100-Inch Band Saw Blade: Dimensions, Uses, and Selection Rules

You have a large band saw that takes 100-inch blades. You need to order replacement blades and you see options in different widths, TPI, and materials. You are not sure which blade to use for resawing, which to use for general cutting, and which to use for curves. You need a guide that covers the 100-inch blade options and helps you choose the right one.

The 100-inch blade is used by larger band saws, typically 16-inch and 18-inch saws, and some 14-inch saws with a riser block installed (though most riser blocks change the length to 105 inches, not 100). Some industrial and older saws also use this length. It is less common than the 93-1/2 inch blade but is available from major blade manufacturers.

Saws That Use 100-Inch Blades

16-inch band saws: Some 16-inch saws use a 100-inch blade. Check your saw’s manual to confirm.

18-inch band saws: Some 18-inch saws use blades in the 100 to 105-inch range. The exact length depends on the wheel diameter and distance between wheels.

Industrial saws: Some older industrial saws use 100-inch blades.

Important: If you are not sure whether your saw takes a 100-inch blade, check the manual or measure the old blade. Lay it flat, mark a point, and measure around the loop back to the mark.

Blade Width Selection

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

1/4 inch: General curve cutting. Minimum radius about 4 inches. Handles straight cuts in stock up to 2 inches.

3/8 inch: The best all-around width for most saws. Tracks straight for ripping and crosscutting. Still handles curves with a 5 inch radius or larger.

1/2 inch: Straight ripping and resawing. Handles stock up to the saw’s maximum capacity. Will not cut curves tighter than about 12 inch radius.

3/4 inch: Maximum width for most saws. Resawing only. Check your saw’s manual for the maximum blade width.

1 inch: Some large saws (18-inch and larger) can accommodate 1-inch blades. These are for heavy resawing and production work only.

TPI Selection for Wood

3 TPI (hook tooth): Resawing thick stock (3+ inches). Large gullets clear chips fast. Aggressive hook angle pulls the blade through the wood. Fast but rough cut. The standard for resawing.

4 TPI (skip tooth): General woodworking. The default for most 1/4 and 3/8 inch blades. Handles 3/4 to 2 inch stock. Good balance of speed and finish.

6 TPI: Smoother cuts on 1/2 to 1 inch stock. Slower than 4 TPI but better surface finish. Good for furniture parts.

10 TPI: Thin stock (1/4 inch and under) and fine curves. Clean cut but will burn in thick material.

14 TPI: Very thin stock and scroll work. Smoothest edge but slow and prone to burning in anything over 1/4 inch.

TPI Selection for Metal (If Your Saw Has Speed Reduction)

6 to 8 TPI bi-metal: Thick bar stock (1-1/2 inches and up). 10 to 14 TPI bi-metal: Medium thickness (1/4 to 1-1/2 inches). 14 to 18 TPI bi-metal: Thin material (under 1/4 inch).

Tooth Profile

Hook tooth (positive rake): The tooth leans forward. Cuts aggressively. Best for thick stock and resawing. Can grab in soft woods if feed is too fast.

Skip tooth (0 degree rake): The tooth is straight up. Large gullet for chip clearance. The most common profile for general woodworking. Good in soft or gummy woods.

Regular tooth (slight negative rake): Cuts slower, produces the smoothest finish. Best for thin stock and fine work where surface quality matters more than speed.

Blade Material

Carbon steel: The standard for woodworking. Holds an edge for 2 to 4 hours in softwoods, 1 to 2 hours in hardwoods. Good for occasional use. Cost: 12 to 20 dollars.

Bi-metal M42: M42 high-speed steel edge on flexible backing. Lasts 3 to 5 times longer than carbon steel. Handles hardwood resawing without dulling mid-cut. The best choice for regular use. Cost: 20 to 45 dollars.

Carbide-tipped: Longest-lasting option. 5 to 10 times longer life than bi-metal. Worth considering for production resawing on large saws. Cost: 80 to 200 dollars.

For most users, carbon steel is the right choice for general work and bi-metal is the right choice for resawing. Carbide is only justified for production work.

Recommended Blades by Task

General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Handles 80 percent of tasks. Cost: about 15 dollars.

Resawing: 1/2 to 3/4 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal. Handles thick hardwood boards. The bi-metal edge survives the heat of deep cuts. Cost: about 30 dollars.

Curve cutting: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Narrow enough for moderate curves, fine enough for a clean finish. Cost: about 12 dollars.

Fine work: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Tight curves and scroll work. Cost: about 10 dollars.

Production resawing: 3/4 to 1 inch, 2 to 3 TPI hook tooth, carbide-tipped. For high-volume resawing on large saws. Cost: 100 to 200 dollars.

Blade Tension

Proper tension is critical for 100-inch blades. Too little tension causes the blade to flutter and wander. Too much tension can break the blade or damage the saw.

1/8 to 1/4 inch blades: About 10,000 to 12,000 PSI.

3/8 to 1/2 inch blades: About 15,000 PSI.

3/4 to 1 inch blades: About 18,000 to 20,000 PSI. Large saws should have the tensioning capacity for these wider blades.

If the blade flutters during a cut, add tension. If the blade breaks at the weld, reduce tension.

Blade Thickness

Most saws that use 100-inch blades are designed for 0.025 to 0.035 inch thick blades. Check your saw’s manual for the recommended blade thickness. Using a blade that is too thick for your saw’s tensioning system will cause tracking problems and premature breakage.

Blade Break-In

New bi-metal blades need a break-in period. Run the first 10 to 20 cuts at half feed pressure. This lets the tooth tips wear evenly and prevents chipping. Skipping break-in can reduce blade life by 30 to 50 percent.

FAQ

What saws use a 100-inch band saw blade?

Some 16-inch and 18-inch band saws, and some older industrial saws. Check your saw’s manual to confirm the blade length.

What is the best all-purpose 100-inch blade?

A 3/8 inch wide, 4 TPI skip tooth blade in carbon steel (for budget) or bi-metal (for longer life). This handles 80 percent of woodworking tasks.

What blade should I use for resawing?

A 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide, 3 TPI hook tooth bi-metal blade. The bi-metal edge survives the heat of deep cuts in hardwood.

Can I cut metal with a 100-inch wood blade?

No. Wood blades run at about 3000 SFPM, which is too fast for metal. You need a saw with speed reduction and a bi-metal blade for metal.

How tight should I tension a 100-inch blade?

For a 3/8 to 1/2 inch blade, about 15,000 PSI. For a 3/4 to 1 inch blade, about 18,000 to 20,000 PSI. If the blade flutters, add tension.

How do I know if my saw takes a 100-inch blade?

Check the saw’s manual. If you do not have it, measure the old blade by laying it flat and measuring around the loop. Or look up the saw model online.

References

• Olson Saw. “100-Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
• Timber Wolf Blades. “100-Inch Blade Specifications.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
• Carter Products. “Blade Tension Guide for Large Saws.” Carter Products.
• LENOX Tools. “Woodworking Band Saw Blade Classifications.” LENOX Classic Pro.
• Starrett. “Bi-Metal Blade Specifications for Large Saws.” L.S. Starrett Company.