Craftsman Band Saw Blade: Choosing the Right TPI and Tooth Profile
You own a Craftsman band saw and you need to order replacement blades. Craftsman band saws come in several sizes that use different blade lengths. You are not sure what blade your saw uses or what TPI to choose. You need a guide that covers the Craftsman blade lineup and helps you choose the right blade for your saw and your work.
Craftsman band saws have been made in 9-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, and 14-inch models. Each size uses a different blade length. Within each length, multiple TPI and tooth profile options are available for different tasks.
Blade Lengths by Saw Model
| Saw Model | Blade Length | Blade Width Range |
|---|---|---|
| BAS230 (9-inch) | 59-1/2 inches | 1/8 to 3/8 inch |
| 21400 (10-inch) | 70-1/2 inches | 1/8 to 1/2 inch |
| 113 series (12-inch) | 80 inches (verify) | 1/8 to 5/8 inch |
| BAS350 (14-inch) | 93-1/2 inches | 1/8 to 3/4 inch |
Important: The blade length is determined by the saw model. You cannot use a 70-1/2 inch blade in a saw designed for 59-1/2 inch blades.
How to Confirm Your Blade Length
- 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.
- Look up the model number on Sears Parts Direct.
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.
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 most Craftsman saws. 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. Available on 10, 12, and 14-inch models only. Will not cut curves tighter than about 12 inch radius.
3/4 Inch (3 TPI)
Best for: Maximum width for 14-inch saws. Resawing only. Not available on 9 or 10-inch saws.
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 Craftsman saws. Holds an edge for 2 to 4 hours in softwoods, 1 to 2 hours in hardwoods. Good for occasional use. Cost: 8 to 18 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 or do resawing. Cost: 18 to 35 dollars.
For most Craftsman saw owners, carbon steel is the right choice for general work and bi-metal is the right choice for resawing.
Recommended Blades by Model
9-Inch (59-1/2 Inch Blades)
General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 10 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.
Note: The 9-inch saw cannot accommodate blades wider than 3/8 inch.
10-Inch (70-1/2 Inch Blades)
General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 12 dollars. Resawing: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal. Cost: about 22 dollars. Curve cutting: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 12 dollars.
12-Inch (80 Inch Blades)
General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 12 dollars. Resawing: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal. Cost: about 25 dollars. Curve cutting: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 12 dollars.
14-Inch (93-1/2 Inch Blades)
General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 12 dollars. Resawing: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal. Cost: about 25 dollars. Curve cutting: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 12 dollars. Fine work: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Cost: about 10 dollars.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
Craftsman blades are interchangeable with blades from other manufacturers that use the same length.
59-1/2 inch: Also fits Delta 28-150, Ryobi BS900/BS902, and other 9-inch saws. 70-1/2 inch: Also fits other 10-inch saws that use this length. 80 inch: Also fits other 12-inch saws that use this length. 93-1/2 inch: Also fits Jet JWBS-14, Grizzly G0555, RIDGID BS14002, and other 14-inch saws.
FAQ
What blade does my Craftsman band saw use?
It depends on the model. The BAS230 uses 59-1/2 inches. The 21400 uses 70-1/2 inches. The 113 series uses 80 inches (verify). The BAS350 uses 93-1/2 inches. Check your manual or measure the old blade.
What is the best all-purpose blade for a Craftsman band saw?
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 band saw?
Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, and other manufacturers make blades in all Craftsman lengths. Available from online retailers and woodworking supply stores.
Can I use a blade from another brand in my Craftsman band saw?
Yes, as long as the blade length matches. Blades from Delta, Jet, Ryobi, and other brands with the same length are interchangeable.
What TPI should I use for resawing?
3 TPI hook tooth in bi-metal. The coarse teeth and aggressive cutting action handle thick stock. Use bi-metal because carbon steel will dull mid-cut in hardwood.
References
- Sears Parts Direct. “Craftsman Band Saw Owner’s Manuals.” searspartsdirect.com.
- Olson Saw. “Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Timber Wolf Blades. “Band Saw Blade Specifications.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
- Carter Products. “Blade Tension Guide.” Carter Products.
- Fine Woodworking. “Choosing Band Saw Blades.” Taunton Press.
