Central Machinery 14 Band Saw: Capacity, Controls, and Ownership Notes
You own a Central Machinery 14-inch band saw and you want to know about its capacity, controls, and maintenance. The Central Machinery 14-inch band saw is a floor-standing woodworking saw sold by Harbor Freight. You need to know the specifications, what it can do, and what to watch for as an owner.
The Central Machinery 14-inch band saw is a floor-standing woodworking saw sold by Harbor Freight Tools. It is designed for serious hobby and light professional use. It uses a 93-1/2 inch blade and has a 6-inch resaw capacity.
Model Identification
Common Models
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Motor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-inch floor | 14-inch woodworking | 93-1/2 inches | 3/4 HP (verify) |
| 14-inch with stand | 14-inch woodworking | 93-1/2 inches | 3/4 HP (verify) |
How to Identify Your Model
- Find the model number on the label on the saw frame.
- If the label is missing, measure the blade length. A 93-1/2 inch blade indicates a 14-inch saw.
- Check the motor label for horsepower and voltage.
- Contact Harbor Freight customer service with the model number.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | 14-inch floor-standing woodworking band saw |
| Throat | 13-1/2 to 14 inches |
| Cut capacity | 6 inches (12 inches with riser block) |
| Blade length | 93-1/2 inches (105 inches with riser) |
| Blade width | 1/8 to 3/4 inch |
| Motor | 3/4 HP, 120V (verify) |
| Speed | Single speed, ~2500 to 3000 FPM |
| Table | Cast iron, ~15 x 15 inches |
| Table tilt | 0 to 45 degrees |
| Weight | ~200 to 250 pounds |
Cut Capacity
Throat
The throat is 13-1/2 to 14 inches, meaning you can cut stock up to about 13-1/2 inches wide.
Resaw Capacity
The resaw capacity is 6 inches without a riser block. With a riser block, the capacity increases to 12 inches.
What It Can Cut
Can cut: Hardwood up to 6 inches thick (12 inches with riser). Softwood of any thickness within capacity. Plywood, MDF, and composite materials. Cannot cut: Metal (speed is too fast). Stock wider than 13-1/2 inches.
Controls
Power Switch
Standard toggle switch.
Blade Tension
Tension is adjusted by turning the tension knob on the upper wheel hub.
Tracking
Tracking is adjusted by tilting the upper wheel.
Blade Guides
Upper guides: Adjustable side guides and thrust bearing. Lower guides: Same procedure as upper guides. Guide material: Metal blocks (stock). Can be upgraded to Cool Blocks.
Table Tilt
The table tilts from 0 to 45 degrees.
Blade Selection
The Central Machinery 14-inch band saw uses a 93-1/2 inch blade (105 inches with a riser block).
Recommended Blades
General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 15 dollars. Resawing: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42. Cost: about 25 dollars. Curve cutting: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 15 dollars. Scroll work: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Cost: about 12 dollars.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
The 93-1/2 inch blade is shared with Delta, Jet, Grizzly, Rikon, and Craftsman 14-inch saws.
Common Repairs
Replacing Tires
Replacement: Urethane tires for 14-inch wheels. Cost: 20 to 35 dollars per pair.
Upgrading Blade Guides
Cool Blocks: 15 to 20 dollars. Carter bearing guides: 50 to 80 dollars.
Replacing Wheel Bearings
Cost: 15 to 30 dollars per bearing.
Replacing the Drive Belt
Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
Motor Repair
- Motor replacement: 80 to 200 dollars.
Ownership Notes
What to Check Before Buying Used
- Frame and wheels for cracks.
- Tires for cracking and hardening.
- Motor for smooth running.
- Table for flatness.
- Fence and miter gauge inclusion.
- Blade guides for wear.
Maintenance Schedule
Daily: Clean sawdust from table and wheels. Check blade. Weekly: Clean wheel covers. Lubricate guide post. Monthly: Check drive belt tension. Check bolts. Annually: Replace tires if worn. Check bearings. Inspect cord and switch.
Upgrades
- Install a quality blade from Olson Saw or Timber Wolf.
- Upgrade to urethane tires.
- Add a riser block for 12-inch resaw capacity.
- Upgrade blade guides to Cool Blocks or Carter guides.
- Add dust collection.
FAQ
What blade does the Central Machinery 14-inch band saw use?
A 93-1/2 inch blade in widths from 1/8 to 3/4 inch. With a riser block, the blade length is 105 inches.
Can I resaw with a Central Machinery 14-inch band saw?
Yes, with a 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth bi-metal blade. Resaw capacity is 6 inches without a riser block and 12 inches with a riser block.
Where can I find parts for my Central Machinery 14-inch band saw?
Harbor Freight customer service, aftermarket suppliers like Olson Saw and Carter Products, Amazon, and eBay.
References
- Harbor Freight Tools. “Central Machinery 14-Inch Band Saw.” harborfreight.com.
- Olson Saw. “93-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Carter Products. “Guide Upgrade Compatibility Chart.” Carter Products.
- Fine Woodworking. “14-Inch Band Saw Setup.” Taunton Press.
