10 Best Band Saw Blades for Metal in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks

woodworket cutting a metal

Even the very best band noticed on the market will not minimize steel effectively if the blade is of inferior quality. It pays to use high-quality band noticed blades for metallic to get the greatest cuts when utilizing your band noticed. The obstacle, of system, is realizing which blade is greatest. Quite a few manufacturers and brands market band saw blades for metallic, and most claim their blade is excellent.

To help you meet the problem and pick an superb metallic reducing blade for your band noticed, we have testimonials and a buyer’s guidebook underneath to assist you make the best choice. Some are slightly greater than other folks, but all of the band noticed blades for metallic on today’s checklist will do a fantastic job and provide specialist results.

A Glance at Our Winners in 2022

Image Product Details
Imachinist Thick Bi-Metal Bandsaw Blades Imachinist Thick Bi-Metal Bandsaw Blades
  • Extremely durable
  • Perfect for thin pipes
  • POWERTEC 13230 Bi-Metal POWERTEC 13230 Bi-Metal
  • Cuts metals, wood, and some plastics
  • Highly precise cuts
  • Rake set teeth to reduce clogging
  • Starrett – 99188-05-04-1/2 Intenss Pro-Die Starrett – 99188-05-04-1/2 Intenss Pro-Die
  • A wavy tooth set provides better control
  • Very durable under heavy cutting conditions
  • Doesn’t need coolant under most conditions
  • Imachinist S64514 Bi-Metal Imachinist S64514 Bi-Metal
  • Cuts softer metal very well
  • Smooth cutting on most projects
  • Doesn’t overheat
  • SuperCut 50110 SuperCut 50110
  • Highly flexible for intricate cuts
  • Stays cool during longer projects
  • Extremely durable for longer life
  • The 10 Best Band Saw Blades

    1. Imachinist S64121214SS 64-1/2” Long, 1/2” Wide, 0.025” Thick Bi-Metal Bandsaw Blades

    Imachinist S64121214SS

    Backing Strip: Spring steel
    Teeth size: 14 TPI
    Compatible Devices: All bandsaws using 64 ½” L x ½” W blades
    Compatible Material: Stainless steel, metal

    Our Leading Decide for band noticed blades for steel characteristics 14 enamel for each inch (TPI), producing it perfect for cutting slim pipes manufactured from stainless steel and other hard metals. The iMachinist blade is a bi-metallic band noticed blade manufactured for extra energy. The backing strip is the crucial, introducing extra toughness without introducing as well considerably to the cost.

    1 caveat is that this metallic-cutting band saw blade is not advisable for non-ferrous metals. Buyers favored the Imachinist for its toughness and long lifestyle, even soon after several steel chopping assignments.

    Pros
    • Extremely durable
    • Perfect for thin pipes
    Cons
    • Not suited for non-ferrous metals

    2. POWERTEC 13230 Bi-Metal

    POWERTEC 13230 Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade

    Backing Strip: Alloy steel
    Teeth size: 14-18 TPI
    Compatible Devices: All bandsaws using 64 ½” L x ½” W blades
    Compatible Material: Soft metal, including aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, and tin

    Given that it’s produced to reduce non-ferrous, comfortable metals, and nickel-based alloys simply, the Powertec 13230 can also take care of wooden and difficult plastics. It’s excellent for structural metal and tubes with a modest diameter. This band noticed blade also delivers higher precision precision and durability. The tooth are set at a raked angle to minimize clogging and supply a smoother end with each and every reduce.

    Triple-tempered substantial-pace cobalt metal is employed in t its design to include to tier energy and provide a higher amount of precision and a for a longer time useable lifestyle. Lastly, Powertec engineered its welding factors to provide prime overall performance even beneath longer initiatives with no overheating or warping the blade.

    Pros
    • Cuts metals, wood, and some plastics
    • Highly precise cuts
    • Rake set teeth to reduce clogging
    Cons
    • Not as durable as some other band saw blades
    • Jagged cuts when cutting wood

    3. Starrett – 99188-05-04-1/2 Intenss Pro-Die

    Starrett Intenss Pro-Die Band Saw Blade

    Backing Strip: Alloy steel
    Teeth size: 14-18 TPI
    Compatible Devices: All bandsaws using 64 ½” L x ½” W blades
    Compatible Material: Plastic, stainless steel, metal, aluminum, stone, wood, alloy steel

    The Starrett Intenss line is produced from triple-tempered, substantial-velocity cobalt metal to lower numerous metals. It features an alloy strip backing that provides it more durability for for a longer time work. It also functions a variable tooth pitch to reduce vibration and sounds throughout reducing positions. The Starrett’s wavy tooth established makes it stand apart from the competitiveness.

