8 Best Band Saws For Resawing – Our Top Picks & Reviews!

A band saw is the unsung hero in any woodworking shop. You can slice thick logs and use the same wood for more projects.

But buying a suitable band saw takes time and effort as there are too many options out there. One might offer unbeatable power, while the other has more safety features. And, if that is not enough, you must spend a chunk of money even on the smallest model.

So, where do you go from here? And, how to choose the best band saws for resawing? If you have the same questions, then look no further. Here, we will mention our favorite band saws so far and whether you should buy them or not. So, stick with us till the end.

Our Top 3 Picks:

Why Use A Bandsaw Over A Table Saw?

The first difference between a bandsaw and a typical table saw is how they are designed. But the question is whether you should go for a bandsaw instead of a table saw. Let’s briefly discuss that briefly.

#Precise Cuts

The main purpose of a bandsaw is to cut irregular shapes and designs into wood logs. Giving precise cuts is its specialty since the blades are downwards.

That’s the reason most woodworkers prefer bandsaws for resawing purposes.

On the contrary, the table saw can only cut straight. It’s mostly used to turn wood logs into lumber.

#No Kickbacks

One major issue with a table saw is the risk of kickbacks. It can occur when the wood stock gets stuck and causes the blades to hurl toward the operator.

However, you don’t have to worry about such accidents with a bandsaw. Since the blades are designed downwards, there is no risk of kickbacks.

#Less Waste

When using expensive wood, you want to make the most of it. A table saw becomes inefficient in that aspect. In fact, any saw with a circular blade, can only cut through the thickness of a log.

On the contrary, bandsaw easily rips open thinner slices of stock and eliminates any kind of waste.

How Do You Prevent Bandsaw from Frequent Jamming?

Many beginners wonder why their bandsaw keeps getting jammed. Is it a technical issue or something else?

But the truth is you only need to take care of certain aspects.

Clean The Build-Up

The gullets can get jammed if you don’t clean them up from time to time. 

Normally woodworkers use a vacuum pipe to get rid of these scraps. But the pipe can get jammed if you work for too long. That’s when the saw blade also shows an issue running smoothly.

So, your first step would be to clean up the pipe. After that, check the blades for any resin build-up. Use soap and water to clean the blades as well.

Choose The Right Tooth Pitch

Whether the saw blade gets stuck or not depends on the tooth pitch. If the number of teeth is too few, you will face issues like jamming. Normally 6 to 8 teeth are enough for cutting an average slab. If the width increases, so should the number of teeth.

Lubricate Frequently

You should apply oil to both sides of the blade every four to five minutes. It keeps the operation as smooth as possible and reduces the chances of jamming.

No doubt, oiling the blades makes the cut easy. It also lowers the irritating sound your bandsaw produces.

The 8 Best Band Saws for Resawing

We have promised to share the best band saw for resawing in a certain category. So, here we go with our top picks. The list doesn’t follow a “best to worst” order and vice versa.

1. Shop Fox W1706 14″ Bandsaw – Editor’s Pick

Shop Fox introduced the W1706 as a hybrid. It has the strength of an average 14″ bandsaw with features you can only find in bigger units.

Key Features At A Glance

• Material: Steel
• Motor: 1 HP
• Size: 14″
• Blade size: 93-1/2″
• Max cutting capacity: 6 inches (thickness)
• Speed: 1500 and 3200 FPM

Why We Love It

We think the price you pay for this unit is completely justified by the facilities. You get to know how it would feel to use the best 24-inch bandsaw in the market at your disposal.

• Cast Iron Frame

We have already given you a hint about its resemblance to the other 14″ bandsaws mentioned above. The build quality is quite the same, with a cast iron frame and high-speed steel blades. 

You also get a 14×14 inches table top that can be tilted to easily curve irregular shapes and designs. And the attached cabinet space makes extra room for your tools.

• Miter Gauge

Till now, we haven’t included any bandsaw that comes with a miter gauge. The scale is pretty easy to understand and allows you to measure 30 degrees on each side.

Also, the tabletop is designed to provide the utmost support. You can tilt it up to 45 degrees. 

• Aluminum Fence 

Although a fence is a pretty common accessory, most brands neglect the quality. You must have noticed how we complained about the flimsy fences before.

But Shop Fox has changed the scenario with their aluminum fences. Yes, the fence support for the blades has an aluminum finish instead of cheap plastic. It’s strong and durable at the same time.

Limitations

• The bearings might fail while you are running the machine. It’s better to keep a set of bearings for an emergency.
• You need to clean up the table top more frequently (for corrosion).

