What Blade Size Fits the Band Saw Chart? Length, Width, and TPI
You manage a small shop with three different band saws: a 9-inch benchtop, a 14-inch floor standing, and a portable deep cut. Each takes a different blade length. You keep a cheat sheet taped inside the blade cabinet, but it is stained with cutting fluid and you can barely read it. You need a clean reference.
Band saw blade sizes are not standardized across saw sizes. A 9-inch saw, a 14-inch saw, and a portable deep cut saw all take different blade lengths. The length is set by the wheel diameter and the distance between the wheels. The width and TPI are your choice, but the length is fixed by the saw.
Band Saw Blade Length Chart
Portable Band Saw Blades
30-9/16 inches: Milwaukee M12 FUEL Compact (2529-20). Width: 1/2 inch. TPI: 18, 24. This is the smallest portable blade length.
32-7/8 inches: DEWALT 20V MAX ATOMIC Compact (DCS377B). Width: 1/2 inch. TPI: 18, 24. Also fits some older 20V MAX band saw kits.
35-3/8 inches: Milwaukee M18 FUEL Compact (2829-20), Milwaukee corded compact (6230-20), DEWALT 20V MAX XR Mid-Size (DCS378B). Width: 1/2 inch. TPI: 14, 18, 24. Shared across multiple brands.
44-7/8 inches: Milwaukee M18 FUEL Deep Cut (2729-20, 2929-20), Milwaukee corded deep cut (6232-20), DEWALT 20V MAX XR Deep Cut (DCS374B, DCS376B), Makita 18V LXT (XBP02TX). Width: 1/2 inch. TPI: 8/10, 10, 10/14, 14, 14/18, 18, 24. The most common portable band saw blade size.
Stationary Woodworking Band Saw Blades
59-1/2 inches: 9-inch benchtop saws (Delta 28-150, Ryobi BS900, Skil 3386, Central Machinery 9-inch). Width: 1/8 to 3/8 inch. TPI: 6 to 14.
62 inches: Some 10-inch saws and older Delta models. Width: 1/8 to 1/2 inch. TPI: 3 to 14.
64-1/2 inches: Some 10-inch saws (older Craftsman, Delta). Width: 1/8 to 1/2 inch. TPI: 3 to 14.
70-1/2 inches: Some 10-inch and 11-inch saws. Width: 1/8 to 1/2 inch. TPI: 3 to 14.
72-1/2 inches (72-5/8): Some 12-inch saws and older Craftsman models. Width: 1/8 to 1/2 inch. TPI: 3 to 14.
80 inches: Most 12-inch saws (Craftsman 113, Delta 28-160, Jet JWBS-12, Grizzly G0555). Width: 1/8 to 3/4 inch. TPI: 3 to 14. One of the most common stationary blade lengths.
93-1/2 inches: Most 14-inch saws (Delta 28-203, Jet JWBS-14, Grizzly G0555 with riser, Rikon 10-305, Craftsman 14-inch). Width: 1/8 to 3/4 inch. TPI: 3 to 14. The most common stationary blade length.
105 inches: 14-inch saws with riser block installed. Width: 1/8 to 3/4 inch. TPI: 3 to 14.
106 inches: Some 14-inch saws (Delta 28-340, Powermatic 14-inch). Width: 1/8 to 3/4 inch. TPI: 3 to 14.
113 inches: Some 16-inch saws. Width: 1/8 to 1 inch. TPI: 3 to 14.
124 inches: Some 16-inch and 18-inch saws. Width: 1/8 to 1 inch. TPI: 2 to 14.
136 inches: 18-inch saws (Laguna, Grizzly 18-inch). Width: 1/8 to 1 inch. TPI: 2 to 14.
145 inches: Some 18-inch and 20-inch saws. Width: 1/8 to 1 inch. TPI: 2 to 14.
Metal-Cutting Band Saw Blades
56-1/8 inches: Some 4x6 horizontal saws. Width: 1/2 to 3/4 inch. TPI: 10 to 24.
