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Setting Band Saw Drift

Mar 10th 2026

A topic that frequently sparks debate in woodworking circles is resawing with a band saw, particularly how to adjust the fence to compensate for band saw drift. Woodworkers often have strong opinions on what approach works best.

What Causes Band Saw Drift?

Band saw drift occurs because of subtle differences in the set and sharpness of the teeth from one side of the blade to the other. Some woodworkers also believe heat plays a role: as the saw blade cuts, the front of the blade may heat up and expand slightly more than the back, causing it to warp and deviate during cutting.

When resawing, accounting for drift is essential. If not managed, it can prevent you from achieving even, uniform cuts. Despite the many theories on what causes drift, most experts agree on one point: proper fence adjustments are key to overcoming it.

Method 1: Compensate Rather Than Follow the Drift

One approach is to stop trying to “follow” the drift and instead make adjustments that prevent it from affecting your cut. Key steps include:

  1. Upgrade blade tension – Install a stronger blade-tensioning spring to keep the blade taut.

  2. Square the fence – Set your fence square to the band saw blade and clamp the outfeed side to the table.

  3. Install precise blade guides – Use ball-bearing guides and adjust them so there is no clearance between the guides and the blade.

  4. Use a custom jig – Make a simple jig from a block of wood, a couple of nuts, a bearing, and a hinge (similar to a farm gate hinge) to keep the cut stable.

This method worked well in the author’s shop, but results can vary depending on your specific band saw and workshop setup.

Method 2: Adjust the Fence to Match the Drift

Another common strategy is to adjust the fence to match the drift angle:

  1. Ensure your band saw is properly set up with the correct tension, sharp blade, and accurately adjusted blade guides.

  2. Measure the drift angle using a bevel square.

  3. Set your fence to the same angle using a jig, so your cut naturally follows the drift.

This method essentially “pre-programs” your fence to compensate for drift, allowing for consistent resawing. Here’s a video that demonstrates one way to do this.

http://youtu.be/JNsLNJsMj0o

 

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