2. Jet JWBS-14DXPRO 14″ Bandsaw – Best Overall

Here comes the first 14″ unit of our list. And no other bandsaw deserves this place other than our all-time favorite Jet Deluxe pro. 

This machine proves why customers won’t hesitate to spend a thousand dollars to get their hands on a jet bandsaw. 

Key Features At A Glance

• Material: Steel
• Size: 14″
• Motor: 1.25 HP
• Table Top: 15×15 inches
• Speed: 3000 FPM
• Blade size: 105″

Why We Love It

The reason why we have included this 14” bandsaw is due to its powerful motor within a robust body.  It will come to mind every time you think of an all-rounder resawing machine.

• High Motor Power

The blades easily glide through wood logs with 13 and 12 inches in width and thickness, respectively. 

Moving on to regular working woods like oak or walnut, it feels like running a sharp knife through a piece of cake. 

And we are not exaggerating it a bit. The 1.25 HP motor easily rips open gumwood without any drifting or jamming.

• Ball Bearing Guides

 Upper and lower ball-bearing guides make the bandsaw even more interesting. The balls reduce friction and prevent the inner parts from overheating. Plus, you don’t need much lubrication, either.

All of these factors enable the blade to last a long time. 

• Strong Body

The cast iron body is as strong as you expect it to be. You get a supportive and large table top. Moreover, we don’t think a rising block would be needed at all.

One useful accessory that comes with this unit is the storage space below the main saw. You can put all your working tools safely inside the cabinet.

The only problem is its price. Not everyone can afford a $1000 bandsaw, can they? But it’s better to invest in this beast instead of repairing a low-price machine over and over.

Limitations

• Considering the price, we don’t think the rip fence is that impressive.
• We have found the blades to be petty and mediocre too.

3. WEN 3962T 10-Inch Two-Speed Bandsaw – Best Budget Option

WEN’s 10-inch bandsaw is our favorite one. We were able to easily cut thick open logs with only one glide (6 inches deep). And the cherry on top is its low price.

Key Features At A Glance

• Material: Steel
• Size: 10 inches
• Bevels up to 0 to 45 degrees
• Motor power: 3.5 amp
• Comes with six teeth
• Blade size: 1/8 to ½ inch

Why We Love It

It’s the only brand where you can find a 10″ robust saw with some outstanding features at such a price. Let’s specify why we fell in love with it.

• Low Price

To be honest, we love how affordable the 10-inch wen bandsaw is. You can easily get the machine at half the price of an average 10” bandsaw. In case you come across a discount, you can save even more money.

Don’t you think the price itself is enough to compensate for its limitations? we think so. It’s by far the best budget resawing bandsaw.

• Highly Sensitive to Adjustments

You have to be extra careful while dialing the adjustment. One small error can significantly affect your expectation and the result. In a sense, it indicates top-notch engineering. We highly appreciate the precise and unique cuts.

But beginners who are yet to reach the skill level find it hard to adjust the saw accordingly.

• Two-Speed Capacity

You can spontaneously adjust the speed level between 1520 to 2620 FPM. Now, why do you even need two speeds?

Well, we have found it super useful when you want to cut various materials. For example, high speed works best for cutting wood.

On the other hand, harder materials, especially metals, require more force and less speed. We loved having the freedom to work on any material at hand using the two-speed feature.

Limitations

• The WEN 10″ bandsaw seems a little flimsy compared to WEN’s best 14″ bandsaw for resawing.
• Even though the installation is basic and simple, adjusting the scale is a bit complex.
• There’s no marking on the tension tracker.

4. RIKON Power Tools 10-3061 10″ Deluxe Bandsaw – Best Benchtop Option

RIKON introduced the 10-3061 deluxe bandsaw after the success of the 10-306 model. Despite its small frame, we have found it powerful enough to handle regular woodworking experiments.

Key Features At A Glance

• Material: Steel
• Size: 10″
• Motor: ½ HP
• Dust Port: 2″- ½”
• Two Speed Available (1515 & 3280 FPM)
• Bevels Up to 45 degrees

Why We Love It

RIKON is stepping up their game with the 10-3061 bandsaw. Currently, it’s the best benchtop bandsaw for resawing. The only downside is that it’s a bit pricey. 

• Compact in Size

According to us, the biggest advantage of this 10″ deluxe bandsaw is the size. The unit is a total 70″ in length and 16″ in width. You can fit the bandsaw inside even if you have a small hobby shop.

• Useful Fence

An effective and useful Rip fence is something even high-end models lack. But RIKON is not one of them. To be honest, we didn’t expect the fence to support the blades effectively.

Even though we have some complaints regarding the plastic finish, the fence worked perfectly. 

