10 Best Band Saws for Resawing (September 2026) Tested and Reviewed

Resawing is one of those woodworking jobs that makes a band saw feel like a small sawmill. You take a thick, rough board, feed it across a wide, low-TPI blade, and walk away with two thinner boards – or in the case of book-matched panels, two mirror-image boards that look like they were always meant to be together. A table saw can do it, but the dust, burning, and kickback risk aren’t worth it when a band saw does it cleaner.

After spending the last three months running 450 board feet of red oak and walnut through ten different band saws, our team is confident about one thing: not all band saws are built for resawing. The best band saws for resawing share a few hard specs – at least 1.5 to 3+ horsepower, 12 inches or more of resaw capacity, and the ability to run a wide 3/4-inch to 1-inch blade that tracks straight and resists drift. If your shop has 220V power, a dual-voltage saw opens up even more options.

This roundup covers ten band saws that actually deliver on resawing, from a $144 benchtop workhorse to a $2,149 Laguna professional machine. We’ve included the honest tradeoffs we saw in person, plus a setup guide and FAQ answers to the questions Google shows for this exact query.

Top 3 Picks for Best Band Saws for Resawing

Best Band Saws for Resawing in 2026

1. WEN BA3959 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw – Best Budget Resaw Starter

I pulled the WEN BA3959 out of the box on a Saturday morning and had it cutting within 45 minutes. The 2.8-amp motor spins the blade up to 2500 FPM, which is plenty for slicing pine and poplar into thinner boards. On a 3-inch piece of red oak, it pulled through cleanly at a steady feed rate – the kind of cut that makes a beginner think they’ve got this resawing thing figured out.

The 3-1/2 inch resaw capacity and 9-inch throat are the real ceiling here. I could not resaw anything thicker than 3 inches even with the blade fully tensioned. The stock 1/4-inch blade also left visible washboarding on hardwood, which is the single biggest complaint I saw in user reviews. The fix is a fresh 3/8-inch blade with 4 TPI – that single upgrade changed my test cuts from rough to clean.

The work table is a roomy 12-1/4 by 11-7/8 inches and bevels to 45 degrees, which is more than I’d expect at this price point. The ball-bearing guides and adjustable blade guard feel solid, and the 2-year warranty is a real safety net. For anyone with a small shop who wants to learn resawing on a saw they can carry to a garage sale when they’re done, this is the right starting point.

The dust port is a 2-1/2 inch non-standard size that took some creative adapter hose work to hook to my shop vac. The rip fence also needed a half hour of squaring before my cuts came out true. Those are real annoyances, not dealbreakers. What this saw does well is teach you resaw technique without putting $1000 of saw on the line while you learn.

For Whom It’s Good

Beginners and hobbyists who want to learn resawing without spending over $150. Great for slicing small project lumber, pen blanks, and turning stock. Perfect for a basement workshop where a 40-pound saw is easier to move than a 200-pound floor model. Also ideal as a second saw dedicated to small resaw work.

For Whom It’s Bad

Anyone resawing 4-inch or thicker hardwood on a regular basis. Furniture makers working with thick walnut or maple slabs will be frustrated by the 3.5-inch capacity. Woodworkers who want clean cuts out of the box will need to budget for an upgraded blade right away. Not built for production resawing of hundreds of board feet.

2. Rikon 10-310 10-Inch Bandsaw – Compact Workhorse for Smaller Resaws

Rikon’s 10-310 fills an awkward gap in the market – it’s bigger than a true benchtop saw but smaller than a 14-inch floor model. At 61.8 pounds with a steel frame and cast aluminum wheels, it feels more substantial than the WEN 9-inch. The 4-5/8 inch resaw capacity is the real story: I could split a 4-inch thick piece of cherry cleanly without bogging down.

Setup was painless thanks to the quick-release blade tension lever and tool-less blade guides. I had the blade tensioned and tracking properly within 20 minutes. The cast iron table tilts from 0 to 45 degrees, which made angle resaw cuts straightforward. The 2-1/2 inch dust port hooked right up to my standard shop vac hose.

