Best Bandsaw Blade: Well, in this post, I’ll walk you through the various aspects of the best bandsaw blade to help you make an informed buying decision.
Moreover, I would also throw light on the parameters that would help you in narrowing down the options in order to buy a “value for money” bandsaw blade.
Lastly, I would be responding to the queries related to the “best bandsaw blade” in the FAQ section so that your doubts don’t become a hurdle in the buying process.
But, before all this, I would need your help and support in the form of a response to the question that I’m going to ask you now.
Does it make sense?
So, which is your favorite band saw brand?
How much are you willing to spend on a bandsaw blade?
What are the top three features that your bandsaw blade must possess?
Well, cutting long-story-short, let’s begin our journey of reviewing some of the best bandsaw blades available on the market.
What Is The Best Bandsaw Blade For Resawing?
To be honest, all the bandsaw blades that were made to our list are of high quality and worth the investment.
However, during our evaluation process, we found the below-mentioned bandsaw blade as the top performer and has successfully outperformed its competitors on a wide range of parameters.
How Do I Choose the Right Band Saw Blade For The Money?
I know this is an important query that flashes the mind of every newbie or sometimes even the professional ones who come under its influence.
Correct me, if I’m wrong…
Yes, you heard it RIGHT!
Blade Length
The length of the blade does matter and you can easily find the length of the blade for the bandsaw that you’re using in the user’s manual.
In case, your bandsaw doesn’t come with a user manual then the best thing that you can do is give a call to the customer service department.
Moreover, it’s good to have your bandsaw model number handy while you’re having a conversation with the company representative.
Blade Width
Of course, it is really important that you know about the width of the blade that you’re planning to buy.
But, most importantly, you should have proper information about the width of the blade that would suit your cutting needs.
Am I making sense?
For example, when cutting curves, the width of the blade would tell about the smallest radius that may be cut.
In other words, smaller-width blades are used for smaller radius cuts whereas the larger counterparts cater to your needs of resawing and straight-line cuts.
I hope the below chart would help you to get a glimpse of what would work for you and what wouldn’t.
| Blade Width | Radius Cut |
| 1/8″ | 3/16″ |
| 3/16″ | 5/16″ |
| 1/4″ | 5/8″ |
| 3/8″ | 1-7/16″ |
| 1/2″ | 2-5/8″ |
| 5/8″ | 4″ |
| 3/4″ | 5-1/2″ |
What is the best blade teeth per inch (TPI)?
To be honest, there isn’t anything like the best blade teeth per inch.
In fact, it depends, and what may be the best for you might not be for me.
So, to achieve a smoother and more refined cut always choose a blade that comes with more TPI.
In other words, you should use high TPI configurations on thinner materials which might require a reduced material feed rate through the blade.
On the other hand, thicker materials requirement is entirely different wherein you would be requiring a low TPI blade, but at the same, the feed through the blade should be at a higher feed rate.
| Section Size (Inch) | Constant Pitch (TPI) |
| 5/32″ – 3/8″ | 32 or 24 |
| 1/4″ – 1/2″ | 18 or 14 |
| 1/2″ – 3/4″ | 14 or 10 |
| 3/4″ – 1″ | 10 or 8 |
| 1″ – 1-1/2″ | 8 or 6 |
| 1-1/2″ – 3-1/2″ | 6 or 4 |
| 3-1/2″ – 7″ | 4 or 3 |
| 7″ – 10″ | 3 |
Best Band Saw Blades Review
I along with my team have worked REALLY hard to come up with some of the best bandsaw blades available on the market in order to guide you to buy the blades that not only cater to your needs but also fall under the “affordable bandsaw category”.
For shortlisting and reviewing the products, we use a different calculation method wherein we provide a certain weightage to each parameter and evaluate each of them against these parameters by allocating the marks depending on the product performance.
We have an in-depth discussion on each parameter in the “band saw blade buying section”.
Cutting long-story-short, summing up the entire value gives us the overall performance of a particular type of band saw blade.
I hope you’re clear about our product review method.
