I am making some chair back rails. I made up a sample laminated and one
band sawn. My wife has chosen the band sawn. She thought the laminated
looked cheap.

Cutting 3" oak on my little bandsaw is a challenge, and then sanding the
marks out without ruining the shape is even harder. Would ash cut or sand
any easier? I am staining them anyhow, so I can dye the ash first and it
will be a good match for oak.

I would have to buy ash while I have a big pile of 12/4 oak, but that is
trivial compared to the work involved. Thanks.