62-Inch Band Saw Blade for Wood: Dimensions, Uses, and Selection Rules
You own a band saw that uses a 62-inch blade and you need to order replacement blades for woodworking. The 62-inch blade is used by several 10-inch benchtop and small floor-standing saws. You need to know the width, TPI, and material options and how to choose the right blade for your work.
The 62-inch band saw blade is used by several 10-inch band saws. It is less common than the 59-1/2 inch (9-inch saws) or 93-1/2 inch (14-inch saws), but it is a standard length available from major blade manufacturers.
Saws That Use 62-Inch Blades
| Saw Model | Brand | Throat |
|---|---|---|
| BS800 | Ryobi | 9 inches |
| BS903 | Ryobi | 9 inches |
| 10-inch benchtop | Various | 10 inches |
| Some older 10-inch saws | Various | 10 inches |
Important: Always verify the blade length with your saw’s manual or by measuring the old blade. Some 10-inch saws use 62 inches while others use 70-1/2 or 72 inches.
How to Verify Blade Length
- Check the saw’s manual.
- Look for the blade length printed on a label inside the wheel cover.
- Remove the old blade and measure it. Lay it flat, mark a point, and measure around the loop.
- Look up the model number on the manufacturer’s website.
Blade Width Options
The 62-inch blade is available in widths from 1/8 to 1/2 inch. The width determines what types of cuts you can make.
1/8 Inch (14 TPI)
Best for: Tight curves and scroll work. Minimum turning radius about 2 inches. Cut quality: Smooth on thin stock. Wanders on straight cuts in thick stock. Not for: Straight ripping, resawing, or thick stock.
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. Cut quality: Good on curves. Acceptable on straight cuts in thin stock.
3/8 Inch (4 TPI)
Best for: The best all-around width. Tracks straight for ripping and crosscutting. Still handles curves with a 5 inch radius or larger. Cut quality: Good on straight cuts. Acceptable on curves. If you only buy one blade, make it 3/8 inch with 4 TPI.
1/2 Inch (3 TPI)
Best for: Straight ripping and light resawing. Will not cut curves tighter than about 12 inch radius. Cut quality: Excellent on straight cuts. Clean resawing in stock up to 4 to 5 inches (limited by the saw’s cut capacity).
TPI Selection
| 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. 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
Composition: High carbon steel throughout. Cut quality: Good when sharp. Dulls faster than bi-metal, especially in hardwood. Blade life: 2 to 4 hours in softwoods, 1 to 2 hours in hardwoods. Cost: 8 to 18 dollars. Best for: Occasional use, softwoods, general woodworking.
Bi-Metal M42
Composition: M42 high-speed steel edge on flexible spring steel backing. Cut quality: Excellent. Stays sharp 3 to 5 times longer than carbon steel. Blade life: 6 to 15 hours in softwoods, 3 to 8 hours in hardwoods. Cost: 18 to 35 dollars. Best for: Regular use, hardwoods, resawing.
Recommended Blades by Task
General Woodworking
Blade: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Why: The best all-around blade. Handles 80 percent of woodworking tasks. Cost: About 12 dollars.
Resawing
Blade: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42. Why: Coarse teeth and aggressive cutting action handle thick stock. Bi-metal stays sharp through long resaw cuts. Cost: About 25 dollars.
Curve Cutting
Blade: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Why: Narrow width handles curves. 6 TPI produces smooth cuts in thin stock. Cost: About 12 dollars.
Scroll Work
Blade: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Why: Very narrow width for tight curves. Fine teeth for smooth cuts in thin stock. Cost: About 10 dollars.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
The 62-inch blade is used by several saws. Blades from Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, and other manufacturers will fit any saw that uses a 62-inch blade.
Note: Some 10-inch saws use 62 inches while others use 70-1/2 or 72 inches. Always verify the blade length before ordering.
Where to Buy 62-Inch Blades
Olson Saw
Olson Saw makes 62-inch blades in various widths and TPI options. Available from online retailers and woodworking supply stores.
Timber Wolf
Timber Wolf makes 62-inch blades with their proprietary low-tension design.
Online Retailers
Amazon, Woodcraft, Rockler, and other online retailers carry 62-inch blades from multiple manufacturers.
Local Woodworking Stores
Local woodworking supply stores may carry 62-inch blades or can order them.
FAQ
What saws use a 62-inch band saw blade?
Several 10-inch benchtop and small floor-standing saws use 62-inch blades, including some Ryobi models. Always verify with your saw’s manual.
What is the best all-purpose blade for a 62-inch band saw?
A 3/8 inch wide, 4 TPI skip tooth blade in carbon steel. This handles 80 percent of woodworking tasks.
Can I resaw with a 62-inch blade?
Yes, with a 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth bi-metal blade. The resaw capacity is limited by the saw’s cut capacity (typically 4 to 5 inches for 10-inch saws).
Where can I buy 62-inch band saw blades?
Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, Amazon, Woodcraft, Rockler, and other online retailers and woodworking supply stores.
What is the difference between a 62-inch and a 70-1/2 inch blade?
They fit different saws. A 62-inch blade fits some 10-inch saws. A 70-1/2 inch blade fits other 10-inch saws. You cannot use one in place of the other. Always verify the blade length for your specific saw.
References
- Olson Saw. “62-Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Timber Wolf Blades. “Band Saw Blade Specifications.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
- Ryobi. “BS800 Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Ryobi Tools.
- Fine Woodworking. “Choosing Band Saw Blades.” Taunton Press.
- Woodcraft. “Band Saw Blade Selection Guide.” Woodcraft Supply.
