I love this conversation, but seriously with some practice you can get a couple 5/16" thick boards from ~3/4" stock. Even then you still might have a spot or two that shows some signs of being sawn, but that can be the underside of the drawer bottom. I still find it gratifying to use a homemade tool with all the physical work it includes.
As Adam points out this is easier when resawing narrower stock, say 6 inches wide or less. For me, re-sawing by hand is something a person has to want to do, otherwise the practically of using a machine wins out. Once you have a couple frame saws you find ways to use them in your shop.
Jim
Hi Jim, I agree. And you are right on to point out that the thickness you get depends partially on the width of the cut. I might be able to do better than 5/16" in 4 or 6" wide material. In a 1x12 from Home Depot, 5/16" is a good well done!
Only quibble- with normal ripping or small cross cuts, 4/4 stuff, I think I can beat a machine. Some saw cuts are super efficient. Resawing isn't one.
Adam
This has been a great thread and really helped me dial in my expectations. Seems like a frame saw might help make sawing a little easier by allowing my other arm to help out... but I shouldn't expect a big performance improvement over my Grandpa's big ol rip saw!
Thanks everyone!