10-Inch Band Saw: Capacity, Blade Choice, and Setup
You are thinking about buying a 10-inch band saw and you want to know about capacity, blade choice, and setup. A 10-inch band saw is a mid-size band saw that offers more capacity than a 9-inch benchtop saw. You need to know what to look for and how to set it up.
A 10-inch band saw is a mid-size band saw with a 10-inch throat. It is larger than a 9-inch benchtop saw but smaller than a 12 or 14-inch floor saw. The 10-inch saw is popular for hobby woodworking and light resawing.
Types of 10-Inch Band Saws
Benchtop 10-Inch Saws
Mounted on a workbench. More compact but less stable.
| Brand | Model | Blade Length | Motor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rikon | 10-305 (verify) | 70-1/2 inches (verify) | 1/3 HP | Benchtop 14-inch (verify) |
| WEN | 3962 (verify) | 72 inches (verify) | 3.5 amp | Benchtop |
| Skil | 3386-02 (verify) | 59-1/2 inches (verify) | 2.5 amp | 9-inch (verify) |
Floor-Standing 10-Inch Saws
Mounted on a stand or cabinet. More stable and rigid.
| Brand | Model | Blade Length | Motor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsman | 113.243xxx | 70-1/2 inches (verify) | 1/3 to 1/2 HP | Popular |
| Central Machinery | 10-inch | 72 inches (verify) | 1/2 HP | Budget |
Capacity
Throat
The throat is 9-1/2 to 10 inches, meaning you can cut stock up to about 9-1/2 inches wide.
Resaw Capacity
The resaw capacity is 4 to 6 inches, depending on the model.
What It Can Cut
Can cut: Hardwood up to 4 to 6 inches thick. Softwood of any thickness within capacity. Plywood, MDF, and composite materials. Cannot cut: Metal (speed is too fast). Stock wider than 9-1/2 inches.
Blade Choice
Blade Length
The blade length varies by model. Common lengths are 70-1/2 inches (Craftsman) and 72 inches (Central Machinery, WEN). Measure the old blade or check the manual to verify.
Blade Width
10-inch saws accept blades from 1/8 to 1/2 inch wide.
Recommended Blades
| Application | Width | TPI | Material | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General woodworking | 1/4 inch | 6 TPI | Carbon steel | 12 to 18 dollars |
| Resawing | 1/2 inch | 3 TPI | Bi-metal M42 | 20 to 30 dollars |
| Curve cutting | 1/4 inch | 6 TPI | Carbon steel | 12 to 18 dollars |
| Scroll work | 1/8 inch | 14 TPI | Carbon steel | 10 to 15 dollars |
Setup
1. Position the Saw
- Place the saw on a sturdy workbench or stand.
- Level the saw using shims or leveling feet.
- Bolt the saw to the workbench or stand if needed.
- Ensure adequate space around the saw for material handling.
2. Install the Blade
- Open the wheel covers.
- Release blade tension.
- Install the blade with teeth pointing down (toward the table).
- Apply tension according to the blade width.
- Check tracking.
- Close the wheel covers.
3. Adjust Blade Guides
- Set side guides to the correct clearance for the blade width.
- Set thrust bearing behind the blade.
- Check guide alignment.
4. Square the Table
- Place a square on the table against the blade.
- Check that the square touches the blade evenly.
- Adjust the table tilt if needed.
- Lock the table in place.
5. Adjust the Fence
- Install the fence on the table.
- Check that the fence is parallel to the blade.
- Adjust if needed.
6. Test Run
- Plug in the saw.
- Turn on the saw and listen for unusual noise.
- Check that the blade tracks properly.
- Make a test cut on scrap wood.
Popular 10-Inch Band Saw Brands
| Brand | Price Range | Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsman | 150 to 400 dollars (used) | Good | General woodworking |
| WEN | 150 to 250 dollars | Fair to good | Light hobby work |
| Central Machinery | 150 to 300 dollars | Fair | Light hobby work |
| Rikon | 200 to 400 dollars | Good | General woodworking |
Selection Criteria
1. Throat Capacity
The 10-inch throat allows cutting stock up to about 9-1/2 inches wide. Consider whether this is enough for your projects.
2. Resaw Capacity
Resaw capacity ranges from 4 to 6 inches. If you need to resaw thick boards, look for a model with 6-inch capacity.
3. Motor Power
A 1/2 HP or larger motor is recommended for resawing and cutting hardwood. A 1/3 HP motor is adequate for light work.
4. Build Quality
Cast iron frames and tables are more rigid and stable than aluminum. Cast iron wheels provide more momentum.
5. Blade Width Range
Look for a saw that accepts blades from 1/8 to 1/2 inch. This gives you the most versatility.
6. Price
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Benchtop 10-inch | 150 to 300 dollars |
| Floor-standing 10-inch | 200 to 500 dollars |
| Vintage Craftsman (used) | 150 to 400 dollars |
FAQ
What is a 10-inch band saw good for?
General woodworking, curve cutting, limited resawing, and scroll work. It offers more capacity than a 9-inch benchtop saw but less than a 12 or 14-inch floor saw.
What blade does a 10-inch band saw use?
The blade length varies by model. Common lengths are 70-1/2 inches (Craftsman 113.243xxx) and 72 inches (Central Machinery, WEN). Measure the old blade or check the manual to verify.
Is a 10-inch band saw worth buying?
For hobby woodworking, yes. A well-built 10-inch saw can produce good results with new tires, bearings, and a quality blade. For serious resawing, consider a 14-inch or larger saw.
References
- Fine Woodworking. “10-Inch Band Saw Guide.” Taunton Press.
- Sears Parts Direct. “Craftsman 10-Inch Band Saw Parts.” searspartsdirect.com.
- Olson Saw. “70-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Popular Woodworking. “10-Inch Band Saw Comparison.” Popular Woodworking Magazine.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “10-Inch Band Saw Review.” ProToolReviews.com.
