Band Saw Blades Selection Guide

December 28, 2022

When it comes to woodworking or metalworking, having the right tools is essential for a successful project. One of the most important tools in any metal fabricator or woodworker’s arsenal is the band saw. And while a band saw is a versatile tool, the bandsaw blade you use will have a big impact on the quality of your cut. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of woodworking and metal cutting band saw blades available and help you select the best one for your next project. We’ll also provide some tips on how to get the most out of your bandsaw mill blade.

Factors you must consider when choosing a bandsaw blade

When choosing a metalworking or sawmill band saw blade, there are several factors you must consider in order to select the best one for your needs. If you decide to buy a bandsaw blade without the right knowledge, the chances are high that you might invest in a blade that is not apt for your specific application. We list in this blog several terminologies that one must learn before looking in the market for a bandsaw blade.

Band saw blade terminologies

When it comes to the geometry or shape of metalworking or wood band saw blades, there are a few key terms that you need to know. Knowing these terms will help you understand how different blades will perform and what type of material they are best suited for cutting. We list below the basic terminologies that you must be familiar with while choosing a bandsaw blade.

Rake angle

Rake angle is an important factor to consider when selecting a woodworking or metal cutting band saw blade. The rake angle is the angle between the face of the tooth and the line perpendicular to the cutting edge.
A positive rake angle means that the face of the tooth is angled away from the direction of the cut, while a negative rake angle means that the face of the tooth is angled toward the direction of the cut.
Rake angle affects both the cutting efficiency and chip clearance of a metal or wood band saw blade. A positive rake angle is more efficient for cutting hard materials, while a negative rake angle is better for cutting soft materials.
Rake angle also affects chip clearance; a positive rake angle will allow for better chip clearance, while a negative rake angle can cause chips to get trapped in front of the teeth and cause excessive wear.

If you need to make quick cuts in hard materials, then you will want to choose a blade with a positive rake angle. If you are looking for a smoother cut in softer materials, then you will want to choose a blade with a negative rake angle.

Tooth shape

When it comes to choosing the right band saw blade for your project, one of the main considerations is the shape of the teeth. The three most common tooth shapes are regular, skip, and hook.
Regular teeth are the most common type of band saw blade teeth, and they work well for general-purpose cutting. Skip teeth have larger spaces between the teeth, which helps prevent binding and heat build-up when cutting thick or hard materials. Hook teeth are designed for aggressive cutting and can quickly remove large amounts of material.
When choosing a band saw blade, it's important to consider the type of material you'll be cutting and the desired finish. For example, if you're cutting softwood that will be painted, a regular tooth blade will provide a clean cut with few chips or splinters. If you're cutting hardwood or metal, however, you'll want to choose a blade with more aggressive teeth such as a skip or hook.

Width

The width of a metalworking or sawmill band saw blade is determined by the width of the throat of your band saw. The throat is the distance from the blade to the rear vertical frame member of the band saw. To determine the size blade you need, measure the throat opening on your band saw. If your saw uses a 6” blade, then it has a 6” throat.
Most band saws use either a 1/8” or a 3/16” wide blade. The wider the blade, the more support it has in between the teeth, so it can be used for thicker materials. If you will be cutting mostly thin material, such as lumber or sheet metal, then a 1/8” wide blade will work fine. If you plan on doing any resawing – cutting thicker stock into thinner strips – then you will need a wider 3/16” blade.
There are also some specialized metal cutting bandsaw blades available that are even wider than 3/16”. These are used for very thick materials, such as cutting pipes or structural beams.

Tooth pitch

Tooth pitch is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a band saw blade. The tooth pitch is the spacing between each individual tooth on the blade, and it directly affects both the cutting speed and quality of the cut.
There are three standard pitches used on woodworking band saws: 6 TPI, 10 TPI, and 14 TPI. The lower the TPI, the more space there is between each tooth and the faster the blade can cut. However, a lower TPI also results in a rougher cut.
A higher TPI (10 or 14) produces a smoother cut but cuts more slowly. For most woodworking applications, a 10 or 14-TPI blade is recommended.
When choosing a band saw blade, it's important to select one with the appropriate pitch for the job at hand. A too-coarse pitch can result in a poor-quality cut, while a too-fine pitch will cause unnecessary wear on the blade and reduce its lifespan.

Constant and variable pitch band saw blades

Constant pitch band saw blades have equally spaced teeth that are all the same size and shape. Variable pitch band saw blades have teeth of different sizes and shapes that are spaced differently. Both types of bandsaw mill blades are available in a variety of widths and thicknesses to accommodate different materials and applications.

