I have a piece of square stock that measures 2.5 x 2.5 inches, and I'm planning to cut it lengthwise. My question is, when I do this, am I re-sawing or ripping the wood? I know it's not a crucial question, but I'd appreciate some clarification!
3 Answers
It’s actually both! When you resaw, you're making a specific kind of rip cut. Resawing is generally about cutting the wood into thinner slabs, while ripping is more of a broader term used for cutting wood. So in this case, you’re doing a bit of both! Plus, the blade you use can affect the process, depending on how deep it needs to cut.
Great question! The terminology can be a bit confusing. When cutting lengthwise, you're primarily performing a ripping cut, especially if you're keeping the grain direction in mind. If you’re slicing it into thinner pieces, that's where it shifts to resawing. If it helps, think of all resawing as ripping, but not all ripping is resawing!
From what I understand, it depends on the grain direction. If the grain is standing up to the cut, it's considered resawing; if it's lying flat, it's more of a rip. So essentially, if you’re going with the grain for a thin piece, that’s resawing. Just remember the grain direction!