The Best Bandsaws for Resawing

A bandsaw is one of the most versatile tools you can have in your shop, and it is the best tool for resawing.

Resawing boards into thinner strips on the bandsaw wastes very little wood, which makes it a good method to use when you need to cut laminates for bent lamination.

The number that matters most is resaw capacity: the maximum cutting height under the upper guide. Many 14-inch saws only cut 6 inches high unless you add a riser block.

Below are six bandsaws, compared on manufacturer specs and common owner feedback.

OUR TOP PICK

Our top pick is the Jet JWBS-14DXPRO 14” Deluxe Pro Bandsaw because it is a very versatile and high performing tool that features quality and attention to detail. All its features are aimed at providing you with an exceptional resawing experience.

Check Current Price

The Best Resaw Bandsaws Are:

Product	Details
1. Jet JWBS-14DXPRO 14” Deluxe Pro Bandsaw	1. Jet JWBS-14DXPRO 14” Deluxe Pro Bandsaw Our Top Pick	- Cast iron frame that boosts performance - Sturdy table for tackling tough projects - Reduced friction with lower and upper ball bearing - Blade guide post and view window for safety - A handy storage safe for organization	Check Current Price
2. Rikon Power Tools 10-324 14” Open Stand Bandsaw	2. Rikon Power Tools 10-324 14” Open Stand Bandsaw	- Thirteen-inch cutting capacity - Precision guide bearing - Two cutting speeds for customization - Quick release blade tension - Hinged blade guard that is fitted with a sight window	Check Current Price
3. WEN 3962 10” Tow-Speed Bandsaw	3. WEN 3962 10” Tow-Speed Bandsaw	- Ball bearing operation - Adjustable fence that’s very versatile - Onboard measuring guide - 3-in-1 dust collection port - Flexible LED work light	Check Current Price
4. Delta 28-400 14” Steel Frame Bandsaw	4. Delta 28-400 14” Steel Frame Bandsaw	- Heavy-duty steel frame - 1 horsepower, 2-speed motor - Precision balanced spoked wheels - Oversized precision ground cast iron table - Big resawing capacity	Check Current Price
5. Grizzly Industrial G0513ANV 17” Bandsaw	5. Grizzly Industrial G0513ANV 17” Bandsaw	- Powerful 2 horsepower, 2-speed motor - Includes a precision ground cast ion table - Effective belt driven power transfer - Heavy-duty aluminum fence for resawing - Blade tension indicator window	Check Current Price
6. Laguna Tools MBAND 14BX Bandsaw	6. Laguna Tools MBAND 14BX Bandsaw	- Has a solid one-piece heavier gauge frame - Convenient magnetic on-off switch - Dual light mounting options - Runs smoother with minimum vibration - Provides up to 12 inches of resawing capacity	Check Current Price

1. Jet JWBS-14DXPRO 14” Deluxe Pro – Best Overall

The Jet JWBS-14DXPRO can resaw boards up to 12 inches wide.

Specs

• Cast iron frame that boosts performance
• Sturdy table for tackling tough projects
• Reduced friction with lower and upper ball bearing
• Blade guide post and view window for safety
• A handy storage safe for organization

What I Like About Jet JWBS-14DXPRO

Its 1.25 horsepower motor drives two belt speeds, 1,500 and 3,000 feet per minute.

The motor is mounted in the lower housing, which makes it easy to reach the hardware for setting the belt tension.

The blade runs on a pair of precision cast machined and balanced cast-iron spoked wheels and both wheels turn on large sealed ball bearings.

What I Didn’t Like About Jet JWBS-14DXPRO

Some buyers report missing parts, such as the rip fence or pins, in the box. Check the contents against the parts list when you unpack it.

Pros

• Powerful motor that drives faster speeds
• Super easy belt tension adjustment
• Has a higher resawing capacity of up to 12 inches
• Cast iron frame increases strength and rigidity
• Enclosed storage offers more organization

Cons

• May miss a few accessories, such as the rip fence

Conclusion

The Jet JWBS-14DXPRO has plenty of power and a true 12-inch resaw capacity. Check the box contents on arrival, and check availability, since JET's newer 14-inch saws may have replaced it.

Overall Rating: 4.6

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

2. Rikon Power Tools 10-324 14” Open Stand – Most Versatile

The Rikon 10-324 pairs a 1-1/2 HP motor with a 13-inch resaw height, according to Rikon's catalog.