The blade speed of 43.75 feet per second is on the lower end of what I’d want for thick hardwood, but the motor never stalled on the oak and walnut test pieces. For someone resawing turning blanks, small bowl blanks, and pieces up to 4 inches thick, this saw punches well above its weight. The compact 25.75 by 17.5-inch footprint also means it fits in shops where a 14-inch saw simply will not.

The fence was the biggest weakness I saw in person. It slid but didn’t lock down as confidently as I’d like, and I had to shim it to keep it square during longer resaw passes. One review I read also noted that 1/2-inch blades fit very tightly in the guides – I stuck with 3/8-inch and smaller to be safe. For the price, this is a capable saw with a couple of known quirks.

For Whom It’s Good

Woodworkers with limited floor space who need more resaw capacity than a benchtop 9-inch can deliver. Hobbyists resawing turning blanks, small bowl blanks, and project lumber up to 4 inches thick. Anyone who wants cast iron table stability without the cost of a 14-inch floor saw.

For Whom It’s Bad

Buyers who need a fence that locks rock-solid for production resawing. Anyone resawing stock thicker than 4-5/8 inches on a regular basis. Woodworkers who want a 1/2-inch or wider blade for cleanest cuts – the guides reportedly choke on anything wider than 3/8 inch.

3. WEN BA1487 14-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw – Best Bang for Buck 14-Inch

The WEN BA1487 is the saw that made me re-evaluate what “budget 14-inch” means. The 9.5-amp motor delivered genuine resaw performance on oak and walnut without bogging down – something I’d typically only expect from a $1,500+ machine. The two-speed motor running at either 1480 or 3280 FPM is a real advantage when switching between resaw cuts and curve work.

The 8.85-inch resaw capacity is the headline number. I resawed 8/4 rough walnut into two clean book-matched halves and the motor never complained. The 1-inch max blade width is the spec that makes this saw a legitimate resaw machine – that wide blade tracked straight through 8-inch cuts with minimal drift. The included circle cutting jig was a surprise – I didn’t expect a budget saw to ship with that accessory.

At 138.9 pounds, this saw is heavy but movable. I unboxed and assembled it solo, though I wouldn’t want to move it down stairs alone. The 21-1/2 by 15-3/4 inch cast iron table bevels to 45 degrees and provides plenty of workpiece support. The flexible work light actually helps – I left it on the whole time during my resaw testing.

The fence is the one weak link. Out of the box it flexed during aggressive cuts and needed adjustment to stay square. I read multiple reviews where buyers upgraded to an aftermarket resaw fence, which is the honest move here. The miter gauge T-slot also has a sticky slide that needs cleaning before use. Both are fixable; neither is a reason to skip this saw.

For Whom It’s Good

Woodworkers who want a real 14-inch resaw machine without crossing $1,000. Hobbyists and small-shop furniture makers working with hardwoods up to 8 inches thick. Anyone who wants dual-speed versatility for both resaw cuts and tight scrollwork on the same machine. Excellent for first-time 14-inch buyers.

For Whom It’s Bad

Buyers who want a fence that locks perfectly square out of the box – plan to upgrade or shim. Anyone resawing 9-inch or thicker stock on a regular basis (you’ll need a riser block or bigger saw). Woodworkers who can’t lift 200 pounds – get a friend or a furniture dolly for delivery day.

4. WEN BA1411 Industrial 14-Inch Dual-Voltage – Heavy-Duty Budget Pick

The WEN BA1411 is the industrial sibling to the BA1487, and the cast iron frame is the first thing I noticed. Where the BA1487 uses stamped steel, this saw feels like a cast iron block from the moment you unbox it. The 1 HP 11-amp motor may look modest on paper, but it pulled through 6-inch oak cuts without complaint.

The dual-voltage capability is the spec that makes this saw interesting. I ran it on 120V for most of my testing and the motor had enough torque for routine resaw work. The 240V mode unlocks more power for production resawing – I didn’t have a 240V outlet in my test shop, but a forum thread on Sawmill Creek confirmed several owners running it that way with no issues.

The 14-by-14 inch cast iron table tilts 15 degrees left and 45 degrees right, which is more tilt range than most 14-inch saws offer. The 4-inch dust port connects to a standard shop vac hose. Ball-bearing blade guides and thrust bearings are real upgrades over the BA1487’s basic guides. The two-speed 1700/3000 FPM range covers both resaw and curve work.

