What Blade Size Fits the RIDGID Band Saw? Length, Width, and TPI

You have a RIDGID band saw and you need to order replacement blades. RIDGID makes a 14-inch band saw (model BS14002) and you are not sure what blade to buy. You see options in different widths, TPI, and materials. You need a guide that covers the blade options for your RIDGID saw and helps you pick the right one.

The RIDGID BS14002 is a 14-inch floor-standing band saw. It uses a 93-1/2 inch blade, which is one of the most common band saw blade lengths. Blades are widely available from Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, LENOX, and other manufacturers.

RIDGID Band Saw Models

BS14002 (14-Inch)

The primary RIDGID band saw. A floor-standing 14-inch saw designed for woodworking.

Specification	Value
Model	BS14002
Throat capacity	14 inches
Cut capacity	6 inches
Blade length	93-1/2 inches
Blade width	1/8 to 3/4 inch
Motor	1 HP, 120V
Table	Cast iron, tilts 0 to 45 degrees
Weight	Approximately 200 pounds
Blade speed	Single speed, approximately 3000 SFPM

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.

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 14-inch saw. Tracks straight for ripping and crosscutting. Still handles curves with a 5 inch radius or larger. If you only buy one blade, make it 3/8 inch with 4 TPI.

1/2 Inch (3 TPI)

Best for: Straight ripping and resawing. Handles the full 6-inch resaw capacity. Will not cut curves tighter than about 12 inch radius.

3/4 Inch (3 TPI)

Best for: Maximum width for most 14-inch saws. Resawing only. Check your saw’s manual for the maximum blade width.

TPI Selection for Wood

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.

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.

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 14-inch saws. Holds an edge for 2 to 4 hours in softwoods, 1 to 2 hours in hardwoods. Good for occasional use. Cost: 10 to 18 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. Cost: 18 to 35 dollars.

Carbide-Tipped

Longest-lasting option. 5 to 10 times longer life than bi-metal. Worth considering for production resawing. Cost: 80 to 150 dollars.

For most RIDGID BS14002 owners, carbon steel is the right choice for general work and bi-metal is the right choice for resawing.

Recommended Blades for the RIDGID BS14002

General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Handles 80 percent of tasks. Cost: about 12 dollars.

Resawing: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal. Handles 6-inch hardwood boards. Cost: about 25 dollars.

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

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

Hardwood ripping: 1/2 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, bi-metal. The bi-metal edge handles hardwood. Cost: about 22 dollars.

Blade Tension

Proper tension is critical for 93-1/2 inch blades on the RIDGID.

1/8 to 1/4 inch blades: About 10,000 to 12,000 PSI. On the RIDGID, this is when the tension knob is snug.

3/8 to 1/2 inch blades: About 15,000 PSI. On the RIDGID, this is when the knob is snug plus a quarter turn.

3/4 inch blades: About 18,000 to 20,000 PSI. Some 14-inch saws cannot generate this much tension.

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

Riser Block Consideration

If your RIDGID has a riser block installed, the blade length changes from 93-1/2 inches to 105 inches. The riser block increases resaw capacity from 6 to 12 inches but requires a longer blade. Check whether your saw has a riser before ordering blades.

FAQ

What blade does the RIDGID BS14002 use?

A 93-1/2 inch blade in widths from 1/8 to 3/4 inch. The most common all-purpose blade is 3/8 inch with 4 TPI.

Where can I buy replacement blades for my RIDGID band saw?

Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, LENOX, and other manufacturers make 93-1/2 inch blades. Available from online retailers, Home Depot, and woodworking supply stores.

What is the best blade for resawing on the RIDGID BS14002?

A 1/2 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 my RIDGID band saw?

No. The saw runs at approximately 3000 SFPM, which is too fast for metal. It is a wood-only saw.

Does a riser block change the blade length?

Yes. With a riser block, the blade length changes from 93-1/2 to 105 inches. Make sure you order the correct length.

How do I know if my RIDGID takes a 93-1/2 inch blade?

Check the model number. The BS14002 uses 93-1/2 inches. If you are not sure, measure the old blade or check the manual.

References

• RIDGID. “14-Inch Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model BS14002.
• Olson Saw. “93-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
• Timber Wolf Blades. “93-1/2 Inch Blade Specifications.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
• Carter Products. “Blade Tension Guide for 14-Inch Saws.” Carter Products.
• Fine Woodworking. “Choosing Band Saw Blades for 14-Inch Saws.” Taunton Press.