The standard blade for most 14-inch woodworking band saws is 93-1/2 inches, but riser blocks and model differences can push that to 105, 112, or 114 inches.
Grab the wrong length and the blade either bottoms out before it tensions or bottoms out over the wheel housing. The reliable path is to confirm the length against your specific saw’s spec or your old blade before you order anything.
Why “14-Inch” Does Not Mean One Blade Size
The “14-inch” label describes the wheel diameter, not the blade length, so saws with identical wheels can take different blades depending on frame design and any riser block extension.
Blade length depends on wheel diameter and the distance between the two wheel centers. Olson’s fit chart shows exactly this: all Delta and Delta/Rockwell 14-inch band saws take 93-1/2 in. x 1/16 in. to 3/4 in. in the standard setup, but with a riser block extension they take 105 in. x 1/16 in. to 3/4 in. The saw did not change — the frame geometry did.
Width matters just as much as length. The Grizzly G0555 lists 1/8 in. to 3/4 in., and Olson’s chart gives the same 1/16 in. to 3/4 in. range for the JET JWBS-14. Narrow blades handle curves; wide blades handle resawing. Push past the saw’s tension range and you get poor cuts regardless of length.
What Blade Length Do Popular 14-Inch Saws Use?
Several 14-inch saws share the 93-1/2 in. standard, but others need a different length entirely, so match the blade to your exact model rather than the wheel size.
| Saw Model | Blade Length | Width Range |
|---|---|---|
| Grizzly G0555 | 93-1/2 in. | 1/8 in. to 3/4 in. |
| Delta / Delta-Rockwell (all 14 in.) | 93-1/2 in. | 1/16 in. to 3/4 in. |
| Delta / Delta-Rockwell with riser block | 105 in. | 1/16 in. to 3/4 in. |
| JET JWBS-14 | 93-1/2 in. | 1/16 in. to 3/4 in. |
| Delta VBS-1408 | 114 in. | 1/8 in. to 1/2 in. |
| LT14SE | 112 in. | 1/8 in. to 1 in. |
| Other listed 14 in. models | 97-1/2, 101, 104-1/2 in. | Model specific |
That spread is why a generic “14-inch blade” listing online can be wrong for your machine even when it claims compatibility. The Olson chart also notes full compatibility data. Olson’s band saw lengths and widths guide lists lengths and widths by brand and model.
How Do You Confirm The Right Blade Length?
Measure the saw yourself or check the maker’s spec, then confirm against a physical blade before ordering — never rely on the nominal wheel size alone.
If you cannot find a spec, measure the wheel diameter and the center-to-center distance between the two wheels. For a two-wheel saw with equal wheel diameters, estimate the length as L = 2C + πD. Then verify before you buy:
- Measure the old blade laid flat, or check the maker’s spec for your model number.
- Check whether a riser block extension is installed — it changes the required length.
- Confirm the allowable blade width for your model before choosing a curve-cutting or resawing blade.
- Match the length against the saw’s actual tension range, not the “14-inch” label.
Any blade that runs out of adjustment range before it tensions is the wrong size. If you are still deciding which machine to pair it with, this roundup of tested 14-inch band saws covers what to look for.
What Mistakes Lead To The Wrong Blade?
The most common error is assuming every 14-inch band saw takes the same blade, when model-specific charts list several lengths for that wheel size.
- Ignoring the riser block. It can move a 93-1/2 in. saw up to 105 in.
- Buying a blade past the tension range. Length and width both have to fit.
- Confusing woodworking saws with handheld band saws. Portable and handheld models use completely different lengths and widths.
- Trusting marketplace listings. Those often state compatibility broadly and miss a specific saw revision.
Treat the manufacturer’s spec or a measured old blade as your authority.
FAQs
Do all 14-inch band saws use a 93-1/2 inch blade?
No. While 93-1/2 in. is common for many Delta/Rockwell, JET, Grizzly, and similar saws, Olson’s chart also lists 97-1/2, 101, 104-1/2, 112, and 114 in. for other 14-inch models. Always confirm against your specific saw’s spec or your old blade before ordering.
Does a riser block change the blade length I need?
Yes. On Delta and Delta/Rockwell 14-inch saws, a riser block extension changes the required length from 93-1/2 in. to 105 in. Always check whether your saw has one installed before buying a blade.
Can I use a wide blade for resawing on a 14-inch saw?
Only within your model’s width range. The Grizzly G0555 and JET JWBS-14 allow up to 3/4 in., while other models cap lower. A blade wider than your saw’s tension range supports will not cut cleanly, so verify the spec first.
References & Sources
- Olson Saw. “Lengths and Widths for Popular Band Saws.” Supplies the per-model blade lengths and width ranges cited above.
- Grizzly. “Grizzly G0555 14 in. 1 HP Bandsaw.” Lists the 93-1/2 in. blade size and 1/8 in. to 3/4 in. width range.