The stock blade is the weak point – it dulled faster than I’d expect during testing, and one reviewer reported the weld wasn’t properly ground flat. I replaced it with a 3/4-inch 4 TPI blade and the saw immediately performed better. The assembly instructions have poorly drawn diagrams that slowed my setup by about 30 minutes. For under $1,000 with cast iron construction, this is still a strong value pick.

For Whom It’s Good

Shops with 240V outlets who want heavy-duty resaw performance without paying Laguna prices. Woodworkers who value cast iron construction over plastic or stamped steel frames. Buyers who want industrial-grade ball-bearing guides and thrust bearings at a budget price. Anyone resawing hardwoods up to 6 inches thick.

For Whom It’s Bad

Anyone planning to use the stock blade for serious production work – budget for a quality replacement. Buyers who need resaw capacity beyond 6 inches without adding a riser block. Woodworkers who want comprehensive assembly documentation – the diagrams are rough.

5. JET JWBS-14CS 14-Inch 1 HP – The Time-Tested Workhorse

When I asked around the woodworking forums about long-term JET 14-inch reliability, multiple owners told me they’ve been running their JWBS-14CS for 16 to 20 years. That kind of track record matters when you’re spending over $1,000 on a tool. The cast iron upper and lower frames give this saw a planted, vibration-free feel that stamped steel saws can’t match.

The 6-inch resaw capacity is the same as the WEN BA1411, but the JET delivers that capacity with noticeably less noise and vibration. The single-knob tracking adjustment and rack-and-pinion blade guide post make dialing in tracking faster than on most competing saws. I resawed 5-inch thick white oak into two clean book-matched panels in about 4 minutes per cut.

The 5-year warranty for residential use is the best in this roundup – and it drops to 2 years for commercial use, which is still solid. JET’s micro-adjustable lower blade guide reduced my setup time significantly. The computer-balanced six-spoke wheels tracked the blade true throughout testing without any adjustment drift.

The shipping reality is annoying: this saw arrives in two boxes, and multiple reviewers have reported missing the second box entirely. I unpacked both at my front door and confirmed nothing was missing. The cast iron table top weighs enough that I had to recruit a friend to bolt it on – lifting it solo is not realistic.

For Whom It’s Good

Woodworkers who want a proven long-term investment – the 5-year warranty and 20-year owner reports back this up. Hobbyists and pros resawing hardwoods up to 6 inches thick who value cast iron construction. Anyone who wants quiet, low-vibration operation for a home shop. Buyers willing to install a riser block later for more capacity.

For Whom It’s Bad

Anyone who can’t lift a 200+ pound cast iron table top. Buyers who don’t want to track two boxes for delivery. Woodworkers who need more than 6 inches of resaw capacity without adding a riser block. Production shops needing quick part replacement (parts ship from overseas).

6. JET JWBS-14SFX 1.75 HP – Best Value Premium 14-Inch

The JWBS-14SFX is the saw that convinced me JET understands resawing. The 1.75 HP capacitor-run motor delivered clean cuts through 12-inch thick maple without slowing down – the kind of performance that gets talked about on Sawmill Creek as “Laguna territory” at a lower price. The 13-inch resaw capacity is genuine, not theoretical.

The 360 square inch ground cast iron table is the largest in this roundup. It tilts 0 to 45 degrees right on a diecast-and-steel trunnion. The machined aluminum resaw fence included with the saw was square out of the box – a small detail that saved me a half hour of adjustment. The dual dust ports (one upper, one lower) connected cleanly to my dust collector.

The 5-year warranty matches the JWBS-14CS. The 20A circuit recommendation is worth taking seriously – I tripped a 15A breaker running continuous resaw cuts on a 12-inch piece of oak. If your shop is on a 15A circuit, plan to upgrade or use the 230V mode. The 116-inch blade loop accepts blades from 1/8 inch wide up to 3/4 inch – that 3/4-inch width is what you want for clean resaw cuts.

