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Wen 14" Bandsaw Riser Block

3.8K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  bilyo  
#1 ·
I purchased this saw last year from HD when it was on sale. It has been a great saw for the price.
However, the resaw capacity is around 5 1/2".

Wanted to add a riser block, but WEN doesn't sell any. I think it is a knock-off of the grizzly 14" saw.
Has anyone added a riser block. Concerned not only with the fit, but also if the 1HP motor can support the riser block.
Most of the time 6-8 inches resaw is all I would need.

WEN 14 in. 1 HP Dual-Voltage 120-Volt/240-Volt 2-Speed Industrial Band Saw BA1411 - The Home Depot
 
#2 ·
It might be that if your saw is a re-branded Grizzly a Grizzly riser block will fit it. You just have to take some measurements. You will also have to check to see if there are any bumps, holes, tabs, etc. made for them to fit together. This may require some disassembly to find out. There are also some other components you will need; extended left side blade guard, upper guide support arm, and upper support blade guide. When I put a riser block on my Delta 14" some years ago, I found the block and upper guide support arm on Ebay. I made the rest from 1/4" acrylic and sheet metal. You might be able to do likewise.
I question whether your 1 hp motor is strong enough to resaw wider material. My 1 1/4 hp is just barely adequate. I can resaw 5-6" but it is slow going.
 
#5 ·
As a followup, I decided not to use the riser block. Decided with the weak 1hp motor wasn't sure how it would work. I'm restricted to about 5 1/2 inch resaw, but I can work with it.
In addition, this saw is restricted to a max 1/2 blade. Decided to try a 3/4 inch blade on it. Works fine with no issues for that width of blade.
 
#6 ·
Probably the smart move DW. I will throw in my two cents for the next person. I put a six inch block from Jet in my 14” porter Cable. That saw has a 2hp motor believe it or not so it probably has the power. The saw became quite finicky after the mod as far as getting the guides right and finding the right blade tension. I would probably not recommend it for any 14” saw. Just seems to be pushing everything to its limit. I’d look into 17 or bigger if you really want decent resawing. There’s a 19 or 20 inch Cantek at work that does a pretty good job. I been eyeing the 19’s over at grizzly.