What blade size does a band sawmill use?

For a band sawmill, the most common blade size is usually:

1¼ inch (1.25") wide × .042" thick

with blade lengths depending on the mill model—often around 125" to 173" long on portable mills.

Typical blade widths

Common portable sawmill blade widths are:

1"

1¼" (most common all-purpose size)

1½"

sometimes 2" on larger high-horsepower mills

When larger blades are used

20–25 HP hobby mills: usually 1¼"

35–50 HP mills: often 1½"

60+ HP production mills: may use 2"

Wider blades help with beam strength and aggressive cutting but require better alignment and more power