59 1/2-Inch Band Saw Blades: TPI, Material, and Cut Compatibility
You need a 59-1/2 inch band saw blade and you want to choose the right one. 59-1/2 inch blades are used on several popular band saws. You need to know about TPI options, blade material, and which materials each blade can cut.
A 59-1/2 inch band saw blade is a blade that fits several popular 9-inch and 10-inch benchtop band saws. The 59-1/2 inch length is one of the most common benchtop band saw blade lengths.
Compatible Band Saws
Band Saws Using 59-1/2 Inch Blades
| Brand | Model | Type | Throat | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryobi | BS900 | 9-inch benchtop | 9 inches | Popular |
| Ryobi | BS901 | 9-inch benchtop | 9 inches | Similar to BS900 |
| Ryobi | BS902 | 9-inch benchtop | 9 inches | Similar to BS900 |
| Ryobi | BS903 | 9-inch benchtop | 9 inches | Similar to BS900 |
| Skil | 3104 | 9-inch benchtop | 9 inches | Popular |
| Skil | 3105 | 9-inch benchtop | 9 inches | Similar to 3104 |
| Craftsman | 113.24xxxx | 9-inch benchtop | 9 inches | Older models |
| Wen | 3959 | 9-inch benchtop | 9 inches | Popular |
How to Verify Blade Length
- Check the manual for the blade length specification.
- Measure the old blade length.
- Check the saw for a blade length label.
- Contact the saw manufacturer with the model number.
TPI Selection
TPI Chart by Task
| TPI | Best For | Material Thickness | Cut Quality | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 TPI | Resawing, thick stock | 2 to 4+ 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.
Recommended TPI by Application
General woodworking (3/4 to 2 inch stock): 6 TPI. Curve cutting (1/2 to 2 inch stock): 6 TPI. Resawing (2 to 4 inch stock): 3 to 4 TPI. Thin stock (1/4 inch and under): 10 TPI. Scroll work (1/8 inch and under): 14 TPI. Plywood and MDF: 6 to 10 TPI.
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.
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 |
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.
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
The most affordable option for woodworking. Hardness: 62 to 65 HRC. Best for: General woodworking, hobby use. Cost: 10 to 18 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: 18 to 35 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: 60 to 150 dollars. Lifespan: 5 to 10 times longer than bi-metal.
Cut Compatibility by Material
Softwoods (Pine, Cedar, Fir)
Recommended TPI: 4 to 6 TPI. Recommended blade: Skip tooth, carbon steel. Difficulty: Easy.
Hardwoods (Oak, Maple, Cherry)
Recommended TPI: 4 to 6 TPI. Recommended blade: Hook tooth, bi-metal M42. Difficulty: Moderate.
Plywood and MDF
Recommended TPI: 6 to 10 TPI. Recommended blade: Skip tooth, carbon steel. Difficulty: Easy. Watch for chip loading on high TPI blades.
Non-Ferrous Metals (Aluminum, Copper)
Recommended TPI: 14 to 18 TPI. Recommended blade: Bi-metal M42. Difficulty: Moderate. Use slow speed and light feed pressure.
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. Rockler: Carbon steel and bi-metal blades. Amazon: Various brands and materials. Bandsawparts.com: Blades and parts.
FAQ
What saws use a 59-1/2 inch blade?
The Ryobi BS900 series, Skil 3104 and 3105, WEN 3959, and some Craftsman 9-inch benchtop saws use 59-1/2 inch blades. Check your manual to verify.
What TPI should I use for my 59-1/2 inch blade?
3 to 4 TPI for resawing and thick stock. 6 TPI for general woodworking. 10 TPI for thin stock. 14 TPI for scroll work.
Can I cut metal with a 59-1/2 inch blade?
Non-ferrous metals like aluminum and copper can be cut with a 14 to 18 TPI bi-metal blade at slow speed. Steel and iron cannot be cut on wood cutting band saws because the speed is too fast.
References
- Olson Saw. “59-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Suffolk Machinery (Timber Wolf). “Blade Selection Guide.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
- Ryobi. “BS900 Owner’s Manual.” Ryobi Power Tools.
- WEN Products. “3959 Owner’s Manual.” wenproducts.com.
- Fine Woodworking. “9-Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Taunton Press.