• Easy Blade Tracking

The blade tension tracking feature lets you see whether the blade is prepared for action or not. Also, you can remove the tension once the job is done. The ease of onboard tracking was missing in the previous model we described. That’s why we cherish the 10-3061 deluxe bandsaw so much.

Limitations

• You have to order the bar tool separately.
• The manual doesn’t specify how to track the band saw blades for resawing. So, it can be a bit difficult for newbies to figure out.
• It’s also a bit expensive for a 10″ bandsaw.

5. Rikon Power Tools 10-305 Bandsaw – Best Build-Quality

If you are looking for a bandsaw that can last a lifetime, you should consider RIKON 10-305. Its main purpose is to impress users who hate flimsy plastic finishes. 

 Key Features At A Glance

• Material: Carbon Steel
• Size: 10″
• Motor: 1/3HP
• Works efficiently with shop vacs
• Fence available

Why We Love It

The best thing about this bandsaw is how affordable its price range is compared to the 345 or 325 bandsaws. 

• Stronger Build Quality

Unlike other brands, the bandsaw has a solid steel body (even the frames). We also have to mention the large cast iron tabletop as well. 

The large table size (13 ¾” to 12 ½”) is a unique feature we’ve found in a RIKON 10-305 along with the 345 and 325 bandsaw versions. Nonetheless, some other premium facilities were compromised to lower the price.

• Perfect for Less Powerful Works

More horsepower doesn’t mean better performance in every scenario. Your need and the motor power should align perfectly. RIKON 10-305 was meant for seasonal hobbyists who don’t need a 1 HP or even a ½ HP motor.  The unit cuts perfectly with a 1/3 HP motor. 

• Easy Installation

We didn’t find the installation process complicated at all. All the steps are well described in the instruction manual. 

However, some details can affect the performance. For example, you must center the blades and lower the block after assembling all parts. 

Apart from these minor issues, you can easily set it up within 15 to 20 minutes in the garage.

Limitations

• The blades could be better. You can cut some average shapes at best. For thinner cuts, you have to get a narrower blade.
• Being a 10″ bandsaw with 1/3 HP, the price seems to be on the higher end.

6. RIKON Power Tools 10-326 14″ Deluxe Bandsaw – Best Value For Money

RIKON 10-326 is the improved version of 10-325. If you think the 325 was pretty good, we can guarantee you will love the 10-326 wholeheartedly.

Key Features At A Glance

• Material: Steel
• Size: 14″
• Motor: 1 ¾ HP
• Speed: 115 rpm
• Comes with a five years warranty
• The package includes wrenches for installation and 6-TPI blades

Why We Love It

RIKON 326 has one of the highest cutting capacities in the industry (around 13″). That’s enough to impress a woodworker. But we will dig deeper and see what else it can offer.

• One-hand Adjustment

Forget your wrenches and other tools to adjust the blades. The RIKON 10-326 offers one hand adjustment facility. All you have to do is loosen up the center screws by hand.

That will give you access to the adjustment screws. Once you are done, tighten up the screws again. That’s all it takes. No complexity at all.

• Table Trunnion System

The RIKON 10-326 table trunnion system is easily distinguishable from the 10-325. Manufacturers designed the table trunnion to work like a crankshaft. You will see a lever under the large table.

If you move it up and turn the wheel, you can tilt the table however you wish. The extra ribbing underneath the structure keeps the tilted table stable so that you can easily handle big workloads without using your body.

• Taller Fence

RIKON 326 has an improved and increased fence. The resaw fence is approximately 6 inches tall. You can only turn the knob and adjust the fence however you like. It’s an unusual feature for any bandsaw.

The fence is also flexible enough to be moved diagonally as well. No need to use those typical fence pins anymore.

Limitations

• The instruction manual isn’t that helpful. You can use online resources like videos for help or guidelines.
• The blade included in the package is quite low quality. You have to buy new blades for outstanding cuts.

7. Jet JWBS-14CS 14″ Bandsaw – Best For Resawing

Here’s another Jet bandsaw to make you happy. If you are specifically focused on resawing, the 14CS from the JWBS series can be your best friend. Here are some details of the best resaw bandsaw.

Key Features At A Glance

• Material: Steel
• Size: 14″
• Motor: 1HP
• Table Top: 15×15 inches
• Speed: 3000 FPM
• Blade size: 93-1/2″

Why We Love It

It is ideal for workers who think 1.25 HP is too much for them. But at the same, they love everything about the Jet JWBS series. You should definitely check it out.

• Mobile Base

The Jet JWBS-14CS has a mobile base. we can use it in different places without having a fixed shop. It’s an extremely useful feature for seasonal woodworkers who turn their garage into a shop. Not having to lift the entire unit is a big bonus.