Well, without any further ado, let’s begin…
Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade | Best Bandsaw Blade For Cutting Wood
Well, many of you wouldn’t be aware of the fact that the brand Timber Wolf claims that it makes the world’s only thin-kerf, low-tension, silicon bandsaw blades that are said to outcast your carbon steel blades with a huge margin.
To be honest, I agree with the brand claim as I’ve used both types of blades, and the WOLF bandsaw blade is bound to deliver high performance.
Not only your bandsaw would start cutting faster once the blade is fit into the machine but also would have less wear on bearings, shaft, and tires which is definitely something to brag about, isn’t it?
Trust me, if you’re using your bandsaw mostly for woodworking purposes then definitely, timber wolf would be a great fit and credit goes to the unique set pattern along with tooth-angled and gullet symmetries.
The blade is meant to provide adequate speed without compromising on the final finish.
Well, you would be astonished to know that the blade possesses the 60 percent speed capabilities of a hook blade.
Furthermore, the work-hardening zones are completely eliminated by the round design of the gullet.
All in all, a great bandsaw blade that is meant to run cooler and last longer.
Definitely, a great choice for resawing thick stock.
Pros
- Since the blade comprises high silicon and low carbide steel so you can expect the sharpness to last longer
- Though the blade is meant for resawing still you can use it for cross-cutting as well
- 4 teeth per inch
- I highly recommend this bandsaw blade because of its effectiveness in low-horsepower hardware
Cons
- Expensive as well as doesn’t come in multi-packs
DEWALT Band Saw Blade (DW3984) | Best Portable Bandsaw Blade For Woodworking
The DEWALT DW3984 24TPI portable band saw blade is known for its durability and comprises 8 percent cobalt content.
Not only that but also it comes with an alloy steel backer for fatigue resistance.
Similarly, the DW3984 also comprises Rc 65-67 tooth hardness for increased wear resistance.
Most of you would be aware of the fact that the band saw blade gets heated so you need a blade that is both heat and wear-resistant.
And, the good news is DW3984 comprises Matrix II high-speed steel edge to tackle the heating of the blade in an effective way.
Once you’ll start using this blade for quite some time, you would be able to realize the difference between this blade and its competitors.
Trust me, this blade is a class apart when it comes to high-volume cutting.
You would be happy to know that this blade comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Needless to say, it is plenty of time to test yourself and discover if the blade features and characteristics sync well with you.
Pros
- 24 teeth per inch
- 30-days money-back guarantee
- Steel-cobalt construction for enhanced durability
- Proprietary “Matrix II” steel edging prevents wear resistance
Cons
- Some users have complaint about extra friction when cutting stainless steel
SKIL 80151 59-1/2-Inch Band Saw Blade Assortment | Best Bandsaw Blade For Hardwood
The SKIL 80151 band saw blade is made from premium-grade steel resulting in high performance and durability.
Not only that but also the blade is known to resist heat build-up for longer life.
The blade doesn’t compromise on its performance and the credit goes to the optimized tooth geometry.
With a tooth count of 892 and 15 teeth per inch, the blade is bound to deliver high performance.
Since the blade comes in different sizes and types so you’ll not face any problem in using it for a wide variety of applications including metal and wood.
Moreover, the blade fits well with different types of bandsaw including 9-inch and 10-inch band saws.
To sum up, definitely, a high-quality band saw blade that you must try once.
Anyways, it’s my personal view and the rest is your call.
Pros
- Extra value in 3 pack
- The blade is known for decreased friction and the credit goes to unique teeth geometry
- Fewer sensitive weld points
- Produces less heat for safer continuous use
Cons
- Might be relatively thinner for some cut types
MK Morse ZWEP441418MC Master Cobalt Band Saw | Best Portable Bandsaw Blade For Professionals
Well, if you’re one of those people who loves to experiment with new products then the MK Morse ZWEP441418MC is the blade for you.
Needless to say, the master cobalt portable band saw is a unique blend of durability and reliable performance.
Not only that but also the product is known for its cutting ability.
The good thing about these blades is that it comes with standard, wavy, or pitched teeth allowing you to get the precise kind of cut finish you desire.
Moreover, each of these blades is highly reliable in terms of durability and the credit goes to the cobalt-infused steel composition.
