93 1/2-Inch Band Saw Blades: Fit, Blade Material, and Cut Quality
You need a 93-1/2 inch band saw blade and you want to know which one to buy. The 93-1/2 inch blade is the most common band saw blade length. It fits most 14-inch band saws from Delta, Jet, Grizzly, Rikon, Craftsman, and others. You need to know the blade material options, TPI, and how to get good cut quality.
A 93-1/2 inch band saw blade is a blade measuring 93-1/2 inches in circumference. It is the standard blade length for most 14-inch band saws. The 93-1/2 inch length is one of the most widely available blade sizes, with options from every major blade manufacturer.
Compatible Saw Models
Saws Using 93-1/2 Inch Blades
| Brand | Models | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | 28-276, 28-400, 28-195, 28-340, 28-180 | Most Delta 14-inch saws |
| Jet | JWBS-14, JWBS-14OS, JWBS-14DX | Most Jet 14-inch saws |
| Grizzly | G0555, G0555P, G1017 (verify) | Check manual |
| Rikon | 10-305, 10-321, 10-325 | Most Rikon 14-inch saws |
| Craftsman | 113.298xxx, 22400, BAS350 | Most Craftsman 14-inch saws |
| Central Machinery | 14-inch | Check manual |
| Powermatic | 14-inch (verify) | Check manual |
| Shop Fox | W1706 (verify) | Check manual |
With Riser Block
Adding a riser block to a 14-inch saw increases the blade length to 105 inches and the resaw capacity to 12 inches.
How to Verify Your Blade Length
- Check the saw manual.
- Measure the old blade circumference.
- Contact the saw manufacturer with the model number.
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
The most affordable option for woodworking. Hardness: 62 to 65 HRC. Best for: General woodworking, hobby use. Cost: 12 to 20 dollars.
Bi-Metal M42
M42 high-speed steel edge on flexible spring steel backing. Hardness: 67 to 69 HRC. Best for: Resawing hardwood, production cutting, light metal cutting. Cost: 20 to 40 dollars.
Carbide-Tipped
Carbide teeth on a steel blade. Hardness: 70+ HRC. Best for: Production resawing, abrasive materials. Cost: 80 to 200 dollars.
TPI Selection
| TPI | Best For | Material Thickness | Cut Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 TPI | Resawing, thick stock | 2 to 6 inches | Fair |
| 4 TPI | General woodworking | 3/4 to 4 inches | Fair to good |
| 6 TPI | General woodworking | 1/2 to 3 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.
Tooth Profiles
Skip Tooth (Large Gullets)
Best for: General woodworking, softwoods, particleboard, MDF. Cut quality: Fair to good.
Hook Tooth (Positive Rake)
Best for: Hardwoods, thick stock, resawing. Cut quality: Fair. Aggressive cut produces rougher surface.
Standard Tooth (0 Degree Rake)
Best for: General-purpose cutting. Cut quality: Good.
Blade Width
| 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 |
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 and blade loading.
3. Blade Tension
15,000 to 20,000 PSI for standard blades. Use a tension gauge for accurate settings.
4. 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. 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.
Recommended Blades by Task
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. Metal cutting (if saw has variable speed): 10/14 variable pitch, bi-metal M42. Cost: about 25 dollars.
Where to Buy 93-1/2 Inch Blades
Olson Saw: Carbon steel and bi-metal blades. Timber Wolf (Suffolk Machinery): Low-tension blades. Woodcraft: Various brands and materials. Rockler: Carbon steel and bi-metal blades. Amazon: Various brands and materials.
FAQ
What saws use a 93-1/2 inch band saw blade?
Most 14-inch band saws, including Delta 28-276, 28-400, 28-195; Jet JWBS-14; Grizzly G0555; Rikon 10-305; and Craftsman 113.298xxx.
What TPI should I use for a 93-1/2 inch blade?
3 TPI for resawing. 4 to 6 TPI for general woodworking. 10 to 14 TPI for thin stock and scroll work.
What material should I choose for a 93-1/2 inch blade?
Carbon steel for general woodworking (12 to 20 dollars). Bi-metal M42 for resawing and production (20 to 40 dollars). Carbide-tipped for production resawing (80 to 200 dollars).
References
- Olson Saw. “93-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Suffolk Machinery (Timber Wolf). “Blade Selection Guide.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
- Fine Woodworking. “Band Saw Blade Selection.” Taunton Press.
- Woodcraft. “Band Saw Blade Reference.” Woodcraft Supply.
