How to Choose the Right Bandsaw Blade?

If you have a little idea about band saw blades, why don’t we give you an idea on how to choose the right one? There are things to consider when choosing the right band saw blade for the right material. Using inappropriate blade to cut through objects can harm your jeopardize the cut quality, the blade, the machine and even the fabricator.

These are the things you should consider:

1.       Tooth Shape

Tooth shape is one of the factors you should consider when buying the proper band saw blade. Remember, the material determine the tooth form or what saw to be used.

·         Regular: A general or all-purpose saw with a straight zero rake

·         Skip: Best used for soft nonferrous materials, plastic and wood

·         Hook: Used for fast cutting and nonferrous materials, non-metallic

2.       Metal Cutting

Cutting metal requires carbon steel or bi-metal blade for your band saw. Why? The FPM or feet per minute of the blade is the answer. Carbon steel blades can go up to 200 FPM and for best result, try it with a coolant.

In fabrication shops or in production settings using bi-metal saws is the best choice. The downside on this one is it cost more than the carbon steel blade but more economical when it comes to operations in the long run; can outlast carbon steel if used properly and maintained regularly.

3.       Tooth Pitch

The pitch is what they called TPI or tooth per inch and it is crucial in determining the performance and longevity of the blade.

What to remember:

·         A blade has a minimum of 3-4 TPI within an inch

·         The higher the TPI the finer the tooth pitch

·         Coarse pitches are required for thicker materials or fewer teeth

·         Cutting thin sections requires more teeth or has a fine tooth pitch

4.       Material

In every material, there’s a specific band saw edge to be used. Carbon steel blades, bi-metal blades, coated or uncoated, carbide tipped blades are used for cutting wood, steel and non-ferrous materials. While carbide grit and diamond grit are used for abrasive materials, silicon and fiber glass.

Bi-metal blades are usually used in fabrication and configured to withstand the stress delivered in fabrication shops that primarily cut shapes and bundles. It is also used in cutting alloy steels.