Specs

• Thirteen-inch resaw height
• Precision guide bearing
• Two cutting speeds for customization
• Quick-release blade tension
• Hinged blade guard that is fitted with a sight window

What I Liked About Rikon 10-324

A single knob on the side opens both wheel doors, which gives easy access to the wheels.

There’s a 4-inch dust port on the back of the saw for a dust collector hose.

The fence slides and locks smoothly, which matters for resawing because a wobbling fence ruins thin boards.

The saw runs at two speeds, 1,445 and 2,950 feet per minute, and has a 13-5/8-inch throat.

What I Didn’t Like About Rikon 10-324

The saw weighs 212 pounds, so plan on a helper to lift the main unit onto the stand.

Pros

• Manual contains detailed instructions for adjustments
• Important installation tools included
• Spinning the wheel easily changes guide bar elevation
• Large 4-inch dust port
• Uses 111-inch blades from 3/16 to 3/4 inch wide

Cons

• Difficult to lift main unit onto the stand

Conclusion

For its resaw capacity and features, the Rikon 10-324 is a strong value. Rikon backs it with a 5-year warranty.

Overall Rating: 4.4

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

3. WEN 3962 10” Tow-Speed Bandsaw – Good Quality for Money

The WEN 3962 is a 10-inch benchtop saw and the budget option here. It is easy to adjust and runs at two speeds.

Specs

• Ball-bearing operation
• Adjustable fence that’s very versatile
• Onboard measuring guide
• 3-in-1 dust collection port
• Flexible LED work light

What I Like About WEN 3962

This tool features two-speed operation. You can conveniently run the blade at either 2620 or 1520 feet per minute with respect to your woodwork project.

It accepts blades from 1/8 to 1/2 inch wide, so you can switch to a narrow blade for curves.

It has a well-built 3-in-1 dust port, which is great because it is compatible with a 4-inch, 2-3/4-inch, and 1-3/4-inch dust collection hoses.

Its six inches of cutting height means you can resaw boards up to six inches wide.

What I Didn’t Like WEN 3962

Some owners report that the blade drifts out of adjustment, usually traced to tension or guide bearing setup.

Pros

• Offers up to six inches of resawing capacity
• Easy to create straight cuts with the fence on
• Dust port that’s compatible with different dust extractor hoses
• Comes with a very spacious work table
• 9-3/4-inch throat

Cons

• Blade may come out of adjustment due to poor tension or bearing

Conclusion

The WEN 3962 offers good value for light resawing of boards up to 6 inches wide, but you may need to fine-tune the bearings or tension.

Overall Rating: 4.3

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

4. Delta 28-400 14” Steel Frame Bandsaw – Easiest to Adjust Guide Settings

Whether you want to resaw large wood pieces or work on your favorite woodwork project, Delta 28-400 is a reliable companion.

Specs

• Heavy-duty steel frame
• 1 horsepower, 2-speed motor
• Precision balanced spoked wheels
• 15-3/4 x 18-7/8-inch table
• 6-inch resaw height

What I Like About Delta 28-400

It has precision ball-bearing upper and lower blade guides for steady tracking.

An oversized table insert gives you a clear view when you adjust the lower guides.

The two-speed belt drive (1,620 and 3,340 FPM) uses tool-free belt tensioning.

Delta lists a cutting capacity of 13-5/8 inches wide by 6 inches thick. That 6-inch height is the real resaw limit, so this is not the saw for wide boards.

What I Didn’t Like About Delta 28-400

Owners say the 1 HP motor resaws slowly, and some note that the bearing holder is fastened with a single bolt.

Pros

• Durable steel frame ensures there’s less flexing
• Precision balanced spoked wheels allow for effective blade tracking
• No need of rack and pinion for raising or lowering blade guide
• Belt driven power transfer allows for smooth operation
• Easy to keep the blades clean with the available dust brush

Cons

• Only 6 inches of resaw height
• Misses a few handy features, such as blade tension indicator

Conclusion

It is well built and includes a steel stand and a 5-year warranty, but its 6-inch capacity limits it to narrow resawing.

Overall Rating: 4.2

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

5. Grizzly Industrial G0513ANV 17” Bandsaw – Biggest Resawing Capacity

G0513ANV Bandsaw brings to the table all the time-tested, heavy-duty features of the popular Grizzly Industrial bandsaw lineups.

Specs

• Powerful 2 horsepower, 2-speed motor
• Includes a precision ground cast iron table
• Effective belt-driven power transfer
• Heavy-duty aluminum fence for resawing
• Blade tension indicator window

What I Like About G0513ANV

This big 17-inch machine has a 12-1/8-inch maximum cutting height, which makes it a strong choice for resawing larger boards.

