Central Machinery 9 Band Saw: Specifications, Blade Size, and Parts Support
You own a Central Machinery 9-inch band saw and you need to know the specifications, blade size, or parts. Central Machinery 9-inch band saws are budget benchtop band saws sold by Harbor Freight. You need to know the specs, what blade it uses, and where to find parts.
Central Machinery is a house brand of Harbor Freight Tools. The Central Machinery 9-inch band saw is a budget benchtop band saw designed for hobby woodworking and light use. It is one of the most affordable band saws on the market.
Model Identification
Central Machinery 9-Inch Band Saw
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 9-inch benchtop (model number varies) |
| Type | 9-inch benchtop band saw |
| Throat | 8-1/2 to 9 inches |
| Resaw capacity | 3 to 4 inches (verify) |
| Blade length | 62 inches (verify) |
| Blade width | 1/8 to 3/8 inch |
| Motor | 1/3 to 1/2 HP, 120V (verify) |
| Speed | Single speed, ~2500 FPM (verify) |
| Table | Aluminum, ~11 x 11 inches (verify) |
| Table tilt | 0 to 45 degrees |
| Weight | ~35 to 45 pounds |
How to Identify Your Model
- Find the model number on the label on the saw frame.
- If the label is missing, check for stamped numbers on the frame.
- Measure the blade length to help identify the model.
- Check the Harbor Freight website with any identifying numbers.
- Contact Harbor Freight customer service.
Blade Size
Blade Length
The Central Machinery 9-inch band saw uses a 62-inch blade (verify). This differs from the Ryobi BS900 and WEN 3959, which use a 59-1/2 inch blade. Always measure the old blade or check the manual to verify.
Blade Width
The saw accepts blades from 1/8 to 3/8 inch wide.
Recommended Blades
| Application | Width | TPI | Material | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General woodworking | 1/4 inch | 6 TPI | Carbon steel | 10 to 15 dollars |
| Curve cutting | 1/4 inch | 6 TPI | Carbon steel | 10 to 15 dollars |
| Scroll work | 1/8 inch | 14 TPI | Carbon steel | 8 to 12 dollars |
| Thin stock | 3/8 inch | 8 TPI | Carbon steel | 12 to 18 dollars |
Cross-Brand Compatibility
The 62-inch blade may be shared with Delta Shopmaster BS-100 and some other 9-inch saws. Check the blade length before ordering.
Cut Capacity
Throat
The throat is 8-1/2 to 9 inches, meaning you can cut stock up to about 8-1/2 inches wide.
Resaw Capacity
The resaw capacity is 3 to 4 inches (verify).
What It Can Cut
Can cut: Hardwood up to 3 to 4 inches thick. Softwood of any thickness within capacity. Plywood, MDF, and composite materials. Cannot cut: Metal (speed is too fast). Stock wider than 8-1/2 inches. Material thicker than 3 to 4 inches.
Common Parts
1. Blades
Compatibility: Any 62-inch blade (verify) in widths from 1/8 to 3/8 inch. Available from: Olson Saw, Amazon, eBay. Cost: 10 to 18 dollars.
2. Tires
Size: 9-inch tires. Type: Urethane recommended. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars per pair.
3. Blade Guides
Type: Metal guide blocks (stock). Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
4. Drive Belt
Cost: 8 to 15 dollars.
5. Wheel Bearings
Cost: 10 to 20 dollars per bearing.
6. Switch
Cost: 8 to 15 dollars.
7. Motor
Cost: 80 to 150 dollars.
Where to Find Parts
Harbor Freight
Website: harborfreight.com Availability: Some common parts. Contact customer service with the model number.
Amazon
How to order: Search for generic parts (tires, blades, bearings, belts) or the model number. Availability: Good for blades, tires, and generic parts.
eBay
How to order: Search for the model number or part description. Availability: Good for used and NOS parts.
Specialty Suppliers
Olson Saw: Blades. Bandsawparts.com: Tires and parts.
Maintenance
Daily: Clean sawdust from table and wheels. Check blade. Weekly: Clean wheel covers. Lubricate guide post. Monthly: Check drive belt tension. Check bolts. Annually: Replace tires if worn. Check bearings. Inspect cord and switch.
Limitations
1. Motor Power
The 1/3 to 1/2 HP motor is adequate for light hobby work but will struggle with thick or hard material.
2. Build Quality
Budget construction with an aluminum frame and table. Less rigid than cast iron saws.
3. Capacity
The 8-1/2 to 9 inch throat and 3 to 4 inch resaw capacity limit the size of stock you can cut.
4. Warranty
90-day warranty (verify). Shorter than most brands.
FAQ
What blade does the Central Machinery 9-inch band saw use?
A 62-inch blade (verify) in widths from 1/8 to 3/8 inch. Measure the old blade or check the manual to verify. This differs from the Ryobi BS900 and WEN 3959, which use a 59-1/2 inch blade.
Can I resaw with the Central Machinery 9-inch band saw?
Limited resawing is possible with a 3/8 inch, 8 TPI blade, but the 3 to 4 inch resaw capacity and small motor make it best for thin stock only.
Where can I find parts for my Central Machinery 9-inch band saw?
Harbor Freight customer service, Amazon, eBay, and specialty suppliers like Olson Saw and Bandsawparts.com. Blades are widely available.
References
- Harbor Freight Tools. “Central Machinery 9-Inch Band Saw Guide.” harborfreight.com.
- Olson Saw. “62-Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Bandsawparts.com. “9-Inch Band Saw Parts.” bandsawparts.com.
- Fine Woodworking. “9-Inch Band Saw Guide.” Taunton Press.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “Budget Band Saw Comparison.” ProToolReviews.com.