The manufacturer very well understands the importance of durability and thus takes it to the next level at each and every weld point which has been fused using an electron beam to minimize fragile air pockets.
In an epigrammatic span of time, the blade has gained popularity and is in high demand among professionals as well as amateurs.
Whether you’re a newbie or a hardcore professional, you’ll NOT at all find any difficulty in using the MK Morse.
Also, the blade fits well with all types of standard bandsaw machines.
Even it can tolerate both shock and heat to a large extent so you don’t have to worry at all about the longevity of the blade.
So, what is stopping you from trying this little beast?
Pros
- Range of TPI options
- Degradation caused due to metal cutting can be easily prevented because of cobalt-infused steel
- Electron beam welded for longer-lasting welds
- Available in wavy and raker configurations
Cons
- Not widely available
Imachinist S6412121418 Bi-metal Band Saw Blades | Best Bandsaw Blade For Aluminum
The Imachinist S6412121418 is the bandsaw blade that would be a great fit for you if you love experimenting with metal crafting.
As the name suggests, the Imachinist would be a great option in case you want to upgrade your blade from a standard wood-only blade.
The manufacturer very well understands the problem faced by novice metal cutters and so has come up with this blade to cater to their cutting needs.
Trust me, the blade performs really well against soft metals.
Well, if you’re using the blade at slow and introductory speeds, then definitely, you’ll find the right amount of cutting potential.
If we compare this blade to its closest competitor you’ll find that the Imachinist moves relatively swiftly.
The interesting thing about this little beast is that with a 0.025” blade width it hardly makes any contact with the material.
As a result, the teeth alone are left to create the productive friction needed to complete a cut.
In simple words, this is the best blade for new metal crafters.
To some extent smoothing out your cut finish is possible as 14 and 18 TPI options are available.
Still, want me to convince you?
Pros
- 0.025” thickness for decreased friction
- Cuts up to 1/2” steel without trouble
- Available in 14 and 18 TPI options
- Perfect bandsaw blade for cutting soft metals
Cons
- Made in China
Bosch BS6412-24M 24TPI Bandsaw Blade | Best Bandsaw Blade For Stainless Steel
So, here I come with a metal-focused bandsaw blade that is made from premium-grade steel.
The BS6412 is well capable of resisting heat build-up for a longer duration and also ensures great cutting performance with the help of optimized tooth geometry.
Needless to say, the blade comes with enhanced features to help you cut through some thick tubing and stock in no time at all.
Furthermore, the blade’s main body clocks in at 0.25” which might feel excessively wider for quite a few of you who have been using an introductory metal-cutting band saw blade.
The benefit of the blade being thicker is that it is more durable as compared to the ones that are thinner.
Definitely, the Bosch BS6412 is the center of attraction because of the wavy tooth pattern which leads to efficiently clearing out cut channels without stopping the blade.
In short, with that quality of clear-cutting, it wouldn’t be difficult for you to cut into 3” and 4” square tubing.
Moreover, with 24 teeth per inch, the blade is bound to provide ample contact space with which to slice through and modify metal.
All in all, it’s a great bandsaw blade that you’ll never regret investing in.
And, since the blade is highly affordable so you can definitely give it a try, isn’t it?
Pros
- 24 teeth per inch
- Waver tooth pattern for cleaner cuts
- Can be used continuously without you worrying about warping
- Affordable
- 0.25” thick for balance between flexibility and durability
Cons
- Weld cracks are prevalent
AYAO 62 Inch Band Saw Blade | Best Bandsaw Blade For Ripping
So, if you’re the one who is looking for a bandsaw blade that fits perfectly resulting in mitigating the vibrations.
The AYAO is highly compatible with the brands such as PowerTec, Harbor Freight, Craftsman, and Masterforce Bandsaw.
On the other hand, if you’re using a bandsaw model of brands other than the ones mentioned above then the blade might not fit well.
But, in spite of the blade having a sub-optimal fit, it will deliver a good performance.
Since the blade is “blued” which in simple words means the blade is coated with a special galvanizing layer that enhances its rust resistance.
