What is a Horizontal Band Resaw

A resaw refers to a type of saw — generally a large band saw — optimized to rip (slice) timber along its grain (i.e. lengthwise) to split larger pieces into thinner planks/boards or veneers.

A horizontal band resaw is a resaw where the working blade/frame and the feed direction are arranged horizontally (or with blade roughly horizontal relative to feed), rather than vertically. It’s typically used in industrial or semi-industrial settings for heavy timber processing.

The machine advances the stock (log, cant, plank) horizontally — often via a conveyor or motorized rollers — past a set of band-saw blades (in many cases multiple blades), slicing the wood into uniform boards or slabs in one pass.