It comes with a cast iron fence with an extruded aluminum resaw fence.

You will love the micro-adjustable geared table, which helps to take on complex woodwork piece with precision.

Another good feature is the 16-1/4-inch capacity left of the blade, which Grizzly's manual lists along with the 2 HP motor and 1,700 and 3,500 FPM blade speeds.

What I Didn’t Like About G0513ANV

Some owners report blade guides loosening under heavy use, so check them after the first few hours.

Pros

• Very effective belt-driven power transfer
• Large resawing capacity of over 12 inches
• Resaw fence included
• Large throat capacity accommodates larger projects
• 2 HP motor for wide hardwood

Cons

• Blade guides may need retightening
• Large and heavy for a small shop

Conclusion

This is the choice if you resaw wide boards often and have room for a 266-pound machine.

Overall Rating: 4.0

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

6. Laguna Tools MBAND 14BX Bandsaw – Most Optimal Blade Performance

The Laguna Tools MBAND 14BX is a 14-inch saw built for resawing. It is an older model and can be hard to find new.

Specs

• Has a solid one-piece heavier gauge frame
• Convenient magnetic on-off switch
• Dual light mounting options
• Runs smoother with minimum vibration
• Provides up to 12 inches of resawing capacity

What I Like About MBAND 14BX

This tool is fitted with electronically and dynamically balanced cast iron wheels, which is great because they ensure vibration-free performance.

It has a very smooth and resourceful worm gear driven rack and pinion, which not only raises and lowers the blade guide, but it’s also engineered to stay within tolerances.

It comes with a quality aluminum, high-low fence, which easily changes positions for effective resawing and cutting.

Another great feature is Laguna's ceramic blade guides, which have no moving parts.

What I Didn’t Like About MBAND 14BX

Some owners report trouble keeping blades tracking and occasional motor overheating.

Pros

• Has a good resawing capacity
• Delivers a vibration-free performance
• High-low fence changes positions smoothly
• Quality guides guarantee optimal blade performance
• Easy to use on/off magnetic switch

Cons

• Blades may come out of alignment

Conclusion

It has good dust collection and solid resawing power, but some owners report tracking issues.

Overall Rating: 4.0

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Buying Guide

The bandsaw is the most convenient tool for cutting curves, but it can also crosscut and rip, as well as cut joints, compound shapes, and angles.

It is also the best way to resaw, a thick piece of wood into thinner pieces. Basically, it is one of the most versatile tools you can own.

It does not take up much space in your shop, and because the blade cuts downward, it does not kick back like a table saw.

Keep the upper guide just above the board, use a push block at the end of a resaw cut, and unplug the saw before changing blades.

Here are the main factors that can help you choose the finest model:

What Size is Suitable?

Bandsaws are classified by wheel diameter. Benchtop bandsaws typically have 9- to 12-inch wheels.

Models with larger flywheels, or wheels, are usually floor-standing machines with 14-inch or larger wheels.

The larger the wheels are, the greater the throat, which is the distance between the blade and the frame. For resawing, also check the maximum cutting height, since that sets the widest board you can resaw.

Which Blade Works Best?

Bandsaw blades are available in three main tooth profiles: standard tooth, hook tooth, and skip tooth. For resawing, use a coarse blade with few teeth per inch; Grizzly's blade selection chart pairs resawing with a wide, hook-tooth blade.

Coarse teeth have deep gullets that carry sawdust out of a tall cut, which prevents clogging and overheating.

The next factor is blade width. Wider blades resist bending under feed pressure, so they deflect less in the cut.

Use the widest blade your saw accepts, and save narrow blades for curves.

Final Thoughts

Our overall best bandsaw for resawing is the Jet JWBS-14DXPRO 14” Deluxe Pro Bandsaw. Jet JWBS-14DXPRO 14″ Deluxe Pro is a top-rated bandsaw. This high-performing tool meets all the requirements of a hobbyist and a professional.

Its 12-inch resaw capacity handles wide boards, and its 13-1/2-inch throat gives room for larger pieces.

It is a highly versatile bandsaw that will always provide you with efficiency, precision, safety, and better organization for all your projects.

If you resaw often, prioritize cutting height and a wide blade over extra features.

Sources

• Model G0513 Series 17" Bandsaws Owner's Manual, Grizzly Industrial
• 28-400 14 in. 1-HP Steel Frame Bandsaw, Delta Machinery
• RIKON Product Catalog, RIKON Power Tools