This paper investigates the feasibility of increasing bandmill production by proportionally increasing both blade speed and lumber feed speed. A modal analysis of the bandmill and bandsaw was conducted and resonant conditions, likely to impair performance, were identified. Cutting tests were conducted to determine the effect of increased blade speed on cutting accuracy, surface finish and sawdust quality. The tests were conducted at blade speeds of 10,000 fpm, 12,500 fpm and 15,000 fpm and examined the effect of tipped and swaged blades cutting Coastal Hem/Fir and Interior SPF.