72-Inch Band Saw Blade: Fit, Blade Material, and Cut Quality
You own a band saw that uses a 72-inch blade and you need to order replacement blades. The 72-inch blade is used by several 10 and 12-inch band saws. You need to know the width, TPI, and material options and how to choose the right blade for your work.
The 72-inch band saw blade is used by several 10 and 12-inch band saws. It is less common than the 70-1/2 inch (10-inch Craftsman) or 80-inch (12-inch Craftsman) blades, but it is a standard length available from major blade manufacturers.
Saws That Use 72-Inch Blades
| Saw Model | Brand | Throat |
|---|---|---|
| Various 10-inch saws | Multiple | 10 inches |
| Some 12-inch saws | Multiple | 12 inches |
| Shopsmith 10-inch | Shopsmith | 10 inches (verify) |
Important: Always verify the blade length with your saw’s manual or by measuring the old blade. Some 10-inch saws use 62, 70-1/2, or 72 inch blades. Some 12-inch saws use 72, 80, or 82 inch blades.
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.
- Look up the model number on the manufacturer’s website.
Blade Width Options
1/8 Inch (14 TPI)
Best for: Tight curves and scroll work. Minimum turning radius about 2 inches. Not for: Straight ripping, resawing, or thick stock.
1/4 Inch (6 TPI)
Best for: General curve cutting. Minimum turning radius about 4 inches.
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.
1/2 Inch (3 TPI)
Best for: Straight ripping and light resawing. Will not cut curves tighter than about 12 inch radius.
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.
Tooth Profile
Hook tooth (positive rake): Cuts aggressively. Best for thick stock and resawing. Skip tooth (0 degree rake): Large gullet for chip clearance. Good for general woodworking. Regular tooth (slight negative rake): Smoothest finish. Best for thin stock.
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
Cut quality: Good when sharp. Dulls faster than bi-metal. 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
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. Cost: About 12 dollars.
Resawing
Blade: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42. Cost: About 22 dollars.
Curve Cutting
Blade: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: About 12 dollars.
Scroll Work
Blade: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Cost: About 10 dollars.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
The 72-inch blade is used by several saws. Blades from Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, and other manufacturers will fit any saw that uses a 72-inch blade.
Note: The 72-inch blade is NOT the same as the 70-1/2 inch (Craftsman 10-inch) or 80-inch (Craftsman 12-inch) blade. These are different lengths and are not interchangeable.
Where to Buy 72-Inch Blades
Olson Saw
Olson Saw makes 72-inch blades in various widths and TPI options.
Timber Wolf
Timber Wolf makes 72-inch blades with their proprietary low-tension design.
Online Retailers
Amazon, Woodcraft, Rockler, and other online retailers carry 72-inch blades.
FAQ
What saws use a 72-inch band saw blade?
Several 10 and 12-inch band saws use 72-inch blades. Always verify with your saw’s manual.
What is the best all-purpose blade for a 72-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 use a 72-inch blade in a saw that uses 70-1/2 inch blades?
No. The blades are different lengths and are not interchangeable. Always verify the blade length for your specific saw.
Where can I buy 72-inch band saw blades?
Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, Amazon, Woodcraft, Rockler, and other online retailers and woodworking supply stores.
References
- Olson Saw. “72-Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Timber Wolf Blades. “Band Saw Blade Specifications.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
- Fine Woodworking. “Choosing Band Saw Blades.” Taunton Press.
- Woodcraft. “Band Saw Blade Selection Guide.” Woodcraft Supply.