Not all the blades that we’ve reviewed come with this type of protective coating.
Of course, the protective layer comes with an additional cost but trust me it’s worth the additional cost.
Pros
- Optimized for popular bandsaw brands and models
- 2 blades per pack for added value
- Rusting is either prevented or delayed because of the “blued” nature of the blade
- Racker teeth arrangement ensures enhanced cutting performance
Cons
- Some ridges when cutting quickly
Makita B-40559 Compact Portable Band Saw Blade | Best Bandsaw Blade For Acrylic
It’s no surprise that bandsaw blades get degraded faster when used against metal as compared to wood.
Let me tell you, even though you’ll take extra care still they will degrade faster when used against metal or similar materials.
So, what is your thought on buying a 5-pack of these Makita B-40559 blades which are optimized for metal cutting and could do great work for you as compared to some cheap bandsaw blades mainly manufactured for woodworkers?
To be honest, the Makita B-40559 is among the few that I trust when it comes to cutting through cast iron.
Whether it’s sheet metal, metal pipes, non-ferrous metal, cast iron, or stainless steel, this blade is bound to deliver high performance.
So, if you’re serious about metal crafting then go for Makita B-40559.
Pros
- Optimized for cutting metals
- 14 to 24 TPI range
- Capable of cutting cast iron
- Definitely, a great fit for Makita Bandsaws
Cons
- Brittle tempering
Milwaukee 48-39-0539 Compact Band Saw Blade | Best Bandsaw Blade For Brass
Well, as the name suggests, Milwaukee 48-39-0539 is a perfect bandsaw blade if you own a Milwaukee bandsaw.
Not only do they perform superlatively when it comes to cutting metals but also proved their mettle time and again when expediting applications such as strut, conduit, angle iron, copper tube, threaded rod, and pipe.
It goes without saying that the blade is uniquely designed to deliver accurate and straight cuts over a wide range of materials and the credit goes to tooth form, pitch, etc.
Furthermore, Matrix II high-speed steel teeth are bound to deliver maximum durability.
And, the good news is, you don’t have to worry at all about the blade life because alloy backing steel would do the job for you.
The teeth are sharp and strong to expedite fast and clean cuts.
All in all, a great bandsaw blade for a metal-cutting application that you’ll not regret investing in.
Pros
- Capable of cutting materials up to 5/32”
- 24 teeth per inch
- Compact blade construction for increased speed
- Can perform really well against both wood and metal
Cons
- The blade is more prone to tearing as a complaint by some of my clients
Olson Saw FB23193DB Hook Saw Blade | Best Bandsaw Blade For A Guitar Body
The USP of Olson Saw FB23193DB is hook-angle teeth, that is, these teeth feature elongated angles that are able to take more shorn materials out of the groove.
As a result, the cuts are clean and thus prevent you from stopping the process of blowing out space.
On the other hand, these blades are relatively larger than their counterparts and thus need more space.
It comes with only three teeth per inch but it’s for a good reason as this decreased volume is exchanged for great cutting capabilities.
In short, the FB23193DB could be a great fit if you’re looking for a bandsaw blade for jobs related to hardwood or plastics.
Pros
- Capable of cutting both wood and plastic
- Affordable
- Comes with a hook teeth configuration to help you achieve an optimum result
Cons
- 3 TPI is definitely lower than average
How can I install a new bandsaw blade?