64-1/2 inches: Some 5x8 horizontal saws. Width: 1/2 to 3/4 inch. TPI: 10 to 24.
80 inches: Some 7x12 horizontal saws and vertical metal saws. Width: 1/2 to 1 inch. TPI: 10 to 24.
93-1/2 inches: Some 7x12 horizontal saws. Width: 1/2 to 1 inch. TPI: 10 to 24.
100 inches: Some larger horizontal saws. Width: 1/2 to 1 inch. TPI: 10 to 24.
Blade Width Selection Chart
| Cut Type | Width | Minimum Radius |
|---|---|---|
| Tight curves, scroll work | 1/8 inch | 2 inches |
| General curves, furniture parts | 1/4 inch | 4 inches |
| All-around woodworking | 3/8 inch | 5 inches |
| Straight ripping, resawing | 1/2 inch | 12 inches |
| Production resawing | 3/4 inch | Straight only |
| Wide resawing, industrial | 1 inch | Straight only |
TPI Selection Chart
| Material | Stock Thickness | TPI | Tooth Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood, resawing | 3+ inches | 3 | Hook |
| Wood, general | 3/4 to 2 inches | 4 | Skip |
| Wood, smooth finish | 1/2 to 1 inch | 6 | Skip |
| Wood, thin stock | Under 1/2 inch | 10-14 | Regular |
| Metal, thick bar | 1/2+ inches | 10-14 | Variable pitch |
| Metal, general | 1/4 to 1/2 inch | 14-18 | Variable pitch |
| Metal, thin stock | Under 1/4 inch | 18-24 | Variable pitch |
| Aluminum | Any | 10-14 | Hook |
| Cast iron | Any | 10-14 | Variable pitch |
How to Measure Your Blade Length
If you cannot find the blade length in any manual or chart, measure it yourself.
Method 1: Remove the old blade and lay it flat on the floor. Measure the total length with a tape measure. This is the blade length.
Method 2: If the blade is broken, measure the two halves and add them together.
Method 3: If no blade exists, measure the circumference of one wheel (pi times diameter) and multiply by 2, then add the distance between the wheel centers. This gives you the approximate blade length.
For a 14-inch saw: wheel diameter is 14 inches. Circumference is 14 x 3.14 = 43.96 inches. Two wheels = 87.92 inches. Add the distance between centers (about 3 inches) = about 91 inches. The actual blade is 93-1/2 inches, which accounts for the blade thickness and tension stretch.
FAQ
How do I know what blade length my band saw uses?
Check the manual, look for a label on the saw, or measure the old blade. Most saws have the blade length printed on a sticker somewhere on the frame.
Can I use a blade that is slightly different in length?
No. A blade that is even 1/4 inch too long or too short will not tension properly. The tensioning mechanism has a limited range of adjustment. You need the exact length.
What is the most common band saw blade length?
For portable saws, 44-7/8 inches. For stationary saws, 93-1/2 inches (14-inch saws) and 80 inches (12-inch saws) are the most common.
Where can I find a blade size chart for my specific saw?
Check the manufacturer’s website or the owner’s manual. Most manufacturers list the blade length in the specifications section. You can also measure the old blade.
What width blade should I use for resawing?
1/2 to 3/4 inch wide. The wider blade tracks straight and resists the side-to-side flexing that causes drift in deep cuts.
What TPI should I use for general woodworking?
4 TPI skip tooth in a 3/8 inch width is the best all-around choice. It handles most stock thicknesses and produces a clean enough finish for most work.
References
- Olson Saw. “Band Saw Blade Length Reference Chart.” Olson Saw Company.
- LENOX Tools. “Blade Length and Width Selection Guide.” LENOX Technical Literature.
- Suffolk Machinery. “Timber Wolf Blade Size Guide.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
- Milwaukee Tool. “Portable Band Saw Blade Size Reference.” Milwaukee Tool Product Documentation.
- Delta Machinery. “Band Saw Blade Specifications by Model.” Delta Power Equipment.
