Why a Riser Block Changes Everything About Your Bandsaw
If you own a 14-inch bandsaw and have ever felt limited by its resaw capacity, a riser block upgrade is likely the single most impactful modification you can make. Standard 14-inch bandsaws typically offer around six inches of cutting height, which works fine for most general tasks but falls short when you need to slice through thick lumber or resaw wide boards into thinner stock. A riser block adds approximately six inches to the frame height, effectively doubling your maximum cut capacity and transforming your saw into a far more versatile machine. This upgrade is especially popular among woodworkers who want the functionality of a larger industrial bandsaw without the expense or floor space requirements that come with stepping up to an 18-inch or 20-inch model.
Key Benefits of Installing a Riser Block
Adding a riser block to your Delta, Ridgid, Jet, or Grizzly bandsaw brings several practical advantages that immediately improve your shop capabilities.
- Increases resaw capacity from approximately 6 inches to 12 inches or more
- Allows you to cut through larger turning blanks and thick slabs
- Makes bookmatching wide boards possible without special equipment
- Enables processing logs and rough lumber more efficiently
- Provides better value than purchasing a larger bandsaw outright
- Extends the useful life of your existing saw investment
Understanding Riser Block Compatibility Across Brands
One important detail that many woodworkers overlook is that riser blocks are not universally interchangeable between bandsaw brands, even when the saws share the same wheel diameter. Delta, Ridgid, Jet, and Grizzly each designed their 14-inch bandsaws with slightly different frame dimensions, bolt patterns, and column configurations. A riser block manufactured for a Delta 28-400 series will not fit a Jet JWBS-14 without modification, and attempting to force an incompatible block can result in alignment problems, vibration, or unsafe operating conditions. Always verify the exact model number of your bandsaw before purchasing a riser block, and check whether your specific saw generation requires any additional hardware beyond what comes in the kit.
What Comes in a Typical Riser Block Kit
Most quality riser block kits include more than just the block itself, and understanding what should be in the box helps you avoid surprises during installation. A complete kit generally contains the cast iron or steel riser block, an extended blade guard post, longer guide post components, new mounting bolts or hardware, and installation instructions specific to your bandsaw model. Some kits also include an extended blade guard cover to accommodate the increased height. If you purchase a kit that only contains the riser block without the extended posts and guards, you will need to source those components separately, which can add both cost and complexity to the project.
Riser Block Specifications by Bandsaw Brand
| Brand | Common Compatible Models | Riser Height Added | Typical New Resaw Capacity | Notes |
| Delta | 28-400, 28-206, 28-276 | 6 inches | 12 inches | Some older models need longer guide posts sold separately |
| Ridgid | BS14000, BS14002 | 6 inches | 12 inches | Shares design elements with some Delta saws |
| Jet | JWBS-14CS, JWBS-14OS | 6 inches | 12 to 12.5 inches | Closed stand and open stand versions use same riser |
| Grizzly | G0555, G0555LX, G0513X2 | 6 inches | 12 inches | G0555 series compatible with specific Grizzly kits |
Choosing the Right Blade Length After Your Upgrade
After installing a riser block, your original bandsaw blades will no longer fit. The increased frame height requires longer blades, typically around 105 inches for most 14-inch saws with a 6-inch riser installed. Before your riser block arrives, measure your current blade length and add approximately 12 inches to estimate your new requirement, though checking your specific kit instructions is always the safest approach. Having new bandsaw blades ready before you start the installation means you can test the saw immediately after assembly rather than waiting for a blade order to arrive.
Tools and Supplies Needed for Installation
Gathering the right tools before you begin makes the installation process smoother and helps prevent frustrating interruptions.
- Socket wrench set with metric and standard sizes
- Allen key or hex wrench set
- Adjustable wrench for blade tension adjustment
- Screwdrivers in various sizes
- Clean rags for wiping down mating surfaces
- Light machine oil for bolt threads
- Blue threadlocker for securing fasteners
- Level for checking frame alignment
- New blade in the correct length for your upgraded saw
Step by Step Overview of the Installation Process
Installing a riser block follows a logical sequence that any moderately experienced woodworker can handle in a few hours. Start by unplugging the saw and removing the blade, blade guards, and upper guide assembly. Next, remove the bolts securing the upper frame section to the lower frame, then carefully lift off the upper portion and set it aside on a padded surface. Clean the mating surfaces on both the upper and lower frame sections to remove dust and debris that could affect alignment. Position the riser block on the lower frame, align the bolt holes, and hand tighten the mounting hardware. Place the upper frame on top of the riser block, align all holes, and secure with the provided bolts. Install the extended guide post and blade guard components, then mount your new longer blade and adjust the tension and tracking according to your saw’s specifications.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid During Riser Block Installation
Even experienced woodworkers sometimes run into problems when installing riser blocks, but most issues are preventable with a bit of awareness.
- Failing to check bolt alignment before fully tightening, which can stress the casting
- Over-tightening mounting bolts and cracking the riser block or frame
- Forgetting to install the extended blade guard post before mounting the upper frame
- Using the old blade length and wondering why it will not fit
- Skipping the tracking adjustment after blade installation
- Neglecting to recheck guide bearing alignment after assembly
- Not testing the saw at low speed before running a full project
Maximizing Performance After Your Riser Block Upgrade
Once your riser block is installed and your saw is running smoothly, a few additional adjustments can help you get the most from your upgraded machine. Consider investing in a quality resaw blade with fewer teeth per inch and appropriate set for thick stock, as the wider blades in the half-inch to three-quarter-inch range perform significantly better for heavy resawing than standard quarter-inch blades. You may also want to add a quality fence system if your bandsaw did not come with one, since accurate resawing depends heavily on consistent fence positioning. Taking time to properly tune your guides and ensure the blade runs true will pay dividends in cut quality, especially when working with valuable hardwood lumber that you cannot afford to waste on drift or wandering cuts.
Signs Your Bandsaw Might Need Additional Upgrades Beyond the Riser
A riser block expands your resaw capacity, but it also places more demand on other bandsaw components that may need attention.
- Motor struggles or bogs down during thick cuts, suggesting you may need more horsepower
- Blade guides wear quickly, indicating possible upgrade to ceramic or bearing guides
- Table surface shows wear or rust, making aftermarket table inserts worth considering
- Fence system lacks precision, pointing toward a dedicated resaw fence addition
- Dust collection port is overwhelmed, meaning a larger port adapter could help
- Vibration increases noticeably, which might require checking tire condition and wheel balance
Final Thoughts on Getting the Most From Your Riser Block Investment
Adding a riser block to your Delta, Ridgid, Jet, or Grizzly bandsaw represents one of the smartest upgrades available for woodworkers who want expanded capabilities without buying a completely new machine. The installation process is straightforward for anyone comfortable with basic mechanical work, and the results are immediately noticeable the first time you resaw a 10-inch wide board or slice thick blanks for turning projects. Pair your newly upgraded saw with a high quality blade designed for resawing, proper dust collection, and patient setup, and you will have a bandsaw that performs well above its original class. Whether you are processing rough lumber, creating veneers, or simply enjoying the freedom to work with larger stock, a riser block upgrade delivers practical value that you will appreciate for years to come.