Ryobi Band Saw: Model Identification, Setup, and Common Repairs

You bought a Ryobi 9-inch band saw at a garage sale for 30 dollars. It runs, but the blade is missing, the tires are cracked, and the fence is bent. You are not sure if it is worth fixing or if you should just buy a new one. At 30 dollars, you figure it is worth trying to get it running.

Ryobi makes affordable benchtop band saws aimed at the hobbyist market. The most common model is the 9-inch BS900, followed by the BS902. These saws are inexpensive new (130 to 180 dollars) and common on the used market. They are not precision tools, but with some tuning, they can produce acceptable results for light woodworking.

Model Identification

BS900: The original Ryobi 9-inch band saw. Sold at Home Depot and other retailers. Has a 2.5 amp motor, 9-inch throat, and uses a 59-1/2 inch blade. The table is aluminum and tilts 0 to 45 degrees. This is the most common model.

BS902: An updated version of the BS900. Similar specifications but with some design changes to the blade guard and motor mount. Uses the same 59-1/2 inch blade.

Other Ryobi band saws: Ryobi has also sold a 9-inch cordless band saw (PBL01B) that runs on the 18V ONE+ battery platform. This is a portable saw, not a benchtop saw, and uses a different blade.

To identify your saw, look for the model number on the label on the back of the column or on the motor housing. The BS900 and BS902 look very similar, but the BS902 has a slightly different blade guard design.

Specifications

• Throat capacity: 9 inches (distance from blade to column)
• Cut capacity: 3-1/2 inches thick
• Blade length: 59-1/2 inches
• Blade width: 1/8 to 3/8 inch
• Motor: 2.5 amp, 120V
• Table size: 11-3/4 x 11-3/4 inches, aluminum
• Table tilt: 0 to 45 degrees
• Weight: Approximately 40 pounds
• Blade speed: Approximately 2500 SFPM (single speed)

Blade Selection

The Ryobi 9-inch uses a 59-1/2 inch blade. This is a common blade length for 9-inch benchtop saws and is available from Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, and other manufacturers.

1/8 inch, 14 TPI: Tight curves and scroll work. Minimum radius about 2 inches. Not for straight cuts.

1/4 inch, 6 TPI: General purpose. Handles 3/4 to 2 inch stock. Good for furniture parts and small projects.

1/4 inch, 10 TPI: Smoother cuts on thin stock. Good for 1/4 to 1 inch material.

3/8 inch, 4 TPI: The best all-around width for this saw. Handles straight cuts and gentle curves. If you only buy one blade, make it 3/8 inch with 4 TPI.

Blade material: Carbon steel is fine for the light work this saw is designed for. Bi-metal blades last longer but cost more. For a hobby saw, carbon steel is adequate.

Initial Setup

Install the blade. Open the upper and lower wheel covers. Place the 59-1/2 inch blade around both wheels with the teeth pointing down and toward the table. Close the covers and tension the blade.

Set the tracking. Turn the saw on briefly and watch the blade on the upper wheel. The blade should run in the center of the tire. If it drifts, adjust the upper wheel tilt with the tracking knob on the back of the upper wheel housing.

Adjust the blade guides. The stock guides on the Ryobi are metal blocks. They should be about 1/32 inch from the blade sides and about 1/64 inch behind the teeth. If they are too tight, they will damage the blade. If they are too loose, the blade will wander.

Check the table. The aluminum table should be 90 degrees to the blade. Check with a combination square. If it is off, shim the table trunnion.

Align the fence. The stock fence on the Ryobi is basic. Align it parallel to the blade using a ruler or straightedge. A misaligned fence causes the blade to drift.

Common Repairs

Replacing the Tires

The rubber tires on the Ryobi harden and crack after 5 to 10 years. If your saw is used, the tires probably need replacing. Symptoms include blade tracking problems and the blade coming off the wheels.

Replace with urethane tires. They are available from aftermarket suppliers in the 9-inch size. Soak them in hot water before installation to make them pliable. The improvement in tracking and blade life is significant.

Fixing Blade Drift

If the blade cuts at an angle even though you are feeding straight, you have blade drift. Causes include:

Dull blade: Replace the blade. A dull blade drifts because the teeth are not cutting evenly.

Uneven blade guides: Adjust both guides to equal clearance.

Worn tires: If the tires have flat spots, replace them.

Misaligned fence: Realign the fence parallel to the blade.

Replacing the Drive Belt

The drive belt connects the motor to the lower wheel. After years of use, it stretches and cracks. A worn belt causes slipping and reduces blade speed. Measure the old belt or look up the part number. Standard replacement belts are available from Ryobi or aftermarket suppliers.

Motor Issues

The 2.5 amp motor is adequate for light work but underpowered for thick hardwood. If the motor bogs down, reduce feed rate. Forcing the cut will stall the motor and can burn it out.

If the motor hums but does not start, the start capacitor may be bad. If the motor runs but has no power, the bearings may be worn. Ryobi sells replacement motors, but the cost may exceed the value of the saw.

Upgrading the Blade Guides

The stock metal guide blocks on the Ryobi are the weakest part of the saw. They run hot, wear blades quickly, and do not support the blade well.

Cool Blocks: Composite guide blocks that run cooler and are gentler on the blade. Cost about 15 to 20 dollars. A good budget upgrade.

Carter bearing guides: Roller bearing guides that support the blade with minimal friction. Cost about 80 to 120 dollars. This is more than the saw costs new, so it only makes sense if you are committed to keeping the saw.

Limitations of the Ryobi 9-Inch

Small cut capacity: 3-1/2 inches is enough for most hobby work but limits resawing to thin stock.

Underpowered motor: The 2.5 amp motor struggles in hardwood thicker than 1 inch.

Single speed: The saw runs at one speed (approximately 2500 SFPM). No variable speed. Cannot cut metal.

Basic fence: The stock fence is functional but not precision. For accurate ripping, consider a Kreg fence upgrade.

Aluminum table: Lighter and less stable than cast iron. Can flex under pressure.

Despite these limitations, the Ryobi 9-inch is a good starter saw for someone who wants to try band saw woodworking without a large investment.

FAQ

What blade does the Ryobi 9-inch band saw use?

A 59-1/2 inch blade in widths from 1/8 to 3/8 inch. Carbon steel blades are fine for this saw.

Can the Ryobi band saw cut metal?

No. The saw runs at approximately 2500 SFPM, which is too fast for metal cutting. It is a wood-only saw.

How much is a new Ryobi 9-inch band saw?

New, the BS900 or BS902 costs 130 to 180 dollars at Home Depot and other retailers.

Where can I find parts for my Ryobi band saw?

Ryobi’s parts website (ryobitools.com), eReplacementParts, and other aftermarket suppliers. Blades and tires are widely available. Internal parts may be harder to find.

Is the Ryobi 9-inch band saw worth buying?

For a beginner or hobbyist on a budget, yes. It is not a precision tool, but with proper setup and a good blade, it can produce acceptable results for light woodworking.

Can I resaw with the Ryobi 9-inch?

You can resaw stock up to about 3 inches thick, but the 2.5 amp motor will struggle in hardwood. Use a 3/8 inch blade with 3 TPI and feed slowly.

References

• Ryobi Tools. “9-Inch Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model BS900.
• Ryobi Tools. “9-Inch Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model BS902.
• Olson Saw. “59-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
• Carter Products. “Guide Upgrade for 9-Inch Band Saws.” Carter Products.
• eReplacementParts. “Ryobi Band Saw Parts Reference.” eReplacementParts.com.