How to Choose the Correct Band Saw Blade Width

Blade width is measured from the tips of the teeth to the back edge of the blade as shown above. The instructions for the particular machine being used should be followed when selecting blade width.

If no such instructions are provided, blade width should be determined with the following guidelines:

• For Cut-Off Sawing , the blade should be as wide as the machine will allow. The wider the band is, the straighter the cut will be. Faster feeding can be achieved.

• For Contour Sawing , the blade should be as wide as the machine allows, but still narrow enough so that it can cut the desired shape (radius), Minimum dimensions for different cutting radii are shown in the chart below.