Frame Saws

[Jerry Thompson]

I am wondering if one could use a frame saw, say with a 26" rip blade to resaw 8/4 with? The lumber is about 12-13" wide and maple. I have a band saw but I cannot cut that wide with it and I do not want to invest in a riser.
If this feasable what whould be a good brand of saw to get?
Thank you.
Jerry

[Terry Beadle]

I have two frame saws. For ripping maple, you will want a very aggressive blade as maple is really hard stuff. I would buy a blade from Hightland Hardware and make a frame for it. My frame saws cut faster than any of the other non-powered saws for sure. A 5 or 6 tpi would be my recommendation.

I must say though that using a frame saw to rip 8/4 maple is going to be very hard slow work. I think you'd be better served to have a local cabinet shop rip it for you or use 4/4 stock or 5/4 stock. You time is worth something isn't it. Be prepared for a lot of sweat. In the old days, they had two man saws and a pit for such work.

Dem's my 2cents.

[Michael Pilla]

I'm not aware of any commercially available saw that has enough depth to resaw stock of that size so you'll likely have to make your own.

Here are a few good pages for reference:
Making a framesaw (http://www.hyperkitten.com/woodworking/frame_saw.php3)
Resawing with a frame saw (http://www.hyperkitten.com/woodworking/resaw.php3)

Good luck. I haven't finished yet but I'm working on one. I think it's #314 on my to-do list...

Michael