    That indicates it has groups of teeth on each and every aspect of the blade in a managed pattern, which helps prevent stripping of the metallic and permits you to make thinner cuts. As with many of the other brand names mentioned these days, Starrett also utilizes triple-tempered M-forty two high-velocity cobalt metal with an alloy steel backing. This helps the blades resist tiredness under large use and give a fantastic, straight minimize.

    Pros
    • A wavy tooth set provides better control
    • Very durable under heavy cutting conditions
    • Doesn’t need coolant under most conditions
    Cons
    • Tendency to break early due to metal fatigue

    4. Imachinist S64514 Bi-Metal

    Imachinist S64514 Bi-Metal Band Saw Blades

    Backing Strip: Alloy steel
    Teeth size: 14TPI
    Compatible Devices: All bandsaws using 64 ½” L x ½” W blades
    Compatible Material: Various metals

    If delicate ferrous metal is what you need to have to reduce, this band saw blade for metal is a excellent selection. It is made to reduce skinny pipe tube profiles and does the job very properly.  The blade’s M-42 substantial-velocity cobalt is one of the motives this product is popular, enabling for outstanding efficiency and fine, clean cuts, even throughout larger assignments the place a lot of other blades would overheat and warp.

    Customers explained the blades are excellent, and they have been amazed by how properly they reduce. iMachinist blades have a tendency to be thicker than other makes, which adds to their balance when slicing and provides a straighter, smoother lower.

    Pros
    • Cuts softer metal very well
    • Smooth cutting on most projects
    • Doesn’t overheat
    Cons
    • Straight tracking is a problem
    • Tend to warp under high use

    5. SuperCut 50110

    SuperCut 50110 Premium Bimetal Bandsaw Blade

    Backing Strip: Spring steel
    Teeth size: 10-14 TPI
    Compatible Devices: All bandsaws using 64 ½” L x ½” W blades
    Compatible Material: Stainless steel, alloy steel

    These top selection bi-metal band noticed blades are welded by laser beneath a large vacuum. That makes certain their spring metal backing attaches firmly and supplies a versatile, hard finish for metallic cutting tasks of all sorts. Another benefit is you can run these blades at high speeds (up to 300 fpm) with no getting cooled.

    Large-speed M-forty two cobalt is what presents the teeth on SuperCut band observed blades their longevity and toughness. It also keeps them very pliable and prevents overheating throughout extended cuts. They are optimum for slicing stainless metal and a selection of delicate steel. Their spring-metal backing strip also permits you to run these blades lengthier with out warping, thanks to the teeth that have been milled into the M-42 steel.

    Pros
    • Highly flexible for intricate cuts
    • Stays cool during longer projects
    • Extremely durable for longer life
    Cons
    • Pronounced offset that can interfere with cutting
    • Breaking possible due to offset

    6. BOSCH BS6412

    BOSCH BS6412 Metal Bandsaw Blade

    Backing Strip: N/A
    Teeth size: 10-14 TPI
    Compatible Devices: All bandsaws using 64 ½” L x ½” W blades
    Compatible Material: Metals of various types, wood

    Manufactured employing quality-grade steel, these BOSCH observed blades for metal really don't warmth up for the duration of for a longer time initiatives, offering outstanding efficiency. They also have an optimized tooth geometry, which provides a lot more exact, thinner cuts. If required, they can also be employed for wooden projects and have a more time existence than a lot of other blades.

    Bosch has extended been known for their high quality band saw blades, and these are no exception. Reducing good and intricate styles is a breeze, and the outcome is a easy reduce with fewer burrs and considerably less need to have to sand and polish. As opposed to numerous other manufacturers, there is small require for time-consuming adjustments as Bosch band saw blades are very good to go straight out of the packaging.

    Pros
    • Optimized tooth geometry for precise thin cuts
    • Minimal adjusting needed
    Cons
    • Tooth loss is possible at the join/brazing point.

    7. DEWALT DW3984C Portable Band Saw Blade

    DEWALT Portable Band Saw Blade

    Backing Strip: Alloy steel
    Teeth size: 24TPI
    Compatible Devices: All bandsaws using 37 ⅞ “L x ½” W blades
    Compatible Material: Thick metal, medium metal, and thin gauge metal

    Incorporating their MatrixⅡhigh-speed metal edge that is 8% cobalt, the Dewalt band observed blades have quite higher warmth and put on resistance. That resistance is increased further by an alloy metal backer and Rc sixty five-sixty seven tooth hardness (which is fairly substantial).

