What Blade Size Fits the Band Saw? Length, Width, and TPI
You need to buy a band saw blade and you are not sure what size fits your saw. Band saw blades come in different lengths, widths, and TPI. You need to know how to determine the correct blade size for your saw.
A band saw blade is a continuous loop of steel that runs over two wheels. The blade size has three dimensions: length, width, and TPI (teeth per inch). Each band saw model requires a specific blade length and accepts a range of blade widths and TPI.
How to Determine Blade Length
Method 1: Check the Manual
The manual specifies the blade length for your saw. This is the most reliable method.
Method 2: Measure the Old Blade
If you have the old blade, measure its length. Lay the blade flat and measure the total circumference.
Method 3: Calculate from Wheel Diameter and Distance
- Measure the wheel diameter.
- Measure the distance between the wheel centers.
- Calculate: Blade length = (2 x distance between centers) + (pi x wheel diameter).
Method 4: Check the Saw
Some saws have the blade length printed on a label on the frame or inside the wheel cover.
Blade Length by Saw Model
Wood Cutting Band Saws
| Saw Size | Blade Length | Popular Models |
|---|---|---|
| 9-inch benchtop | 59-1/2 inches | Ryobi BS900, WEN 3959, Skil 3104 |
| 9-inch benchtop (some) | 62 inches | Delta Shopmaster BS-100, Central Machinery 9-inch |
| 10-inch benchtop | 70-1/2 inches | Craftsman 113.243xxx |
| 10-inch benchtop (some) | 72 inches | WEN 3962, Craftsman 22401 |
| 12-inch floor | 80 inches | Craftsman 113.298xxx |
| 12-inch floor (some) | 93-1/2 inches | Craftsman 22400 |
| 14-inch floor | 93-1/2 inches | Delta 28-276, 28-400, Jet JWBS-14, Grizzly G0555, Rikon 10-305 |
| 14-inch with riser | 105 inches | Same as above with riser block installed |
| 18-inch floor | 150 inches (verify) | Laguna LT18, Grizzly G0513 |
| 20-inch floor | 157 inches (verify) | Laguna LT20, Powermatic 20 |
Metal Cutting Band Saws
| Saw Type | Blade Length | Popular Models |
|---|---|---|
| Portable deep cut | 44-7/8 inches | Milwaukee 2729-20, 6232-20, DEWALT DCS374B |
| Portable compact | 32-7/8 inches | Milwaukee 2429-20, DEWALT DCS371, Porter Cable PC1375T |
| Portable compact (newer) | 35-3/8 inches | Milwaukee 2829-20, 2629-20 |
| Portable sub-compact | 27 inches (verify) | Milwaukee 2529-20 |
| 4x6 horizontal | 64-1/2 inches (verify) | Central Machinery 4x6, Grizzly G0455 |
| 7x12 horizontal | 80 inches (verify) | JET HBBS-712, Baileigh BS-712 |
| 10x16 horizontal | 92 inches (verify) | Baileigh BS-1016 |
Blade Width
How to Determine the Correct Width
The blade width depends on the task:
- Curves: Narrower blades can cut tighter radii.
- Straight cuts: Wider blades are more stable for straight cuts.
- Resawing: Wider blades (1/2 to 3/4 inch) are best for resawing.
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 |
| 1 inch | Large resawing | 7+ inches |
Maximum Width by Saw Size
| Saw Size | Maximum Blade Width |
|---|---|
| 9-inch | 3/8 inch |
| 10-inch | 1/2 inch |
| 12-inch | 1/2 inch |
| 14-inch | 3/4 inch |
| 18-inch | 1 inch |
| 20-inch | 1-1/2 inches |
TPI Selection
What Is TPI
TPI (teeth per inch) is the number of teeth per inch of blade. Lower TPI cuts faster but rougher. Higher TPI cuts slower but smoother.
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 |
| 18 TPI | Metal cutting (thin) | Under 1/4 inch | Good | Slow |
| 24 TPI | Metal cutting (very thin) | Under 1/8 inch | Good | 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.
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
Good for wood cutting. Affordable. Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
Bi-Metal M42
Good for wood resawing and metal cutting. Longer life than carbon steel. Cost: 20 to 40 dollars.
Bi-Metal M51
Good for tough metals like stainless steel. Cost: 25 to 50 dollars.
Carbide-Tipped
For production cutting. Longest life. Cost: 60 to 200 dollars.
FAQ
How do I know what blade length fits my band saw?
Check the manual, measure the old blade, or look up your model in a blade length chart. The most common lengths are 59-1/2 inches (9-inch saws), 93-1/2 inches (14-inch saws), and 44-7/8 inches (portable deep cut saws).
What blade width should I use?
For curves, use the narrowest blade that can cut the radius you need. For straight cuts, use the widest blade your saw accepts. For general use, 1/4 inch is a good all-around width.
What TPI should I use?
3 to 4 TPI for resawing and thick stock. 6 TPI for general woodworking. 10 TPI for thin stock. 14 TPI for scroll work. At least 3 teeth should be in the material at all times.
References
- Olson Saw. “Band Saw Blade Selection Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Suffolk Machinery (Timber Wolf). “Blade Selection Guide.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
- Fine Woodworking. “Band Saw Blade Guide.” Taunton Press.
- Woodcraft. “Band Saw Blade Reference.” Woodcraft Supply.
- LENOX Tools. “Band Saw Blade Specifications.” LENOX Industrial Division.