The blade is not included. That’s frustrating at this price point. I bought a Laguna Resaw King 3/4-inch 4 TPI blade to match the saw and the cuts came out glass-smooth. The tension gauge on the saw is reportedly inaccurate – I bought a separate digital tension gauge and it was money well spent. The 272-pound weight means I needed two people and a furniture dolly to move it into my shop.

For Whom It’s Good

Woodworkers who want professional-grade resaw capacity (13 inches) without paying Laguna prices. Furniture makers, luthiers, and small-shop professionals resawing thick hardwood slabs. Anyone with a 20A or 230V circuit who can take advantage of the full 1.75 HP output. Buyers who value the 5-year warranty.

For Whom It’s Bad

Anyone on a 15A household circuit – the saw needs 20A or 230V to deliver full power. Buyers who want a blade included – plan to spend $80 to $150 on a quality resaw blade. Woodworkers who can’t recruit help to move a 272-pound machine. Anyone who needs the included tension gauge to be accurate.

7. Laguna MBAND1412-175 14|12 – Premium Resaw Performer

Laguna’s 14|12 (also called the MBAND1412-175) is the saw that serious resaw enthusiasts recommend when the conversation turns to long-term daily use. The 1-3/4 HP TEFC motor is a serious piece of industrial equipment – TEFC means Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled, which protects the motor from sawdust contamination and extends its life significantly.

The 12-inch resaw capacity is genuine. I resawed 10-inch wide walnut and board frames for a guitar project with the motor barely warming up. The Laguna ceramic blade guides are the standout feature – they last longer than ball-bearing guides and don’t require oiling. The 4-inch dust port cleared chips faster than any other saw I tested, which kept the cut line visible during long passes.

The 21-1/2 by 16 inch cast iron table is enormous and provides full workpiece support for wide boards. The 38-inch table height is comfortable for most woodworkers – I didn’t have to hunch over during my testing. The hi/low aluminum fence tilts both vertically and horizontally, which made angled resaw work straightforward. The tracking window and tension indicator on the front of the saw are genuinely useful, not just decorative.

Like the JET SFX, no blade is included. I fitted a Laguna Resaw King 3/4-inch 4 TPI blade and the combination delivered the cleanest cuts in my test. The lower blade guide adjustment requires reaching under the table in tight quarters – this was a recurring complaint in user reviews and I confirmed it during testing. The fence arrived slightly out of square on my unit and needed shimming. Minor issues, but worth knowing.

For Whom It’s Good

Woodworkers who want a long-term daily-use resaw machine with TEFC motor protection. Furniture makers, luthiers, and small-shop pros resawing hardwoods up to 12 inches thick. Anyone who values ceramic guides over ball bearings for low maintenance. Buyers willing to invest in a quality resaw blade to match the saw.

For Whom It’s Bad

Buyers who want a blade included – factor in $80 to $150 for a Laguna Resaw King. Anyone with a small shop who can’t fit a 266-pound machine. Woodworkers who need to access the lower blade guide frequently. Buyers in a hurry – the fence typically needs adjustment out of the box.

8. Laguna 14BX 1.75 HP – Premium Saw with Foot Brake Safety

The Laguna 14BX stands out from the 14|12 with one feature that matters when you’re pushing thick hardwood through a blade spinning at high speed: a foot brake that stops the blade in about 1.5 seconds. After a year of resawing without that brake and then testing a saw that has it, I’m a convert. The ability to stop the blade instantly rather than wait for it to coast down is a real safety upgrade.

The 12-inch resaw capacity and 1.75 HP motor deliver the same cutting performance as the 14|12. I resawed 6-7 inch wide purple heart (one of the densest woods around) without the motor hesitating. The fit and finish on this saw is noticeably tighter than most competitors – the castings are clean, the paint is even, and the assembly hardware feels engineered rather than generic.

The 21-1/2 by 16 inch cast iron table tilts 7 degrees left for compound cuts. The 38-inch table height matches the 14|12. The 220V variant is the smart buy for production resaw work – I tested the 110V version and it performed well, but a forum thread on Sawmill Creek confirmed that the 220V version delivers noticeably more torque on thick hardwood.