    These blades reduce deftly through thick and medium steel but nevertheless supply a fantastic lower on thin steel. The alloy metal backer on Dewalt band observed blades is the essential to its toughness and capacity to continue to be amazing in the course of longer reducing initiatives. It also helps enhance exhaustion resistance and tends to make them ideal for slicing thick, medium, and thin gauge metals.

    Pros
    • High wear and resistance time
    • Stays cool during big projects
    • Cuts a wide variety of metals well
    Cons
    • Some batches of blades tend to break quickly
    • Tend to wear out quickly

    8. FOXBC Bi-Metal Bandsaw Blade

    FOXBC Bi-Metal Bandsaw Blade

    Backing Strip: Alloy steel
    Teeth size: 14TPI
    Compatible Devices: All bandsaws using 64 ½” L x ½” W blades
    Compatible Material: Aluminum, angle iron, bronze, brass, copper, galvanized pipe, mild steel, stainless steel, chrome, tungsten steel

    These sturdy band observed blades reduce a wide assortment of metals nicely. They also minimize nicely at slower speeds many thanks to the addition of eight% cobalt, which substantially increases their sturdiness and put on time. FOXBC also utilizes a unique welding joint that is more robust and smoother for considerably less strain on your band observed.

    The positive rake angle on these FoxBC band observed blades makes them best for cutting reliable, structural, and tubular styles. They are also a wonderful choice for various metals, such as aluminum, chrome, tungsten steel, and galvanized pipe, and operate effectively at slower cutting speeds. Finally, these blades are also superb for reducing difficult plastics and all types of wood.

    Pros
    • Excellent blade for structural steel
    • Cuts plastics and wood if needed
    • Cuts well at low speeds
    Cons
    • At high speed, there can be a lot of feedback and vibration

    9. Skil 80151

    SKIL 80151 Band Saw Blade Assortment

    Backing Strip: Alloy steel
    Teeth size: 15TPI
    Compatible Devices: All bandsaws using 59 1/2“ L x ½” W blades
    Compatible Material: Metal, wood

    Given that they’re produced from high quality quality metal, Skil band saw blades resist warmth buildup to produce a better lower, increased longevity, and exceptional efficiency. Also, a exclusive enamel geometry makes it possible for for smoother cuts with much less opinions and keeps the blades from overheating throughout use.

    Not like some manufacturers, Skil has a focused consumer assist staff if you have problems or questions. Best-quality steel goes into their building to incorporate longevity and toughness and keeps the blades awesome under heavy use in the course of large cutting employment. They also monitor extremely properly to supply a smoother minimize and complete.

    Pros
    • Dedicated customer support
    • Track well for smoother cuts
    Cons
    • Reports of cutting inaccuracy
    • Not as durable as other brands

    10. Lenox – 29232CLB72360 Classic Tuff Tooth

    blank

    Backing Strip: Alloy steel
    Teeth size: 18TPI
    Compatible Devices: All bandsaws using 93“ L x ¾” W blades
    Compatible Material: Aluminum, alloy steel, plastic, stone, wood

    With a particular layout manufactured to reduce tooth stripping, the Lenox Basic Tuff Tooth band noticed blade cuts thinly on all varieties of metal, including carbon, stainless, structural, and alloy steel, as effectively as aluminum and non-ferrous metals. Their wavy tooth set gives skinny cuts and stops stripping concurrently.

    Also, the continuous pitch of the tooth and uniform gullet depth make these blades an superb option for all your common-objective slicing tasks. The M-42 substantial-speed metal teeth are incredibly resilient and warmth resistant with a good rake. Lenox blades are best for wonderful cuts and general-purpose reducing of numerous strong, rectangular, and structural styles.

    Pros
    • A wavy tooth set prevents stripping
    • Excellent for general purpose, everyday cutting
    • Heat resistant under heavy use
    Cons
    • Not as durable as other brands
    • Reports of missing teeth at weld seams

    Buyer’s Guide: Buying the Best Band Saw Blades for Metal

    Finding the very best band observed blade to minimize the metal is not the most challenging obstacle. However, relying on the project, the proper blade for the job can be essential, especially if you’re chopping an costly steel like stainless metal.

