Harbor Freight Band Saw: Specifications, Blade Size, and Parts Support
You are looking at a Harbor Freight band saw and you want to know if it is worth buying. Harbor Freight sells several band saws under the Central Machinery and Bauer brands, ranging from a 9-inch benchtop woodworking saw to horizontal metal cutting saws. You need to know the specifications, what blade to buy, and where to find parts. You need a guide that covers the Harbor Freight band saw lineup.
Harbor Freight sells band saws under two primary brands: Central Machinery for larger and metal cutting saws, and Bauer for cordless portable saws. The saws are budget-priced and designed for occasional to regular use.
Harbor Freight Band Saw Models
9-Inch Benchtop Woodworking Saw
Central Machinery 9-Inch Band Saw: A compact benchtop saw for light woodworking.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Central Machinery |
| Throat | 9 inches |
| Cut capacity | 3-1/2 inches |
| Blade length | 59-1/2 inches |
| Motor | 2.5 amp, 120V |
| Speed | Single speed, ~2500 SFPM |
| Table | Aluminum, tilts 0 to 45 degrees |
| Weight | ~40 pounds |
14-Inch Woodworking Saw
Central Machinery 14-Inch Band Saw: A floor-standing woodworking saw.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Central Machinery |
| Throat | 14 inches |
| Cut capacity | 6 inches |
| Blade length | 93-1/2 inches |
| Motor | 3/4 HP, 120V |
| Speed | Two speed or variable |
| Table | Cast iron, tilts 0 to 45 degrees |
4x6 Horizontal Metal Cutting Saw
Central Machinery 4x6 Band Saw: A popular budget horizontal metal cutting saw.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Central Machinery |
| Cut capacity | 4 inches round, 4x6 inches rectangular |
| Blade length | 64-1/2 inches |
| Motor | 1/2 HP, 120V |
| Speed | Multiple speeds (step pulley) |
| Coolant | Optional or built-in depending on version |
| Vise | Adjustable angle 0 to 45 degrees |
7x12 Horizontal Metal Cutting Saw
Central Machinery 7x12 Band Saw: A larger horizontal metal cutting saw.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Central Machinery |
| Cut capacity | 7 inches round, 7x12 inches rectangular |
| Blade length | 64-1/2 inches (verify) |
| Motor | 1 HP, 120V |
| Speed | Variable |
| Coolant | Built-in |
Bauer Cordless Portable Band Saw
Bauer Portable Band Saw: A cordless portable metal cutting saw on the Bauer 20V platform.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bauer |
| Cut capacity | 2-1/2 inches |
| Blade length | 44-7/8 inches (verify) |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Battery | Bauer 20V |
Blade Selection
9-Inch Woodworking Saw (59-1/2 Inch Blades)
| Blade | Best For |
|---|---|
| 3/8 inch, 4 TPI, carbon steel | General woodworking |
| 1/4 inch, 6 TPI, carbon steel | Curve cutting |
| 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel | Scroll work |
14-Inch Woodworking Saw (93-1/2 Inch Blades)
| Blade | Best For |
|---|---|
| 3/8 inch, 4 TPI, carbon steel | General woodworking |
| 1/2 inch, 3 TPI, bi-metal | Resawing |
| 1/4 inch, 6 TPI, carbon steel | Curve cutting |
Horizontal Metal Cutting Saws (64-1/2 Inch Blades)
| Blade | Best For |
|---|---|
| 10/14 variable pitch, bi-metal M42 | General metal cutting |
| 6 to 8 TPI, bi-metal M42 | Thick solid bar |
| 14 to 18 TPI, bi-metal M42 | Thin material |
Parts Support
Harbor Freight
Harbor Freight carries some replacement parts for their saws. Check the Harbor Freight website or call customer service for part availability. Parts availability varies by model and can be limited.
Aftermarket Suppliers
Olson Saw: Sells blades and Cool Blocks for the woodworking saws. Timber Wolf: Sells blades in the correct lengths. LENOX, MK Morse, Starrett: Sell metal cutting blades for the horizontal saws. Urethane tire suppliers: Make tires in 9 and 14 inch sizes.
Used Parts
eBay can be a source for hard-to-find parts for older Harbor Freight models.
What to Check Before Buying
Build Quality
Harbor Freight saws are budget tools. The fit and finish will not match a Jet or Grizzly, but they are functional. Check for:
- Frame alignment
- Wheel alignment
- Table flatness
- Guide adjustment range
Motor Power
The motors on Harbor Freight saws are adequate for light to medium work but may struggle with thick hardwood or large metal stock. Do not expect production-level performance.
Warranty
Harbor Freight offers a 90-day warranty on most tools. Extended warranty is available for purchase. Keep your receipt.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Low price (often 50 to 70 percent less than name-brand equivalents)
- Adequate for occasional use
- Blades are standard sizes and widely available
- Good value for a hobbyist on a budget
Cons
- Fit and finish is rough
- Motors are underpowered compared to name brands
- Parts availability can be limited
- May need adjustment and tuning out of the box
- Not designed for production use
FAQ
Are Harbor Freight band saws worth buying?
For a hobbyist on a budget who needs occasional use, yes. They are not designed for production work but can produce acceptable results with proper setup and a good blade.
What blade does the Harbor Freight 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.
What blade does the Harbor Freight 4x6 metal cutting saw use?
A 64-1/2 inch blade in 1/2 inch width. Bi-metal M42 in 10/14 variable pitch is the best all-around choice.
Where can I find parts for my Harbor Freight band saw?
Harbor Freight carries some parts. Aftermarket suppliers sell blades, tires, and bearings. eBay can be a source for hard-to-find parts.
Can I cut metal with the Harbor Freight 9-inch band saw?
No. The 9-inch saw runs at wood-cutting speed (~2500 SFPM), which is too fast for metal. It is a wood-only saw.
How does the Harbor Freight 14-inch band saw compare to a Jet or Grizzly?
The Harbor Freight is significantly cheaper but has rougher fit and finish, a less powerful motor, and less parts support. For occasional use, it is adequate. For regular use, a Jet or Grizzly is a better investment.
References
- Harbor Freight. “Central Machinery Band Saw Owner’s Manuals.” Harbor Freight Tools.
- Harbor Freight. “Bauer Cordless Band Saw Product Page.” Harbor Freight Tools.
- Olson Saw. “Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- LENOX Tools. “Metal Cutting Blade Selection Guide.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- Practical Machinist. “Harbor Freight Band Saw Tips.” practicalmachinist.com.