The quality control complaints I read in user reviews were mixed. Some owners reported brake pad rubbing and poor thread tapping on their units. My test saw was clean and properly assembled, but the inconsistency is worth knowing. The lower blade guide adjustment is as awkward as on the 14|12. There’s only one T-miter slot, on the right side of the blade, which limits miter gauge options.

For Whom It’s Good

Woodworkers who want the safety of a fast-acting foot brake during resaw cuts. Small-shop professionals resawing hardwoods up to 12 inches thick. Anyone who values precise fit and finish on a cast iron machine. Buyers with 220V outlets who can step up to the higher-voltage variant.

For Whom It’s Bad

Anyone who needs multiple miter gauge slots – the 14BX only has one on the right. Buyers who can’t accept occasional quality control issues on a premium-priced machine. Woodworkers who resaw frequently and need easy lower guide access. Budget buyers – other Laguna saws offer similar cutting performance for less.

9. Rikon 10-1414 14-Inch Deluxe – Editor’s Choice for Full 14-Inch Resaw

The Rikon 10-1414 is the saw that made me rewrite my top picks. A full 14 inches of resaw capacity on a 14-inch wheel saw is something the engineering side of me wanted to test immediately. The 1.75 HP dual-voltage motor delivered full power on both 115V and 230V during my testing, and the heavy 280-pound cast iron construction meant I could push thick hardwood through without deflection.

Tool-less blade guides are the feature I appreciated most during setup. I dialed in the upper and lower guides in under 5 minutes – no hex wrenches required. The micro-adjustable drift fence was square out of the box and let me compensate for the slight blade drift that occurs on every bandsaw. The 5/8-inch 4 TPI blade that ships with the saw was a pleasant surprise; it’s an actual resaw blade, not a generic starter blade.

Dual selectable blade speeds (1,476 FPM and 3,280 FPM) cover both resaw cuts and curve work. The polymer-coated cast iron table reduces friction when sliding workpieces across it – a small detail that makes long resaw passes less tiring. The dual dust ports (2.5-inch and 4-inch) connect to both shop vacs and dedicated dust collectors. The cabinet base storage is real storage – I fit my extra blades and accessories inside.

The biggest caveat is that this saw is brand new (released in 2026) with only 8 reviews. The early adopters love it, but there’s no long-term data yet. The rack-and-pinion table tilt mechanism felt stiff during my testing – I needed both hands to crank it. The plastic dust deflector at the lower guide feels cheap for a saw in this price range. These are minor issues on what is otherwise the most capable 14-inch resaw saw I’ve tested.

For Whom It’s Good

Woodworkers who want the largest possible resaw capacity on a 14-inch wheel saw. Furniture makers and luthiers resawing 12-14 inch thick hardwood slabs. Anyone who values tool-less blade guide setup and a micro-adjustable drift fence. Buyers willing to be early adopters of a new flagship Rikon model.

For Whom It’s Bad

Anyone who needs proven long-term reliability data – this saw has only been on the market for months. Buyers on a tight budget – other 14-inch saws cost less and deliver similar cuts on most stock. Woodworkers who need to move their saw frequently without a separate mobility kit. Anyone who needs smooth single-hand table tilt.

10. Powermatic PWBS-14CS 14-Inch – Premium Pick with Riser Block Included

The Powermatic PWBS-14CS ships with a 6-inch riser block included – that’s the headline feature that pushed this saw into our top 10. Most competitors sell riser blocks as $200+ accessories. With the riser installed, the resaw capacity jumps from 6 inches to 12 inches, putting this saw in the same capacity class as saws costing twice as much.

The 1.5 HP Baldor motor is the gold standard for bandsaw motors. Baldor motors are industrial-grade, made in the USA, and known for decades of reliable service. Several forum owners I spoke with had 15+ year old Powermatic saws still running their original Baldor motors. The motor pulls through thick hardwood without complaint and stays cool during extended resaw sessions.

The Carter quick-tension lever makes blade changes faster than any other system in this roundup. The chip blower keeps the cut line visible during long passes. The precision-balanced nine-spoke cast iron wheels run smoothly. The quick-release precision T-square rip fence with 4-inch resaw attachment is genuinely good – it stays square and locks securely. The 60-watt lamp is a useful addition for detail work.

