59.5-Inch Band Saw Blade: Choosing the Right TPI and Tooth Profile
You own a 9-inch benchtop band saw and you need to buy a 59-1/2 inch blade. A 59-1/2 inch blade is used on several popular 9-inch benchtop band saws. You need to know about TPI, tooth profiles, blade width, and material.
A 59-1/2 inch band saw blade is used on several popular 9-inch benchtop band saws, including the Ryobi BS900, WEN 3959, and Skil 3386. These saws are designed for hobby woodworking and light use.
Compatible Band Saws
9-Inch Benchtop Saws Using 59-1/2 Inch Blades
| Brand | Model | Blade Length | Blade Width | Motor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryobi | BS900 | 59-1/2 inches | 1/8 to 3/8 inch | 2.5 amp | Popular |
| WEN | 3959 (3959T) | 59-1/2 inches | 1/8 to 3/8 inch | 2.5 amp | Popular |
| Skil | 3386-01 | 59-1/2 inches | 1/8 to 3/8 inch | 2.5 amp | Popular |
| Delta | 28-150 (verify) | 59-1/2 inches | 1/8 to 3/8 inch | 1/4 HP (verify) | Less common |
| Rockwell | RK7323 (verify) | 59-1/2 inches | 1/8 to 3/8 inch | 1/3 HP (verify) | Less common |
How to Verify Blade Length
- Check the manual for the blade length.
- 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 (limited) | 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 | 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 by Application
General woodworking: 6 TPI skip tooth. Resawing (limited): 3 TPI hook tooth (limited by saw capacity and motor power). Curve cutting: 6 TPI skip tooth. Scroll work: 14 TPI standard tooth. Thin stock: 10 TPI standard tooth.
Tooth Profiles
Skip Tooth (Large Gullets)
Good for general woodworking with 9-inch saws. Advantages: Large gullets clear sawdust, good for soft materials, reduces clogging. Best for: General woodworking, softwoods.
Hook Tooth (Positive Rake)
Cuts aggressively. Advantages: Cuts aggressively, large gullets clear sawdust, positive rake pulls blade through material. Best for: Resawing, ripping, thick stock.
Standard Tooth (0 Degree Rake)
Good balance of speed and finish. Best for: General-purpose cutting, thin stock.
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, resawing | 1-1/2 inches |
How to Choose Width
For general use, 1/4 inch is the most versatile. For scroll work, use 1/8 inch. For resawing (limited), use 3/8 inch.
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
Cost: 10 to 18 dollars. Best for: General woodworking, hobby use. Lifespan: 6 to 12 months of hobby use.
Bi-Metal M42
Cost: 20 to 35 dollars. Best for: Resawing hardwood, production cutting. Lifespan: 2 to 5 times longer than carbon steel.
Recommended Blades by Task
General Woodworking
Blade: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: 12 to 18 dollars.
Resawing (Limited)
Blade: 3/8 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42. Cost: 20 to 35 dollars. Note: Resawing capacity is limited to 3 to 4 inches. Motor power is limited.
Curve Cutting
Blade: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: 12 to 18 dollars.
Scroll Work
Blade: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Cost: 10 to 15 dollars.
Where to Buy 59-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blades
Olson Saw: Carbon steel and bi-metal blades in 59-1/2 inch length. Timber Wolf (Suffolk Machinery): Low-tension blades. Amazon: Various brands and materials. eBay: Various brands and materials. Home Depot: Blades for Ryobi and WEN saws. Woodcraft: Various brands and materials. Rockler: Various brands and materials.
FAQ
What saw uses a 59-1/2 inch blade?
Ryobi BS900, WEN 3959 (3959T), Skil 3386-01, Delta 28-150 (verify), and Rockwell RK7323 (verify). These are 9-inch benchtop band saws designed for hobby woodworking.
What TPI should I use for my 59-1/2 inch blade?
6 TPI skip tooth for general woodworking. 3 TPI hook tooth for limited resawing. 14 TPI for scroll work. 10 TPI for thin stock.
Can I use a 59-1/2 inch blade on a Central Machinery 9-inch saw?
No. The Central Machinery 9-inch saw uses a 62-inch blade (verify), not 59-1/2 inches. Check the blade length before ordering.
References
- Olson Saw. “59-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Ryobi. “BS900 Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” ryobitools.com.
- WEN. “3959 Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” wenthebest.com.
- Fine Woodworking. “9-Inch Band Saw Blade Comparison.” Taunton Press.
- Popular Woodworking. “Benchtop Band Saw Guide.” Popular Woodworking Magazine.
