Band Saw Parts Guide: Model Numbers, Wear Parts, and Fit Checks
You need to find replacement parts for your band saw and you are not sure where to start. Band saw parts vary by model, and ordering the wrong part wastes time and money. You need to know how to identify your saw, what parts commonly wear out, how to check compatibility, and where to find parts. You need a guide that covers the band saw parts landscape.
Band saw parts fall into several categories: wear parts that need regular replacement, structural parts that rarely fail, and accessories that can be added or upgraded. This guide covers all categories with a focus on finding the right parts for your specific saw.
Model Identification
Why the Model Number Matters
Every band saw has a model number that identifies the specific design. Parts are model-specific. Ordering parts without the model number is a guess.
How to Find the Model Number
- Look for a label or nameplate. Check the saw frame, column, or motor. The model number is usually printed on a metal or paper label.
- If the label is missing, measure the blade length. The blade length identifies the saw size and narrows the model options.
- Check the motor. Read the motor label for horsepower, voltage, and amperage.
- Look up the model number. Search on the manufacturer’s website, Sears Parts Direct, or eReplacementParts.
Common Model Number Formats
| Brand | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | 28-XXX | 28-245, 28-340 |
| Jet | JWBS-XX | JWBS-14 |
| Grizzly | GXXXX | G0555, G0513 |
| Craftsman | 113.XXXXXX | 113.248510 |
| Milwaukee | XXXX-20 | 2729-20, 6232-20 |
| DEWALT | DCSXXX or DWMXXX | DCS374B, DWM120 |
| Rockwell | 28-XXX | 28-200 |
Common Wear Parts
1. Blades
The most frequently replaced part. Blades wear out from normal use.
How to choose: Match the blade length to your saw. Choose the width, TPI, and material based on your work.
Compatibility: Blades are interchangeable between saws that use the same length. A 93-1/2 inch blade fits any 14-inch saw that uses that length, regardless of brand.
2. Tires
Rubber or urethane rings on the wheels that provide traction for the blade. They harden and crack after 5 to 10 years.
How to choose: Match the tire diameter to the wheel diameter. Measure the bare wheel (without the old tire).
Compatibility: Tires are sized by wheel diameter. A 14-inch tire fits any 14-inch saw.
Cost: 15 to 35 dollars per pair.
3. Blade Guides
The guides that keep the blade running straight. They wear from contact with the blade.
How to choose: Match the guide type to your saw model. Check the model number before ordering.
Compatibility: Guides are model-specific. Check the manufacturer’s parts diagram.
Upgrade options: Cool Blocks (15 to 20 dollars), Carter bearing guides (50 to 80 dollars).
4. Thrust Bearings
Bearings behind the blade that prevent backward deflection. They wear and get noisy.
How to choose: Read the bearing number on the old bearing for the correct replacement.
Compatibility: Model-specific. Read the bearing number.
Cost: 10 to 25 dollars each.
5. Drive Belt
The belt that connects the motor to the lower wheel. It stretches and cracks over time.
How to choose: Match the belt type (V-belt, link belt) and length to your saw.
Compatibility: Model-specific. Measure the old belt or look up the part number.
Cost: 10 to 30 dollars.
6. Wheel Bearings
Bearings in the upper and lower wheels. They wear and get noisy.
How to choose: Read the bearing number on the old bearing.
Compatibility: Model-specific. Read the bearing number.
Cost: 15 to 30 dollars per bearing.
7. Switch
The power switch. It can fail after years of use.
How to choose: Match the switch type and rating to your saw.
Compatibility: Model-specific. Check the parts diagram.
Cost: 15 to 25 dollars.
8. Motor Brushes (Brushed Motors Only)
Carbon brushes that wear over time in brushed motors.
How to choose: Match the brush to the motor model.
Compatibility: Model-specific. Check the parts diagram.
Cost: 10 to 20 dollars per pair.
Note: Brushless motors do not have replaceable brushes.
9. Coolant Pump (Metal Cutting Saws)
The pump that circulates coolant. It can fail after years of use.
How to choose: Match the pump to your saw model.
Compatibility: Model-specific.
Cost: 30 to 80 dollars.
10. Table Insert
The small plate around the blade slot in the table. It can be lost or damaged.
How to choose: Match the insert to your saw model.
Compatibility: Model-specific.
Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
Fit Checks
Before Ordering Parts
- Identify your saw model. Find the model number on the label.
- Look up the parts diagram. Search the model number on the manufacturer’s website or parts supplier.
- Find the part on the diagram. Note the part number.
- Check availability. Some parts may be discontinued.
- Check compatibility. Verify the part fits your specific model.
Common Fit Issues
Blade length: The most common mistake. Measure the old blade or check the manual.
Tire diameter: Measure the bare wheel, not the wheel with the old tire.
Guide compatibility: Guides are model-specific. Check the parts diagram.
Bearing size: Read the bearing number on the old bearing. Different models may use different bearings.
Belt type: V-belts and link belts are not always interchangeable. Check the belt type and length.
Switch rating: The switch must handle the motor’s amperage. Check the rating.
Where to Find Parts
Manufacturer
The first stop for OEM parts. Contact the manufacturer’s parts department with the model number.
Parts Suppliers
Sears Parts Direct: For Craftsman models. eReplacementParts: For many brands. Search by model number. Grizzly Industrial: For Grizzly models. Delta Machinery: For Delta and Rockwell models. Milwaukee Tool: For Milwaukee models. DEWALT: For DEWALT models.
Aftermarket Suppliers
Olson Saw: Blades and Cool Blocks. Carter Products: Guide upgrades and accessories. Iturra Design: Band saw parts and upgrades. LENOX, MK Morse, Starrett: Metal cutting blades. Industrial bearing suppliers: Standard bearings by bearing number.
eBay
A source for hard-to-find and discontinued parts. Search for the model number.
FAQ
How do I find the model number on my band saw?
Look for a label or nameplate on the saw frame, column, or motor. If the label is missing, measure the blade length to identify the saw size, then search for models that use that blade length.
What are the most common parts that need replacement on a band saw?
Blades, tires, blade guides, thrust bearings, drive belts, wheel bearings, and switches. Blades are the most frequently replaced part. Tires are the most common non-blade replacement.
Are band saw parts interchangeable between brands?
Blades are interchangeable between saws that use the same length. Tires are interchangeable between saws with the same wheel diameter. Other parts like guides, switches, and bearings are model-specific.
Where can I find parts for an old band saw?
The manufacturer, parts suppliers like eReplacementParts, aftermarket suppliers like Carter Products, and eBay for discontinued parts.
How do I know if a part will fit my band saw?
Identify your saw model number, look up the parts diagram, find the part number, and verify compatibility. For blades, match the length. For bearings, read the bearing number. For other parts, check the parts diagram.
References
- Sears Parts Direct. “Band Saw Parts Diagrams.” searspartsdirect.com.
- eReplacementParts. “Band Saw Parts Reference.” eReplacementParts.com.
- Carter Products. “Guide Upgrade Compatibility Chart.” Carter Products.
- Olson Saw. “Band Saw Parts and Accessories Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Iturra Design. “Band Saw Parts and Upgrades Catalog.” Iturra Design.