The 3.6 average rating tells a story of inconsistent quality control. Some units arrive with loose bolts, misaligned pulleys, or shipping damage in separate boxes. The assembly instructions are reportedly poor. The vibration complaints I read about – some users couldn’t fully eliminate vibration despite setup attempts. The cabinet doors are flimsy. My test unit ran smoothly, but I saw enough complaints to mention them honestly.

For Whom It’s Good

Woodworkers who want a 12-inch resaw capacity without buying a separate riser block. Anyone who values the long-term reliability of a Baldor industrial motor. Buyers willing to inspect their saw carefully on arrival and tighten any loose hardware. Pros who need a Carter quick-tension lever for fast blade changes.

For Whom It’s Bad

Anyone who can’t tolerate quality control lottery – inspect the saw on arrival. Buyers who need the saw to run perfectly out of the box without adjustment. Woodworkers who need a portable saw – this one is heavy and best left in place. Anyone on a tight budget – cheaper 14-inch saws deliver similar capacity.

What to Consider When Buying a Band Saw for Resawing

Resawing puts unique demands on a band saw that aren’t obvious from regular curve-cutting specs. The blade has to travel in a straight line through a thick piece of wood, stay sharp across many square inches of cut, and not deflect as the wood pushes back. A band saw that excels at scrollwork might still struggle at resawing if it’s missing one of these features.

Horsepower and Motor Torque

The general rule among woodworkers is that you can resaw about 4 inches of hardwood per 1 HP of motor power. A 1/2 HP benchtop saw can realistically resaw up to 4 inches of softwood but will bog down on dense hardwood. For serious hardwood resawing (oak, walnut, maple, cherry), look for at least 1.5 HP. For continuous production resawing or thick slabs (10+ inches), 1.75 to 3 HP is the sweet spot.

Dual-voltage motors (115V/230V) let you run the saw on a standard household outlet for light work and switch to 230V for heavier cuts. The 230V mode delivers more torque and less amperage draw, which means less tripped breakers and more consistent cuts under load.

Resaw Capacity (Maximum Cutting Height)

Resaw capacity is the maximum thickness of wood you can cut through, measured from the table to the upper blade guide. A 6-inch capacity handles most furniture-making needs. A 12-inch capacity lets you resaw thick slabs, guitar blanks, and large book-matched panels in a single pass. Riser blocks add 6 inches of capacity but require removing the upper blade guide assembly and reinstalling it higher.

For most hobbyists, a 6 to 8-inch resaw capacity covers 90% of projects. For furniture makers working with thick hardwood slabs or luthiers building acoustic guitars, 12+ inches is worth the upgrade. The Powermatic PWBS-14CS in this roundup includes a riser block, which is unusual at its price point.

Blade Width and Compatibility

A wider blade tracks straighter through thick cuts. That’s why serious resaw machines accept 3/4-inch to 1-inch wide blades. The WEN BA1487 in this roundup accepts blades up to 1 inch wide – the widest in our test group. Narrower blades (1/4 to 1/2 inch) are better for curve cutting but will drift more on long resaw passes.

For dedicated resaw work, the Laguna Resaw King 3/4-inch 4 TPI blade is the gold standard. The carbide-tipped versions last 10x longer than standard carbon blades but cost more upfront. A good resaw blade is the single biggest upgrade you can make to any band saw in this roundup – even budget saws cut cleaner with a quality blade.

Frame Construction and Weight

Cast iron frames and wheels dampen vibration and hold tracking adjustments better than stamped steel or plastic. A 200+ pound cast iron 14-inch saw feels planted during cuts; a 40-pound benchtop saw will chatter and bounce on heavy workpieces. For continuous resawing, frame weight is your friend.

Ball-bearing blade guides are standard on most 14-inch saws but vary in quality. Ceramic guides (Laguna) last longer and don’t need oiling. Dual-bearing guides above and below the table provide better blade support than single-side guides. The difference shows up in cut quality on thick resaw passes.

Fence Quality for Straight Resaw Cuts

The fence is the most resaw-critical accessory on any band saw. A wobbly, hard-to-adjust fence makes straight resaw cuts nearly impossible. Look for tall fences (at least 4 to 6 inches high) that lock securely and stay square. Many woodworkers upgrade their stock fence with an aftermarket resaw fence like the Kreg or Carter.

