Your bandsaw is only as good as the blade on it. The right blade cuts tight curves cleanly, resaws thick boards straight and leaves a smooth surface, while the wrong one wanders, burns or breaks.
This guide explains bandsaw blade width, teeth per inch (TPI) and tooth style, with a quick chart to help you choose the right blade for every job.
Bandsaw Blade Terms
- Length: the total length of the blade loop. It's set by your saw, so check your manual or the label inside the cover.
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Width: measured from the tip of the teeth to the back of the blade.
Narrow blades turn tighter curves, and wide blades cut straighter.
- TPI (teeth per inch): more teeth give a smoother, slower cut; fewer teeth cut faster and clear more sawdust.
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Tooth style: the shape of the teeth.
Regular, skip and hook teeth each suit different work.
- Thickness (gauge): thinner blades flex around the wheels more easily and waste less wood.
Bandsaw Blade TPI Chart
| Task | Blade width | TPI |
|---|---|---|
| Tight scrollwork and intricate curves | 1/8" | 14 |
| Small curves in thin stock | 3/16" | 10 |
| General curves and all-purpose cutting | 1/4" | 6 |
| Gentle curves, ripping and straight cuts | 3/8" to 1/2" | 3 to 4 |
| Resawing thick boards and veneer | 1/2" to 3/4" | 2 to 4 |
A good rule of thumb: keep at least three teeth in the wood at all times.
Thin stock needs a finer blade, and thick stock needs a coarser one so the gullets can carry sawdust out of the cut.
Minimum Curve Radius by Blade Width
| Blade width | Approximate minimum radius |
|---|---|
| 1/8" | 1/8" |
| 3/16" | 5/16" |
| 1/4" | 5/8" |
| 3/8" | 1-1/4" |
| 1/2" | 2-1/2" |
| 3/4" | 5-1/2" |
Trying to turn a curve tighter than the blade allows twists the blade, burns the wood and can pull the blade off the wheels. Make relief cuts into the waste first for tight curves.
Bandsaw Blade Tooth Styles
| Style | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Regular (standard) | Evenly spaced teeth with a 0° rake | Smooth cuts and curves in thin stock |
| Skip | Widely spaced teeth with large gullets | Softwoods and fast cuts in thicker stock |
| Hook | Aggressive, forward-raked teeth with deep gullets | Ripping and resawing hardwoods |
| Variable pitch | Teeth spaced at varying distances | Resawing with less vibration and smoother cuts |
Choosing a Resaw Blade
Resawing slices a thick board into thinner boards or veneer, so the blade must cut straight through tall stock without wandering.
Look for a wide blade of 1/2" to 3/4" (as wide as your saw can tension), a low TPI to clear sawdust, and a thin kerf to reduce waste and motor strain.
Our Infinity Tools resaw bandsaw blades use a 3-4 TPI variable pitch to reduce vibration and noise, and they're just 0.022" thick, about 40% thinner than standard blades, for less waste and smoother cuts. Learn more in What Makes a Good Resaw Bandsaw Blade.
All-Purpose and Scrolling Blades
For curves and everyday cutting, Olson All-Pro bandsaw blades come in widths from 1/8" (14 TPI) for scrollwork to 1/2" (3 TPI) for straighter cuts, in lengths to fit most bandsaws.
Many woodworkers keep a 1/4" blade on the saw for general work and switch to a wide blade for resawing.
Bandsaw Setup Tips
- Tension the blade. Wide resaw blades need more tension than narrow blades. Follow your saw's tension scale as a starting point.
- Track the blade. Adjust the upper wheel tilt so the blade runs near the center of the tire.
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Set the guides. Position the side guides just behind the gullets, and set the thrust bearing just behind the back of the blade.
Cool Blocks are a smooth, low-friction upgrade for block guides.
- Lower the upper guide to just above the workpiece for safety and accuracy.
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Use a tall fence for resawing, and a featherboard to keep the board tight to it.
See Supersize Your Bandsaw Fence for the Perfect Resaw Machine, or get the Bow Products bandsaw resaw master pack.
Storing Bandsaw Blades
Fold blades into three loops for compact storage. It takes a little practice; watch our quick tip on folding a bandsaw blade.
Release the tension on your saw when it's not in use to extend the life of the blade and tires.
Bandsaw Blade FAQ
What TPI bandsaw blade is best for general use?
A 1/4" wide, 6 TPI blade handles most curves and general cutting in typical furniture stock.
What is the best bandsaw blade for resawing?
The widest blade your saw can properly tension, usually 1/2" to 3/4", with 2 to 4 TPI and a thin kerf.
How do I find the right blade length for my bandsaw?
Check your owner's manual or the label on the saw. If neither is available, measure an existing blade, or measure around the wheels with the upper wheel set at mid-tension.
Why does my bandsaw cut drift?
Drift usually comes from a dull blade, low tension, poorly set guides or a blade with uneven set. Try a fresh blade and recheck tension and guide setup.
For resawing, you can also adjust the fence angle to match the blade's natural drift.
Shop all bandsaw blades and bandsaw accessories.
