100 Band Saw Blade: Fit, Blade Material, and Cut Quality
You need a 100-inch band saw blade and you want to know what to buy. The 100-inch blade is used by several 16-inch and 18-inch band saws. You need to know which saws use this length, what blade material to choose, and how to get good cut quality. You need a guide that covers 100-inch band saw blades.
A 100-inch band saw blade is a blade measuring 100 inches in circumference. It is used by several 16-inch and 18-inch woodworking band saws. The 100-inch length is less common than 93-1/2 inches (14-inch saws) or 105 inches (14-inch saws with riser), but it is a standard length available from major blade manufacturers.
Compatible Saw Models
Common Saws Using 100-Inch Blades
| Saw Model | Type | Blade Length | Cut Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grizzly G0555B (16-inch) | 16-inch floor | 100 inches | 12 inch resaw |
| Grizzly G0555X (16-inch) | 16-inch floor | 100 inches | 12 inch resaw |
| Grizzly G0555P (16-inch) | 16-inch floor | 100 inches | 12 inch resaw |
| Some older Delta 16-inch | 16-inch floor | 100 inches (verify) | Varies |
| Some older Powermatic | 16/18-inch | 100 inches (verify) | Varies |
How to Verify Your Blade Length
- Check the saw manual. The manual lists the correct blade length.
- Measure the old blade. If you have the old blade, measure its total length.
- Calculate from wheel diameter and distance. Use the formula: Blade length = (2 x wheel diameter x pi / 2) + (2 x distance between wheel centers). This is complex, so measuring the old blade is easier.
- Contact the saw manufacturer. Provide the model number to confirm the blade length.
Important: Do not guess the blade length. A blade that is too long or too short will not fit the saw. Always verify before ordering.
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
The most affordable option. Suitable for woodworking and light cutting.
Hardness: 62 to 65 HRC. Best for: General woodworking, hobby use. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars. Limitations: Softens at high temperature. Not suitable for metal cutting or heavy resawing in hardwood.
Bi-Metal M42
M42 high-speed steel edge on flexible spring steel backing. More durable than carbon steel.
Hardness: 67 to 69 HRC. Best for: Resawing hardwood, production cutting, light metal cutting. Cost: 25 to 50 dollars. Benefits: Longer blade life (2 to 5 times carbon steel), resists heat damage, can cut harder materials.
Carbide-Tipped
Carbide teeth on a steel blade. The longest lasting option.
Hardness: 70+ HRC. Best for: Production resawing, cutting abrasive materials. Cost: 80 to 200 dollars. Benefits: 5 to 10 times longer life than bi-metal, cuts faster, produces smoother cuts.
TPI Selection
By Application
| TPI | Best For | Material Thickness | Cut Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 TPI | Resawing, thick stock | 2 to 12 inches | Fair |
| 4 TPI | General woodworking | 3/4 to 6 inches | Fair to good |
| 6 TPI | General woodworking | 1/2 to 4 inches | Good |
| 8 TPI | Smoother cuts | 1/4 to 2 inches | Good |
| 10 TPI | Thin stock | 1/4 inch and under | Good to excellent |
| 14 TPI | Scroll work, thin stock | 1/8 inch and under | Excellent |
Rule of Thumb
At least 3 teeth should be in the material at all times. Too few teeth produces rough cuts and can damage the blade. Too many teeth produces slow cutting and blade loading.
Tooth Profiles
Skip Tooth (Large Gullets)
Best for: General woodworking, softwoods, particleboard, MDF. Large gullets clear sawdust efficiently. Cut quality: Fair to good.
Hook Tooth (Positive Rake)
Best for: Hardwoods, thick stock, resawing. Cuts aggressively, reducing cutting time. Cut quality: Fair. The aggressive cut produces a rougher surface.
Standard Tooth (0 Degree Rake)
Best for: General-purpose cutting. Good balance of speed and finish. Cut quality: Good.
Blade Width
Available Widths
| Width | Best For | Minimum Cut Radius |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 inch | Scroll work, tight curves | 5/16 inch |
| 1/4 inch | Curve cutting | 7/8 inch |
| 3/8 inch | General woodworking | 1-1/2 inches |
| 1/2 inch | Ripping, resawing | 2-1/2 inches |
| 3/4 inch | Resawing, straight cuts | 5-1/2 inches |
| 1 inch | Heavy resawing | 7 inches |
How to Choose Width
For curve cutting: Use the narrowest blade that can handle the cut radius. For ripping: Use 3/8 to 1/2 inch. For resawing: Use 1/2 to 1 inch.
Cut Quality Factors
1. Blade Sharpness
A sharp blade produces smooth cuts. Replace the blade when cuts become rough.
2. Correct TPI
At least 3 teeth in the material. Too few teeth produces rough cuts. Too many teeth produces slow cutting.
3. Correct Blade Tension
15,000 to 20,000 PSI for standard blades. Use a tension gauge for accurate settings.
4. Correct Feed Rate
Feed at a steady rate. Do not force the workpiece. Let the blade do the work.
5. Blade Guides
Properly adjusted guides prevent blade wander and produce straight cuts. Set side guides about 1/32 inch from the blade. Set thrust bearing about 1/64 inch behind the blade.
6. Tire Condition
Good tires provide traction and absorb shock. Replace tires if cracked or hardened.
Where to Buy 100-Inch Blades
Olson Saw: Carbon steel and bi-metal blades in 100-inch length. Timber Wolf (Suffolk Machinery): Low-tension blades in 100-inch length. Woodcraft: Carbon steel and bi-metal blades. Rockler: Carbon steel blades. Amazon: Various brands and materials.
FAQ
What saws use a 100-inch band saw blade?
Several 16-inch band saws, including Grizzly G0555B, G0555X, and G0555P. Some older Delta and Powermatic 16/18-inch saws may also use 100-inch blades. Always verify before ordering.
What material should I choose for a 100-inch band saw blade?
Carbon steel for general woodworking and hobby use (15 to 25 dollars). Bi-metal M42 for resawing and production cutting (25 to 50 dollars). Carbide-tipped for production resawing (80 to 200 dollars).
What TPI should I use for a 100-inch blade?
3 TPI for resawing. 4 to 6 TPI for general woodworking. 10 to 14 TPI for thin stock and scroll work.
How do I verify my blade length?
Check the saw manual, measure the old blade, or contact the saw manufacturer with the model number. Do not guess the blade length.
References
- Olson Saw. “100-Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Suffolk Machinery (Timber Wolf). “Blade Selection Guide.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
- Grizzly Industrial. “G0555 Series Owner’s Manual.” Grizzly Industrial.
- Fine Woodworking. “Band Saw Blade Selection.” Taunton Press.
- Woodcraft. “Band Saw Blade Reference.” Woodcraft Supply.
