105-Inch Band Saw Blades: Choosing the Right TPI and Tooth Profile
You own a 14-inch band saw with a riser block and you need to buy blades. A 14-inch band saw with a riser block uses a 105-inch blade. You need to know about TPI, tooth profiles, blade width, and material.
A 105-inch band saw blade is used on 14-inch band saws with a riser block installed. The riser block increases the resaw capacity from 6 inches to 12 inches and increases the blade length from 93-1/2 inches to 105 inches.
Compatible Band Saws
14-Inch Saws with Riser Block
| Brand | Model | Standard Blade | With Riser | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | 28-276, 28-400, 28-195 | 93-1/2 inches | 105 inches | Popular |
| Jet | JWBS-14, JWBS-14S | 93-1/2 inches | 105 inches | Popular |
| Grizzly | G0555 | 93-1/2 inches | 105 inches | Popular |
| Rikon | 10-305 | 93-1/2 inches | 105 inches | Popular |
| Central Machinery | 14-inch | 93-1/2 inches | 105 inches | Budget |
| Craftsman | 14-inch | 93-1/2 inches | 105 inches | Various models |
How to Verify Blade Length
- Check the manual for the blade length with riser block.
- 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 12 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.
Recommended TPI for Resawing with Riser Block
The main reason to install a riser block is to increase resaw capacity to 12 inches. For resawing:
- 2 to 6 inch stock: 3 TPI hook tooth.
- 6 to 12 inch stock: 2 to 3 TPI hook tooth.
- General resawing: 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42.
Tooth Profiles
Hook Tooth (Positive Rake)
The best choice for resawing with a riser block. Advantages: Cuts aggressively, large gullets clear sawdust, positive rake pulls blade through material. Best for: Resawing, ripping, thick stock.
Skip Tooth (Large Gullets)
Good for general woodworking with the riser block. Advantages: Large gullets clear sawdust, good for soft materials. Best for: General woodworking, softwoods.
Standard Tooth (0 Degree Rake)
Good balance of speed and finish. Best for: General-purpose cutting.
Variable Pitch (Alternating Teeth)
Good for mixed thicknesses. Advantages: Reduces vibration, smoother cuts. Best for: Mixed material thicknesses.
Blade Width
Width Selection by Task
| Width | Best For | Minimum Cut Radius |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 inch | Scroll work, tight curves | 5/16 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 Resawing
For resawing with a riser block, use the widest blade your saw can handle. Most 14-inch saws accept up to 3/4 inch wide blades. Use 1/2 inch for general resawing and 3/4 inch for production resawing.
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
Cost: 15 to 25 dollars. Best for: General woodworking, hobby use. Lifespan: 20 to 60 linear feet of resawing.
Bi-Metal M42
Cost: 25 to 50 dollars. Best for: Resawing hardwood, production cutting. Lifespan: 100 to 300 linear feet of resawing.
Carbide-Tipped
Cost: 100 to 250 dollars. Best for: Production resawing, abrasive materials. Lifespan: 500 to 2000 linear feet of resawing.
Recommended Blades by Task
Resawing (Main Use for Riser Block)
Blade: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42. Cost: 30 to 50 dollars.
General Woodworking
Blade: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: 20 to 30 dollars.
Curve Cutting
Blade: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: 18 to 25 dollars.
Scroll Work
Blade: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Cost: 15 to 20 dollars.
Where to Buy 105-Inch Band Saw Blades
Olson Saw: Carbon steel and bi-metal blades in 105-inch length. Timber Wolf (Suffolk Machinery): Low-tension blades, excellent for resawing. LENOX: Diemaster 2 bi-metal blades. Woodcraft: Various brands and materials. Rockler: Carbon steel and bi-metal blades. Amazon: Various brands and materials.
FAQ
What saw uses a 105-inch blade?
14-inch band saws with a riser block installed. The riser block increases the blade length from 93-1/2 inches to 105 inches. Compatible with Delta, Jet, Grizzly, Rikon, Central Machinery, and Craftsman 14-inch saws.
What TPI should I use for resawing with a 105-inch blade?
3 TPI hook tooth bi-metal M42 for general resawing. 2 TPI for very thick stock (6 to 12 inches). The hook tooth cuts aggressively and the large gullets clear sawdust efficiently.
What is the best blade for resawing with a riser block?
A 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth bi-metal M42 blade. For production resawing, a 3/4 inch blade or carbide-tipped blade.
References
- Olson Saw. “105-Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Suffolk Machinery (Timber Wolf). “Resawing Blade Guide.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
- Fine Woodworking. “Riser Block Resawing Guide.” Taunton Press.
- Woodcraft. “105-Inch Blade Reference.” Woodcraft Supply.
- Popular Woodworking. “Resawing with a Riser Block.” Popular Woodworking Magazine.
