14 Band Saw Blade: Choosing the Right TPI and Tooth Profile
You own a 14-inch band saw and you need to choose the right blade. 14-inch band saws use a 93-1/2 inch blade (105 inches with a riser block). You need to know about TPI, tooth profiles, blade width, and material.
A 14-inch band saw is the most popular size of band saw for woodworking. It uses a 93-1/2 inch blade in widths from 1/8 to 3/4 inch. The correct blade depends on the task: curve cutting, ripping, resawing, or scroll work.
Blade Length
Standard Length
14-inch band saws use a 93-1/2 inch blade. This is the standard length for:
- Delta 14-inch saws (28-276, 28-400, 28-195)
- Jet 14-inch saws (JWBS-14)
- Grizzly 14-inch saws (G0555)
- Rikon 14-inch saws (10-305)
- Central Machinery 14-inch saw
- Craftsman 14-inch saws
With Riser Block
With a riser block installed, the blade length increases to 105 inches. The riser block increases resaw capacity from 6 inches to 12 inches.
TPI Selection
TPI Chart by Task
| TPI | Best For | Material Thickness | Cut Quality | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 TPI | Resawing, thick stock | 2 to 6+ inches | Fair | Fast |
| 4 TPI | General woodworking | 3/4 to 4 inches | Fair to good | Fast |
| 6 TPI | General woodworking | 1/2 to 3 inches | Good | Medium |
| 8 TPI | Smoother cuts | 1/4 to 2 inches | Good | Medium |
| 10 TPI | Thin stock | 1/4 inch and under | Good to excellent | Slow |
| 14 TPI | Scroll work, thin stock | 1/8 inch and under | Excellent | Slow |
The 3-Teeth Rule
At least 3 teeth should be in the material at all times. Too few teeth produces rough cuts and potential tooth damage. Too many teeth produces slow cutting and blade loading.
Tooth Profiles
Skip Tooth (Large Gullets)
Large gullets clear sawdust efficiently. Good for soft or gummy materials. Best for: General woodworking, softwoods, particleboard, MDF. Cut quality: Fair to good. Speed: Fast.
Hook Tooth (Positive Rake)
The positive rake angle pulls the blade through the material. Cuts aggressively. Best for: Hardwoods, thick stock, resawing, ripping. Cut quality: Fair. Aggressive cut produces rougher surface. Speed: Fastest.
Standard Tooth (0 Degree Rake)
Good balance of cutting speed and surface finish. Best for: General-purpose cutting. Cut quality: Good. Speed: Medium.
Variable Pitch (Alternating Teeth)
Alternating TPI reduces vibration and produces smoother cuts. Best for: Mixed material thicknesses, production cutting. Cut quality: Good to excellent. Speed: Medium.
Blade Width
Width Selection by Task
| Width | Best For | Minimum Cut Radius |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 inch | Scroll work, tight curves | 5/16 inch |
| 3/16 inch | Tight curves | 5/8 inch |
| 1/4 inch | Curve cutting, general use | 7/8 inch |
| 3/8 inch | General woodworking | 1-1/2 inches |
| 1/2 inch | Ripping, resawing | 2-1/2 inches |
| 3/4 inch | Production resawing | 5-1/2 inches |
How to Choose Width
- For curves: Choose the narrowest blade that can cut the radius you need.
- For straight cuts: Choose the widest blade that fits your saw.
- For general use: 1/4 inch is a good all-around width.
- For resawing: 1/2 to 3/4 inch for best results.
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
The most affordable option for woodworking. Hardness: 62 to 65 HRC. Best for: General woodworking, hobby use. Cost: 10 to 20 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, production cutting. Cost: 20 to 40 dollars. Lifespan: 2 to 5 times longer than carbon steel.
Carbide-Tipped
Carbide teeth on a steel blade. Hardness: 70+ HRC. Best for: Production resawing, abrasive materials. Cost: 80 to 200 dollars. Lifespan: 5 to 10 times longer than bi-metal.
Recommended Blades by Task
General Woodworking
Blade: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: 12 to 18 dollars.
Ripping
Blade: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: 15 to 20 dollars.
Resawing
Blade: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42. Cost: 25 to 35 dollars.
Curve Cutting
Blade: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: 12 to 18 dollars.
Scroll Work
Blade: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Cost: 10 to 15 dollars.
Where to Buy 14-Inch Band Saw Blades
Olson Saw: Carbon steel and bi-metal blades in 93-1/2 and 105 inch lengths. Timber Wolf (Suffolk Machinery): Low-tension blades, excellent for resawing. Woodcraft: Various brands and materials. Rockler: Carbon steel and bi-metal blades. Amazon: Various brands and materials.
FAQ
What blade does a 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.
What TPI should I use for my 14-inch band saw?
3 to 4 TPI for resawing and thick stock. 6 TPI for general woodworking. 8 to 10 TPI for smoother cuts. 14 TPI for scroll work and thin stock.
What is the best blade for resawing on a 14-inch band saw?
A 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth bi-metal M42 blade. The hook tooth cuts aggressively, the 3 TPI handles thick stock, and the bi-metal M42 lasts longer than carbon steel.
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. “14-Inch Band Saw Blade Selection.” Taunton Press.
- Woodcraft. “Band Saw Blade Reference.” Woodcraft Supply.
- Popular Woodworking. “Band Saw Blade Guide.” Popular Woodworking Magazine.