When choosing a metalworking or sawmill band saw blade, it is important to consider the type of material you will be cutting, the thickness of the material, and the desired finish. For example, thicker materials require wider blades with more teeth, while thinner materials can be cut with narrower blades with fewer teeth. Additionally, some materials require special blade coatings or tooth geometries to prevent chipping or breaking.

Thickness

Be it a circular sawmill blade or a metal cutting band saw blade, thickness is an important consideration. The thickness of the blade will determine how much material can be cut and how smoothly the cuts will be.
For most general woodworking applications, a 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch blade is a good choice. If you are cutting thick stock or pipes, you will need a thicker blade, such as a 1-inch or 2-inch blade.
There are also different types of band saw blades for different applications. For example, there are blades specifically designed for cutting metal or plastics. Make sure to select the right type of blade for your material.

Tooth set

The tooth set is one of the main considerations when choosing a band saw blade. The tooth set is the pattern of teeth on the blade, and there are three main types: straight, wavy, and spiral.
Straight-toothed blades are good for general-purpose cutting and can be used on a variety of materials.
Wavy-toothed blades are better for cutting thicker materials, while spiral-toothed blades are ideal for cutting very thin materials or those with difficult grain patterns.

When choosing a wood band saw blade, it's important to consider the tooth set that will work best for your project. Keep in mind that each type of tooth set has its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to select the right one for your needs.

Tooth per inch

There are three different types of band saw blades available on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. The first is a rip blade, which is designed for cutting wood along the grain. Rip blades have fewer teeth per inch (TPI) than crosscut or scroll blades, and they usually range from 14 to 24 TPI.
The second type of band saw blade is a crosscut blade, which is designed for cutting wood across the grain. Crosscut blades have more teeth per inch (TPI) than rip or scroll blades, and they usually range from 18 to 30 TPI.
The third type of band saw blade is a scroll blade, which is designed for making detailed cuts in wood. Scroll blades have the most teeth per inch (TPI) of any type of band saw blade, and they usually range from 24 to 50 TPI.

Gullet

The gullet is the space between the teeth on a band saw blade. It's important to choose a blade with the right size gullet for your material. If the gullet is too small, the blade will get clogged with sawdust and won't cut as efficiently. If the gullet is too large, the blade will vibrate and produce a poor-quality cut.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a band saw blade with the right gullet size:

- The width of the metal cutting bandsaw blade and wood bandsaw blade should be slightly wider than the thickness of your material.

- Choose a blade with deeper gullets for cutting thicker materials, and shallower gullets for thinner materials.

- For very thick or very hard materials, you may need to use a blade with larger teeth and more space between them (a wider kerf).

Tooth face

When it comes to the band saw blades, the tooth face is perhaps the most important factor to consider. The tooth face is the part of the blade that actually does the cutting, and as such, it needs to be made from a material that is both strong and sharp. There are two main types of tooth faces carbide and high-speed steel.

Carbide is by far the stronger of the two materials and is thus able to withstand more wear and tear. However, it is also more expensive, which may not make it the best option for everyone. High-speed steel is a less expensive alternative that still offers good durability, making it a good choice for those on a budget.

Blade material and workpiece material

The type of band saw blade you need depends on the type of material you will be cutting. There are three main types of band saw blades: carbon steel, bi-metal, and carbide-tipped.

Carbon steel blades are the most economical and can be used on a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. However, they are not as durable as bi-metal or carbide-tipped blades and will need to be replaced more often.
Bi-metal blades are more expensive than carbon steel blades but they last longer and can handle tougher materials such as stainless steel and cast iron.
Carbide-tipped blades are the most expensive but they stay sharp longer and can cut through the toughest materials, including hardwoods, metals, and composites.

Conclusion

There you have it! Our band saw blade selection guide for metal cutting bandsaw blades and bandsaw mill blades. We hope that this helps you narrow down the options and find the perfect blade for your next project. Remember, the right blade makes all the difference, so take your time to choose wisely. With a little bit of research, you're sure to find the perfect band saw blade for the job.

You can rely on Industrial Bandsaw Servies to provide you with bandsaw supplies, including bandsaw blades, bandsaw parts, and bandsaw lubricants at the best rates. We have been serving our clients with utmost dedication for many decades, making us one of the best in the industrial bandsaw industry. Call us today to learn about anything we can do for you.