What Blade Size Fits the Ryobi Band Saw? Length, Width, and TPI
You have a Ryobi 9-inch band saw and you need to order replacement blades. The saw takes a 59-1/2 inch blade. You see options in different widths, TPI, and materials, and you are not sure which one to choose. You need a guide that covers the blade options for your Ryobi saw and helps you pick the right one.
The Ryobi 9-inch band saw (models BS900, BS902, and variants) uses a 59-1/2 inch blade. This is one of the most common 9-inch band saw blade lengths and is shared with many other 9-inch saws including Delta 28-150, Craftsman BAS230, and others.
Ryobi Band Saw Models
BS900
The original Ryobi 9-inch band saw. A benchtop saw with a 2.5 amp motor.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | BS900 |
| Throat capacity | 9 inches |
| Cut capacity | 3-1/2 inches |
| Blade length | 59-1/2 inches |
| Blade width | 1/8 to 3/8 inch |
| Motor | 2.5 amp, 120V |
| Table | Aluminum, tilts 0 to 45 degrees |
| Weight | Approximately 40 pounds |
BS902
An updated version of the BS900 with minor improvements.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | BS902 |
| Throat capacity | 9 inches |
| Cut capacity | 3-1/2 inches |
| Blade length | 59-1/2 inches |
| Blade width | 1/8 to 3/8 inch |
| Motor | 2.5 amp, 120V |
Other Ryobi Models
Ryobi also makes cordless band saws on the 18V ONE+ platform, but these are portable metal-cutting saws that use different blade lengths (typically 32-7/8 or 35-3/8 inches). This guide covers the 9-inch woodworking band saws only.
Blade Width Selection
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. When to buy: When you do detailed curve work or scroll cutting.
1/4 Inch (6 TPI)
Best for: General purpose. Handles 3/4 to 2 inch stock. Good for furniture parts and small projects. When to buy: When you need a second blade for curve work alongside your general-purpose blade.
3/8 Inch (4 TPI)
Best for: The best all-around width for a 9-inch saw. Tracks straight for ripping and crosscutting. Still handles gentle curves. When to buy: If you only buy one blade, make it 3/8 inch with 4 TPI. This handles 80 percent of woodworking tasks.
Note: Most 9-inch saws cannot accommodate blades wider than 3/8 inch. The guide posts and wheels are designed for narrow blades. Do not try to use a 1/2 inch blade on a 9-inch saw.
TPI Selection
| TPI | Best For | Stock Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 3 TPI (hook) | Resawing | 2+ inches (limited by 3-1/2 inch capacity) |
| 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.
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.
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
The standard for 9-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 25 dollars.
For most 9-inch saw owners, carbon steel is the right choice. The 2.5 amp motor does not have the power to take full advantage of bi-metal in thick stock.
Recommended Blades for the Ryobi 9-Inch
General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Handles 80 percent of tasks. Cost: about 10 dollars.
Resawing: 3/8 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal. Handles the 3-1/2 inch capacity. Cost: about 18 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 10 dollars.
Fine work: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Tight curves and scroll work. Cost: about 8 dollars.
Blade Tension
Proper tension is critical for 59-1/2 inch blades. Too little tension causes the blade to flutter and wander. Too much tension can break the blade.
1/8 to 1/4 inch blades: About 10,000 to 12,000 PSI. On the Ryobi, this is when the tension knob is snug.
3/8 inch blades: About 15,000 PSI. On the Ryobi, this is when the knob is snug plus a quarter turn.
If the blade flutters during a cut, add tension. If the blade breaks at the weld, reduce tension.
Common Issues
Blade Coming Off the Wheels
This is the most common problem with Ryobi 9-inch saws. Causes include:
- Worn tires: Replace with urethane tires.
- Misadjusted tracking: Adjust the tracking knob.
- Insufficient tension: Add tension.
- Overloading: Do not cut material thicker than the saw’s 3-1/2 inch capacity.
Poor Cut Quality
Causes include:
- Dull blade: Replace the blade.
- Guides too loose or too tight: Adjust to 1/32 inch clearance.
- Worn guide blocks: Replace with Cool Blocks or new metal blocks.
- Blade too coarse for the material: Use a finer TPI.
Motor Bogging Down
The 2.5 amp motor is underpowered for thick hardwood. If the motor bogs down, reduce feed rate. Forcing the cut will stall the motor and can burn it out.
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. The most common all-purpose blade is 3/8 inch with 4 TPI.
Where can I buy replacement blades for my Ryobi band saw?
Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, and other manufacturers make 59-1/2 inch blades. Available from online retailers, Home Depot, and woodworking supply stores.
What is the best blade for resawing on the Ryobi 9-inch?
A 3/8 inch wide, 3 TPI hook tooth bi-metal blade. The 3-1/2 inch capacity limits resawing to thinner stock. The 2.5 amp motor will struggle in hardwood thicker than 1-1/2 inches.
Can I use a 1/2 inch blade on my Ryobi 9-inch?
No. Most 9-inch saws cannot accommodate 1/2 inch blades. The guide posts and wheels are designed for blades up to 3/8 inch wide.
Can I cut metal with my Ryobi 9-inch band saw?
No. The saw runs at about 2500 to 3000 SFPM, which is too fast for metal cutting. It is a wood-only saw.
How do I know if my Ryobi band saw takes a 59-1/2 inch blade?
Check the model number. BS900 and BS902 both use 59-1/2 inch blades. If you are not sure, measure the old blade or check the manual.
References
- Ryobi. “9-Inch Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Models BS900, BS902.
- Olson Saw. “59-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Timber Wolf Blades. “59-1/2 Inch Blade Specifications.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
- Carter Products. “Guide Upgrade for 9-Inch Saws.” Carter Products.
- Fine Woodworking. “Choosing Band Saw Blades for 9-Inch Saws.” Taunton Press.
