59 1/2 Band Saw Blades: Choosing the Right TPI and Tooth Profile
You need a 59-1/2 inch band saw blade and you want to know which one to buy. The 59-1/2 inch blade is the standard blade for most 9-inch benchtop band saws. You need to know the compatible saws, TPI selection, tooth profiles, and blade material.
A 59-1/2 inch band saw blade is a blade measuring 59-1/2 inches in circumference. It is the standard blade length for most 9-inch benchtop band saws. The 59-1/2 inch length is one of the most widely available blade sizes, with options from every major blade manufacturer.
Compatible Saw Models
Saws Using 59-1/2 Inch Blades
| Brand | Models | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ryobi | BS900, BS902, BS903 | Most common |
| Delta | 28-150, 28-153, 28-203, BS100 | Most Delta 9-inch saws |
| WEN | 3959T | 9-inch benchtop |
| Skil | 3386 | 9-inch benchtop |
| Central Machinery | 9-inch | Check manual |
| Craftsman | 113.24xxx, BAS230 | 9-inch benchtop |
How to Verify Your Blade Length
- Check the saw manual.
- Measure the old blade circumference.
- Contact the saw manufacturer with the model number.
Blade Dimensions
Standard Dimensions
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 59-1/2 inches |
| Width | 1/8 to 3/8 inch |
| Thickness | 0.014 to 0.020 inches |
Important: 9-inch benchtop saws have a limited blade width range (1/8 to 3/8 inch). Do not install a blade wider than 3/8 inch, as it may not fit the wheels or guides.
TPI Selection
| TPI | Best For | Material Thickness | Cut Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 TPI | Ripping, thick stock | 3/4 to 3-1/2 inches | Fair |
| 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, MDF. Large gullets clear sawdust efficiently. Cut quality: Fair to good.
Hook Tooth (Positive Rake)
Best for: Hardwoods, thick stock, ripping. Cuts aggressively. Cut quality: Fair. Aggressive cut produces rougher surface.
Standard Tooth (0 Degree Rake)
Best for: General-purpose cutting. Good balance of speed and finish. Cut quality: Good.
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
The most affordable option for woodworking. Hardness: 62 to 65 HRC. Best for: General woodworking, hobby use. Cost: 10 to 15 dollars. Lifespan: 6 to 12 months of hobby use.
Bi-Metal M42
M42 high-speed steel edge on flexible spring steel backing. Hardness: 67 to 69 HRC. Best for: Resawing hardwood, longer blade life. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars. Lifespan: 2 to 5 times longer than carbon steel.
Recommended Blades by Task
General woodworking: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: 10 to 15 dollars. Curve cutting: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Cost: 10 to 12 dollars. Ripping: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: 12 to 18 dollars. Resawing (limited to 3-1/2 inch capacity): 3/8 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars. Scroll work: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Cost: 10 to 12 dollars.
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
Check the saw manual for the recommended tension. Most 9-inch saws have a tension knob, not a gauge. Tighten until the blade deflects about 1/4 inch with moderate finger pressure.
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.
Where to Buy 59-1/2 Inch Blades
Olson Saw: Carbon steel and bi-metal blades. Timber Wolf (Suffolk Machinery): Low-tension blades. Woodcraft: Various brands and materials. Amazon: Various brands and materials. Home Depot: Ryobi and Delta OEM blades.
FAQ
What saws use a 59-1/2 inch band saw blade?
Most 9-inch benchtop band saws, including Ryobi BS900, Delta 28-150 and 28-203, WEN 3959T, Skil 3386, Central Machinery 9-inch, and Craftsman 113.24xxx.
What TPI should I use for a 59-1/2 inch blade?
4 TPI for ripping. 6 TPI for general woodworking. 8 to 10 TPI for smoother cuts. 14 TPI for scroll work and thin stock.
What material should I choose for a 59-1/2 inch blade?
Carbon steel for general woodworking (10 to 15 dollars). Bi-metal M42 for longer life and resawing (15 to 25 dollars).
References
- Olson Saw. “59-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Suffolk Machinery (Timber Wolf). “Blade Selection Guide.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
- Fine Woodworking. “Benchtop Band Saw Blade Guide.” Taunton Press.
- Woodcraft. “Band Saw Blade Reference.” Woodcraft Supply.
- Home Depot. “9-Inch Band Saw Blades.” homedepot.com.