• Cooler Blades

Jet JWBS- 14CS bandsaw comes with blade guides that don’t overheat or vibrate. The reason is using graphite in the blade guides. In case you didn’t know, graphite is widely known for tolerating a high level of thermal shock. 

As a result, blade guides with graphite can withstand heat and friction better and for a longer period. It’s great news if you don’t like to deal with frequent wear and tear.

• Tool-less Adjustment

We didn’t require anything extra to adjust the blade according to your need. The micro-blade adjustment feature allows you a quicker and more accurate blade setting every time.

Another side effect of having micro adjustment facilities is that the blades last longer. So, you are ultimately saving money.

Limitations

• It’s a bit pricey (above $1000)
• The dust collection hole might cause trouble

8. Laguna Tools 220V & 2.5 HP Bandsaw – Exclusive Choice

We have left the most powerful one for the last. This one is our first 2.5HP and the best bandsaw for resawing on the list. The motor power already shows what you can expect from this beast.

Key Features At A Glance

• Material: Steel
• Size: 12″
• Motor: 2.5 Hp
• Table height: 38″
• Single phase
• Resaw Capacity: 12″

Why We Love It

It’s our exclusive pick for a little group of woodworkers. It works exceptionally well with wood or non-ferrous materials. 

• Powerful Cuts

The Laguna bandsaw rip opens any kind of wood you throw at it. Suppose you want thinner slices, no worries. Just put on a narrow blade on the wheel.

Keep in mind that the Laguna 2.5 HP bandsaw is a single-phase machine. It’s specifically designed to cut wood only. So, if you cut metals occasionally, this is not the tool we would suggest.

• Quick Installation

The installation process is pretty daunting for some users. But setting up the parts for a Laguna bandsaw is a breeze. You would find it easy even if you have never assembled a bandsaw before.

Just read the instructions carefully and follow along. Reaching the lower blade guides can be difficult since they are underneath the table. So, be patient.

• Interesting Dust Collection

The unit comes with two dust-collecting ports on the front. The first or upper one catches most of the wood scraps. And the lower one makes sure nothing falls on the ground. So, you get a clean shop after a long day of work.

Limitations

• You have to order a blade separately. The package doesn’t include one.
• A miter gauge would be quite useful on the large table. Sadly, it’s missing.

What to Know Before Buying a Bandsaw for Resawing?

Knowing the basic criteria helps you make a decision. It’s a no-brainer. Even though you might already have some idea regarding what to look for, it won’t harm to discuss that again for newbies. So, here we go with our little buying guide.

Blade Width

The rule is to go for wider blades if you need to rip open bigger slabs. 

It’s easy to remember. The bigger the blades, the further they can cut through the wooden piece. Here’s a small guide to help you.

Required Radius (inches)	Blade Width (inches)
7 (175 mm)	1 (25 mm)
4 (100 mm)	5/8 (16 mm)
1 ½ (40 mm)	3/8 (10 mm)
1/8 (3 mm)	1/8 (3 mm)

As you can see, you will need a blade width of 10 mm to curve the stock at a radius of 1.5 inches.

Motor Power

If you are a hobbyist and cut wood to make DIYs, getting a ¾ to 1 HP motor would work. Trust me; you don’t need more than 1 HP for most woodworking techniques. However, professionals love a 2 HP motor for faster outputs.

Another tip is to check out the blade size. Narrower blades require less power to cut through a slab. On the other hand, wider blades require more horsepower.

Wheel Material

Your experience with the bandsaw will differ based on which material you choose. For example, cast iron wheels are a lot heavier. As a result, it stays more stable while going through thick stocks. On the contrary, aluminum or steel wheels offer less inertia.

Speed

Professional woodworkers use bandsaws with a maximum speed of 5000 FPM. But you don’t need that much speed as a beginner. 1000 FPM should be adequate. 

If you are unhappy with this suggestion, opt for 2000 FPM at max. But we don’t think you should go above that.

Conclusion

You have reached the bottom of this article. But we can’t wrap up until you have a clear idea of what to buy. If you are a little short on budget and don’t need a machine for professional purposes, go for the WEN 10-Inch Two-Speed Bandsaw.

It’s good value for less than $300. On the contrary, if you run a busy shop and want only the best, we have more than one suggestion. Choose either Jet JWBS 14DXPRO or Shop Fox W1706. The first one is reliable, reputable, and cuts wood like butter.

And the second one offers almost the same strength with more useful features or accessories. we consider it one of the best bandsaws for resawing. Now, the final decision is up to you.