Replacing Craftsman 10-Inch Band Saw Blade: Compatibility, Removal, and Final Adjustment
You have a Craftsman 10-inch band saw and the blade broke or dulled. You need to order a replacement and install it. But you are not sure what blade length your saw uses, what width or TPI to buy, or how to install and adjust it properly. You need a guide that covers the entire process from ordering to final adjustment.
The Craftsman 10-inch band saw comes in several models that use different blade lengths. The most common models use either a 70-1/2 inch or a 62-inch blade. Getting the right length is the first step.
Confirming the Blade Length
Models Using 70-1/2 Inch Blades
Craftsman 10-Inch Band Saw (21400): The most common 10-inch Craftsman model. Uses a 70-1/2 inch blade.
Models Using 62-Inch Blades
Some older Craftsman 10-inch models: Some older 10-inch saws use a 62-inch blade. Check your saw’s manual to confirm.
How to Confirm
If you are not sure which blade length your saw uses:
- Check the saw’s manual.
- Look for the blade length printed on a label inside the wheel cover.
- Measure the old blade. Lay it flat, mark a point, and measure around the loop back to the mark.
- Look up the model number online.
Do not guess. Ordering the wrong length wastes time and money.
Choosing the Blade Width
1/8 Inch (14 TPI)
Best for: Tight curves and scroll work. Minimum turning radius about 2 inches. Not for: Straight cuts. The narrow blade wanders on straight lines longer than 6 inches.
1/4 Inch (6 TPI)
Best for: General curve cutting. Minimum turning radius about 4 inches. Handles straight cuts in stock up to 2 inches.
3/8 Inch (4 TPI)
Best for: The best all-around width for a 10-inch saw. Tracks straight for ripping and crosscutting. Still handles curves with a 5 inch radius or larger. When to buy: If you only buy one blade, make it 3/8 inch with 4 TPI. This handles 80 percent of woodworking tasks.
1/2 Inch (3 TPI)
Best for: Straight ripping and light resawing. Handles stock up to about 4 inches thick (the maximum capacity of most 10-inch saws). Will not cut curves tighter than about 12 inch radius. Note: Some 10-inch saws cannot accommodate 1/2 inch blades without modifying the guide post. Check your saw’s manual.
Choosing the TPI
| TPI | Best For | Stock Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 3 TPI (hook) | Resawing | 3+ inches |
| 4 TPI (skip) | General woodworking | 3/4 to 2 inches |
| 6 TPI | Smoother cuts | 1/2 to 1 inch |
| 10 TPI | Thin stock | 1/4 inch and under |
| 14 TPI | Scroll work | 1/4 inch and under |
Rule of thumb: At least 3 teeth should be in the material at all times. For 1/4 inch material, you need at least 12 TPI. For 1 inch material, you need at least 3 TPI.
Choosing the Blade Material
Carbon Steel
The standard for 10-inch saws. Holds an edge for 2 to 4 hours in softwoods, 1 to 2 hours in hardwoods. Good for occasional use. Cost: 8 to 15 dollars.
Bi-Metal M42
M42 high-speed steel edge on flexible backing. Lasts 3 to 5 times longer than carbon steel. Worth the extra cost if you cut hardwood regularly. Cost: 15 to 30 dollars.
For most 10-inch saw owners, carbon steel is the right choice for general work and bi-metal is the right choice for resawing.
Recommended Blades for the Craftsman 10-Inch
General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 10 dollars.
Resawing: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal. Cost: about 20 dollars.
Curve cutting: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 10 dollars.
Fine work: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Cost: about 8 dollars.
Removal Steps
Step 1: Safety first. Unplug the saw. Never work on the blade with the saw plugged in.
Step 2: Open the covers. Open the upper and lower wheel covers.
Step 3: Release tension. Turn the tension knob counterclockwise to release blade tension. The blade should become loose on the wheels.
Step 4: Remove the blade. Slide the blade off the upper wheel first, then off the lower wheel. Guide the blade through the table slot to remove it completely.
Step 5: Clean the saw. While the covers are open, clean the wheels and tires. Remove sawdust and pitch buildup. Check the tires for cracks and flat spots. If the tires are worn, replace them before installing the new blade.
Installation Steps
Step 1: Thread the blade. Thread the new blade through the table slot and around both wheels. The teeth should point down and toward the table. Position the blade in the center of both tires.
Step 2: Tension the blade. Turn the tension knob clockwise to apply tension. For a 3/8 inch blade, tension to about 15,000 PSI. On most 10-inch saws, this is when the knob is snug plus a quarter turn. Do not overtension.
Step 3: Set the tracking. Close the wheel covers. Plug in the saw. Turn it 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 tracking knob on the back of the upper wheel housing.
Step 4: Adjust the blade guides. Set the side guides about 1/32 inch from the blade sides. Set the thrust bearing about 1/64 inch behind the blade. The guides should not touch the blade during free running.
Step 5: Lower the guide post. Position the upper guide assembly about 1/4 inch above the workpiece. Lock the post in position.
Step 6: Check the table. The table should be 90 degrees to the blade. Check with a combination square. Shim the table trunnion if needed.
Step 7: Test cut. Make a test cut on scrap wood. The cut should be straight and clean. If the blade wanders, check the guides, tension, and tracking.
Final Adjustment
Blade Drift
If the blade cuts at an angle even though you are feeding straight, you have blade drift. Causes and fixes:
Dull blade: Replace the blade. 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. To find the drift angle, make a straight cut with the fence removed. Note the angle the workpiece naturally wants to go, then set the fence to that angle.
Blade Tension Check
If the blade flutters during a cut, add tension. If the blade breaks at the weld, reduce tension. The correct tension is when the blade cuts straight without fluttering.
Guide Alignment Check
The upper and lower guides should be aligned with each other and with the blade. If the guides are misaligned, they can push the blade out of position. Check alignment with a straightedge.
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.
Carbon steel blades do not need as much break-in, but a few light cuts still help.
FAQ
What size blade does the Craftsman 10-inch band saw use?
It depends on the model. The 21400 model uses a 70-1/2 inch blade. Some older models use a 62-inch blade. Check your manual or measure the old blade.
What is the best all-purpose blade for the Craftsman 10-inch?
A 3/8 inch wide, 4 TPI skip tooth blade in carbon steel. This handles 80 percent of woodworking tasks.
Where can I buy replacement blades for my Craftsman 10-inch band saw?
Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, and other manufacturers make blades in both 70-1/2 and 62 inch lengths. Available from online retailers and woodworking supply stores.
Can I resaw with the Craftsman 10-inch band saw?
Yes, with a 1/2 inch blade with 3 TPI. The cut capacity is about 4 inches, which limits resawing to thinner stock. The motor may struggle in hardwood thicker than 2 inches.
How do I know if my blade is installed correctly?
The blade should track in the center of the tire, the guides should not touch the blade during free running, and a test cut should be straight and clean. If any of these are not right, readjust.
How tight should I tension the blade?
For a 3/8 to 1/2 inch blade, about 15,000 PSI. On most 10-inch saws, this is when the tension knob is snug plus a quarter turn. If the blade flutters, add tension.
References
- Sears Parts Direct. “Craftsman 10-Inch Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model 21400.
- Olson Saw. “70-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Timber Wolf Blades. “70-1/2 Inch Blade Specifications.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
- Carter Products. “Blade Tension Guide for 10-Inch Saws.” Carter Products.
- Fine Woodworking. “Changing a Band Saw Blade.” Taunton Press.