    The good news is that, for the most portion, band saw blades for metal are not ridiculously high-priced. If you purchase 1 that is not ideal for your distinct job, you can established it apart for an additional occupation and get one more.You might consider buying 2 or 3 distinct blades simultaneously to preserve the extra outings to the shop.

    What to Look for in a Band Saw Blade for Metal

    Bandsaw blades for cutting steel are manufactured employing several resources, including carbon steel, bimetal, carbide-tipped, and diamond-tipped. Even so, carbon steel band observed blades and bi-metallic bandsaw blades are the most typical for house use. Beneath we’ll consider a swift appear at the two.

    Carbon Steel Blades

    Most band noticed companies contain a carbon metal band observed blade with their items. The main explanation is that carbon steel band observed blades are affordable. They can also reduce a wide range of components, such as metal, wood, fiberglass, and plastics. 1 disadvantage is that they wear out quickly, specially when cutting steel.

    Bimetal Blades

    Bi-metal bandsaw blades are created when two varieties of metal are fused, normally carbon and cobalt metal. Bimetal blades cost marginally a lot more than carbon metal blades but are drastically more challenging and more sturdy owing to the addition of cobalt.

    Blade Dimensions

    Length

    Each and every band saw needs blades of a particular duration. If you purchase a blade that’s the wrong size, it won’t function, , so be certain to read the manufacturer’s recommendations to determine the proper blade length for your band saw. (The most frequent is 64 ½”.)

    Width

    While the size of the bandsaw blade is mounted, the width can be different dependent on what your undertaking requires. Band observed blades normally run from ⅛ inch to two inches in width for residence use. It’s advised to acquire the widest blade feasible for your specific venture, as a broader blade will enable you to make a straighter lower and give you the most control. That currently being mentioned, a narrow blade will enable you to lower a tighter curve if required.

    Thickness

    Thickness is nearly unimportant when selecting a bandsaw blade. The purpose is that there are few alternatives accessible unless you have a blade personalized-made, which would be expensiveand possibly not essential for a Do it yourself venture.

    Teeth Per Inch (TPI)

    Teeth for every inch (TPI) is an important characteristic in a bandsaw blade when slicing metal. The reason is that the larger the TPI, the better, smoother, and straighter your blade will cut, particularly with sturdy metals like stainless steel. Which is why most metallic chopping band saw blades have a comparatively higher tooth depend, from 8 TPI to 20 TPI (and larger).

    photo of a man cutting a metal with sparks
    Image Credit: Maxime Agnelli, Unsplash

    Band Saw Blades for Metal TIPS

    Under are a few outstanding suggestions that will support you get the most out of your band saw blades for metal and make sure you continue to be safe for the duration of all of your metallic reducing initiatives.

    • Unpack your blades carefully. Most are coiled when packaged, and when you unpack them, they can spring open and cut your fingers. We recommend wearing a pair of heavy-duty gloves when opening a pack of bandsaw blades.
    • Be sure to install your bandsaw blade correctly. This might mean taking another look at the owner’s manual. A blade that is correctly tightened and fits well enhances the performance and cuts you make.
    • Be extremely careful with any band saw blade after you’ve finished cutting something, especially metal, as it will be extremely hot.
    • Change the blade when necessary. Yes, getting the most life out of a bandsaw blade makes sense, but not if it comes at the expense of a well-done cut and well-finished project.

    Listed here are a few suggestions to know when it’s time to adjust blades:

    • When cutting, the blade makes more noise than usual. Increased noise is usually because the teeth have been ground down, and rather than cutting, they’re just rubbing against the metal.
    • You have to set the tension higher to keep your cuts straight. High tension will make your blade overheat more quickly also.
    • Hairline cracks start to appear in your blade. If they do, stop cutting immediately as your blade can fly apart and cause serious injury.

    Final Thoughts

    Of the 10 band noticed blades for metal we have reviewed today, the Prime 3 supply the greatest toughness, smoothest cuts, and longest life. They consist of the Imachinist S64121214SS Bi-Metal, the POWERTEC 13230 Bi-Steel, and the Starrett – 99188-05-04-1/2 Intenss Pro-Die.

    All 3 of these superb band noticed blades will provide you well in the course of your metal Do it yourself initiatives and give you outstanding cuts that are straight, easy, and need a small volume of grinding, sanding, and polishing. The prime picks are similarly priced like the rest of the band observed blades on today’s checklist, indicating you will not have to pay out a top quality to get outstanding outcomes.

    Sources

    Showcased Impression Credit: Anna Shvets, Pexels

    Contents