Harbor Freight Band Saw Blade: TPI, Material, and Cut Compatibility
You own a Harbor Freight band saw and you need to buy blades. Harbor Freight sells band saws under the Central Machinery and Bauer brands. You need to know the correct blade size, TPI, and material for your saw.
Harbor Freight Tools sells band saws under the Central Machinery and Bauer brands. They offer 9-inch benchtop, 14-inch floor-standing, and horizontal metal cutting band saws. Each saw requires a specific blade length and has different TPI and material requirements.
Harbor Freight Band Saw Models
Wood Cutting Saws
| Model | Brand | Type | Blade Length | Blade Width | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-inch | Central Machinery | 9-inch benchtop | 62 inches (verify) | 1/8 to 3/8 inch | Budget |
| 14-inch | Central Machinery | 14-inch floor | 93-1/2 inches | 1/8 to 1/2 inch | Budget |
Metal Cutting Saws
| Model | Brand | Type | Blade Length | Blade Width | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4x6 horizontal | Central Machinery | Horizontal metal cutting | 64-1/2 inches (verify) | 1/2 to 3/4 inch | Popular |
| 7x12 horizontal | Central Machinery | Horizontal metal cutting | 80 inches (verify) | 3/4 to 1 inch | Larger |
Blade Sizes by Saw Model
9-Inch Benchtop (Central Machinery)
- Blade length: 62 inches (verify).
- Blade width: 1/8 to 3/8 inch.
- Blade thickness: 0.025 inches.
- Where to buy: Olson Saw, Amazon, eBay, Bandsawparts.com.
14-Inch Floor (Central Machinery)
- Blade length: 93-1/2 inches. With riser block: 105 inches.
- Blade width: 1/8 to 1/2 inch.
- Blade thickness: 0.025 inches.
- Where to buy: Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, Amazon, Woodcraft.
4x6 Horizontal (Central Machinery)
- Blade length: 64-1/2 inches (verify).
- Blade width: 1/2 to 3/4 inch.
- Blade thickness: 0.025 to 0.030 inches.
- Where to buy: LENOX, Starrett, Amazon, eBay.
7x12 Horizontal (Central Machinery)
- Blade length: 80 inches (verify).
- Blade width: 3/4 to 1 inch.
- Blade thickness: 0.030 to 0.035 inches.
- Where to buy: LENOX, Starrett, Amazon, eBay.
TPI Selection
Wood Cutting (9-Inch and 14-Inch Saws)
| TPI | Best For | Material Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 3 TPI | Resawing, thick stock | 2 to 6+ inches |
| 4 TPI | General woodworking | 3/4 to 4 inches |
| 6 TPI | General woodworking | 1/2 to 3 inches |
| 8 TPI | Smoother cuts | 1/4 to 2 inches |
| 10 TPI | Thin stock | 1/4 inch and under |
| 14 TPI | Scroll work | 1/8 inch and under |
Metal Cutting (4x6 and 7x12 Horizontal Saws)
| TPI | Best For | Material Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 TPI | Thick solid bar | 1 to 4 inches |
| 10 TPI | General metal cutting | 1/4 to 2 inches |
| 14 TPI | Medium thickness | 1/8 to 1 inch |
| 18 TPI | Thin material | Under 1/4 inch |
| 10/14 variable pitch | Mixed thicknesses | All |
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
Best for: General woodworking, light metal cutting. Cost: 10 to 20 dollars. Lifespan: 20 to 60 linear feet of resawing.
Bi-Metal M42
Best for: Resawing hardwood, metal cutting, production work. Cost: 20 to 50 dollars. Lifespan: 100 to 300 linear feet of resawing.
Bi-Metal M51
Best for: Tough metals like stainless steel. Cost: 25 to 60 dollars.
Cut Compatibility
Wood Cutting Blades on Metal Cutting Saws
Do not use wood cutting blades on horizontal metal cutting saws. The speed is too slow for wood cutting and the blade will gum up and burn the wood.
Metal Cutting Blades on Wood Cutting Saws
Do not use metal cutting blades on wood cutting saws. The speed is too fast for metal cutting and will damage the blade and work harden the material.
Cross-Brand Blade Compatibility
Harbor Freight saws use the same blade lengths as other brands with the same saw size. Check the blade length before ordering.
Where to Buy Harbor Freight Band Saw Blades
Harbor Freight
Website: harborfreight.com Availability: Some blades for Central Machinery saws. Check the website or contact customer service.
Amazon
How to order: Search for the blade length or saw model. Availability: Good selection of blades in all lengths and TPI.
eBay
How to order: Search for the blade length or saw model. Availability: Good for used and NOS blades.
Specialty Suppliers
Olson Saw: Wood cutting blades. LENOX: Metal cutting blades. Starrett: Metal cutting blades. Timber Wolf (Suffolk Machinery): Low-tension wood cutting blades. Bandsawparts.com: Tires and parts.
FAQ
What blade does my Harbor Freight band saw use?
9-inch benchtop: 62-inch blade (verify). 14-inch floor: 93-1/2 inch blade (105 inches with riser). 4x6 horizontal: 64-1/2 inch blade (verify). 7x12 horizontal: 80-inch blade (verify). Measure the old blade or check the manual to verify.
Can I use a Harbor Freight blade on another brand of band saw?
Yes, if the blade length matches. Harbor Freight saws use standard blade lengths. Check the blade length before ordering.
What TPI should I use for my Harbor Freight band saw?
For wood cutting: 3 TPI for resawing, 6 TPI for general woodworking, 14 TPI for scroll work. For metal cutting: 10 TPI for general metal, 14 TPI for medium thickness, 18 TPI for thin material.
References
- Harbor Freight Tools. “Central Machinery Band Saw Guide.” harborfreight.com.
- Olson Saw. “Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- LENOX Tools. “Metal Cutting Blade Guide.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- Fine Woodworking. “Budget Band Saw Blade Comparison.” Taunton Press.
- Practical Machinist. “Horizontal Band Saw Blade Guide.” practicalmachinist.com.