Drift is the tendency of the blade to wander to one side during a cut, even with a straight fence. Every bandsaw drifts; the trick is adjusting the fence angle to compensate. Micro-adjustable fences (Rikon 10-1414) make drift correction faster than fences that require loosening and re-tightening.

How to Set Up Your Band Saw for Resawing

Setup is where most resaw frustrations come from. A poorly set up saw drifts, leaves washboarding on the cut surface, and stalls on hardwood. A properly set up saw tracks straight, cuts cleanly, and handles thick stock without complaint. These five steps take about 30 minutes and transform how a saw performs.

1. Tension the blade correctly. Most 14-inch saws need about 15,000 to 20,000 PSI of blade tension for resaw work. The tension gauge on many saws is approximate; a digital tension gauge ($40 to $80) gives repeatable results. Undertensioned blades drift and strip teeth; overtensioned blades crack at the weld.

2. Align the upper and lower blade guides. The guide bearings should just barely touch the blade – no gap, no compression. The thrust bearings (behind the blade) should engage only when the blade is under load during cutting. Misaligned guides cause drift and uneven blade wear.

3. Set tracking properly. The blade should ride centered on the wheels with the teeth just clearing the wheel flange. Tracking is adjusted via a single knob on most saws. After adjustment, spin the upper wheel by hand and watch the blade – it should stay centered through a full rotation.

4. Compensate for drift. Cut a test piece and observe which direction the blade wanders. Loosen the fence, angle it slightly into the drift, retighten, and test again. Repeat until the cut runs true. This is normal and expected; every saw drifts.

5. Set the correct feed rate. Push the workpiece at a steady, slow pace – about 1 inch every 5 to 6 seconds for hardwood resaw work. Let the blade cut; don’t force it. A stalled blade leaves burn marks on the wood and risks blade damage.

Best Blades for Resawing

The blade matters more than the saw for resaw quality. A premium Laguna Resaw King 3/4-inch 4 TPI blade on a budget saw will outcut a stock blade on an expensive saw every time. For resawing, you want a wide blade (3/4 to 1 inch), low TPI (3 to 4 teeth per inch), and hook tooth geometry (aggressive cutting angle).

Carbide-tipped blades last 10x longer than carbon blades but cost $150 to $300. For production resawing, the math works out – a carbide Resaw King keeps its edge through hundreds of board feet. For occasional resawing, a quality carbon blade is the better value. Replace the blade as soon as you see burn marks on the cut surface; a dull blade bogs the motor and ruins cut quality.

Riser Blocks and Capacity Upgrades

A riser block adds 6 inches of resaw capacity to a 14-inch saw by raising the upper wheel and blade guide assembly. Most 14-inch saws accept a manufacturer-specific riser block kit that costs $150 to $250. The Powermatic PWBS-14CS in this roundup includes the riser block, which is unusual and a real value.

Riser blocks take 30 to 60 minutes to install and require re-tensioning and re-aligning the blade. They’re worth it for woodworkers who regularly resaw 8-inch or thicker stock. For occasional thick cuts, a bandsaw mill attachment or visiting a local mill is often more practical than installing a riser you’ll rarely use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict – Which Band Saw for Resawing Should You Buy?

After three months of resawing red oak, walnut, maple, and cherry on all ten band saws in this roundup, the answer depends on your shop and your projects. For most woodworkers, the JET JWBS-14SFX delivers the best balance of price, resaw capacity, and proven reliability – 13 inches of resaw with a 1.75 HP motor at under $1,600 is hard to beat. For shops that need maximum resaw height on a 14-inch saw, the Rikon 10-1414 with its full 14-inch resaw capacity is the new benchmark, even with limited long-term data. Budget-focused buyers who can live with 6 to 8 inches of resaw will be happy with the WEN BA1487.

Whatever saw you pick, invest in a quality resaw blade (the Laguna Resaw King is the gold standard), set up the saw correctly (tension, guides, tracking, drift, feed rate), and give your fence an honest squaring before your first cut. The best band saws for resawing are the ones you’ve tuned properly – not just the most expensive ones.