a package that fits tight to the wall? That’s a winner for me.

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