Bandsaw Blade Guide for Beginners
It’s the age-old question: What size bandsaw blade do I need? Choosing the proper bandsaw blade for your saw or application is as simple as answering a few basic questions.
How to Choose A Band Saw Blade
The types of bandsaw blades explained in this guide cover everything you’ll encounter while shopping. Selecting the proper blade starts with a clear understanding of band saw blade dimensions and how they affect performance.
1. What is the proper blade LENGTH?
When learning how to choose a band saw blade, start with the correct length. Most often, the length of the blade for your saw can be found in the user’s manual. If you do not have a user’s manual, visit the manufacturer’s website or give their customer service department a call. Have the model number of your saw handy when talking with the manufacturer’s representative.
2. What is the proper blade WIDTH?
Blade width is one of the most overlooked band saw blade dimensions, but it makes a big difference in performance. Choose the widest blade possible based on the cuts you will be making. When cutting curves, the width of the blade will determine the smallest radius that may be cut. Smaller width blades are used for smaller radius cuts, while larger width blades are most often reserved for resawing or near straight line cuts. The reference chart below provides some guidelines for width selection for various cuts.
BLADE WIDTH RADIUS CUT
1/8" 3/16"
3/16" 5/16"
1/4" 5/8"
3/8" 1-7/16"
1/2" 2-5/8"
5/8" 4"
3/4" 5-1/2"
3. What is the proper blade TEETH PER INCH (TPI) or pitch?
When beginners look to have the types of bandsaw blades explained, one question always comes up: how many teeth per inch are needed? To achieve a smoother, more refined cut choose a blade that has more TPI. High TPI configurations should be used on thinner materials and may require a reduced material feed rate through the blade. Thicker materials require a low TPI blade but may be fed through the blade at a higher feed rate. Most resaw blades feature a low TPI configuration. The chart below, developed by Starrett®, offers guidelines for TPI selection based on material thickness.
4. What is the proper blade TOOTH TYPE?
When understanding band saw blade dimensions, remember that tooth shape matters just as much as the size. There are typically three types of tooth configurations for woodworking bandsaw blades – regular, skip, and hook. A regular tooth blade is available in higher TPI blades and produces smoother cuts in all woods. A hook tooth blade has wider spaced teeth and typically features a 10° rake angle for aggressive cuts in hard or more difficult to cut woods. A skip tooth blade also has wider spaced teeth, but has 0° rake angle for a less aggressive, smoother cut in woods. A 0° rake angle is also preferred in resawing applications.
Understanding how to choose a band saw blade sets the stage for clean, confident work. Once you know the ideal band saw blade dimensions and how the different types of bandsaw blades perform, you’ll make confident choices that bring your woodworking to the next level. Once you’ve found the right blade, make sure you know how to install it properly. For a quick walkthrough, check out our guide on How to Change a Bandsaw Blade.