- Installing your best band saw blade isn’t difficult but at the same time, you need to be a bit careful to prevent any unprecedented situation
- To start with, wear gloves as well as an eye protection kit and the machine should be turned off as well as unplugged from the power source
- Blade guides should be loosened as per the instruction manual
- The old blade should be taken out carefully only after releasing the tension
- Pick your best bandsaw blade carefully and position it with the help of guide bearings
- Then, tighten the tension, holding the saw firmly
- Moreover, tightening the blade should be done carefully but refrain from overdoing it
- Read your manual instructions carefully and re-adjust the blade accordingly
- Furthermore, check the blade and make sure it is installed properly
- Test the blade, check for vibration, and adjust the tension if needed
- Lastly, keep adjusting the tension until the vibration has disappeared
Band Saw Blade Safety Tips
- Even though you’ve bought the best bandsaw blades, you shouldn’t take the safety for granted
- To begin with, wear a face shield or safety goggles
- Read the safety guidelines in your user manual
- If you’re involved mostly with power tools then it is highly recommended that you put on the hearing protection
- Furthermore, you shouldn’t ignore footwear as it keeps sawdust off your feet
- Ensure that the saw is well oiled
- A well-lit and clutter-free environment is highly recommended
- Make sure all the guards are properly set
- Moreover, the height of the blade guard should be 1/8″ or 3 mm over the stock that you’re planning to cut
- The blade should run freely and smoothly against the lower and upper guide rollers
- Don’t use the blade unless it’s properly tracking
- The blade needs to have the proper tension
- Well, the blade shouldn’t be sharp only but also have proper TPI
- Lastly, the stock should firmly set against the table so it doesn’t move
Maintenance Tips
Definitely, a properly maintained band saw blade would perform better as compared to a non-maintained blade.
Let’s have a quick look at some of the ways to maintain the blade.
De-tensioning After Use
Well, even though you’re using the best band saw blades it must be de-tensioned if you’re planning to not use it for a longer duration.
I’ll totally agree that de-tensioning methods will vary but in most cases, it involves adjusting a lever to release the tension.
However, there are quite a few of my clients who don’t feel the need for de-tensioning.
Many of you might buy the idea of my client but I can affirm that it definitely helps prolong the blade’s lifespan.
Proper Lubrication of the Band Saw Blade
Not only for band saw blade, but for any power tool or otherwise lubricating the machine on a regular basis wouldn’t only help in the proper functioning of the product but would also elongate the lifespan.
Moreover, applying lubrication wouldn’t be a problem for you.
All you need to do is to apply it on each side of the blade, and if the blade becomes noisy when running then definitely, I would say you should apply lubricant after every 5 to 10 minutes while the blade is running.
Never use water for lubrication.
Bearing Maintenance
First and foremost, take off the bandsaw cover.
Then, make sure the bearings are able to move freely without any obstruction.
In fact, you should spray the bearing with lubricants for the optimum result.
Make sure the belts are tight and don’t forget to replace the worn-out belts.
Lastly, use an air compressor to get rid of the sawdust.
Blade Sharpening
It is highly recommended that you sharpen your blade on a regular basis to ensure optimum performance.
Well, it might seem to be a hard and tedious job but it isn’t really.
All you need to do is to pick up a sharpening stone and rub it on the sides of the blade.
Furthermore, the gullet can be maintained by simply rubbing the stone at its bottom.
FAQs
Well, this is an important section as here I would be trying to respond to the queries related to the best bandsaw blades which would definitely clear your doubts related to the topic.
Are bi-metal blades durable?
Definitely, the bi-metal blades are highly durable.
In other words, they on average last 5 times more compared to the carbon blades.
What are bi-metal blades made from?
As the name suggests, the bi-metal blades are constructed from different metals and are joined together using an electron beam.
What types of metals can a bandsaw blade cut?
To be honest, it depends to a large extent on the blade that you’re using.
However, most of the high-quality blades like the ones that we’ve reviewed so far are capable of handling both ferrous as well as non-ferrous metals such as titanium, stainless steel, steel, bronze, brass, and aluminum.
What are the uses of a bandsaw blade?
Most commonly the bandsaw blades are used for lumbering, woodworking, and metal-cutting.
Can I use a carbon steel blade for metal cutting?
Well, you can use a carbon steel blade against non-ferrous metals, bronze, and mild steel.
In case, you’re looking for a bandsaw blade for intensive use then definitely you should opt for a bi-metal.
It’s A Wrap
Thank you for trusting in our content and being with us till the end.
It goes without saying that I along with my team have worked really hard to come up with such a comprehensive buying guide on the best band saw blades review.
Needless to say, all the bandsaw blades that were made to our list are of high quality and you’ll NEVER regret investing in them.
Please do let us know your view and thought about this post in the comment section.
Last but not least, do share this piece of information with the ones who are in need of it.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
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