Like it or not, the quality of your bandsaw’s cut depends on how suitable the blade is for your project. If you get a blade with the wrong length and material, your project’s quality and structure can be compromised.
To avoid waste of material and budget, our experts gathered and tested the best band saw blades for proper comparison.
Reviews of the Top Band Saw Blades
1. BOSCH BS80-6H
Despite being highly affordable, the BOSCH BS80-6H is the kind of bandsaw blade built for heavy-duty cutting applications. Its durability is mainly owed to the heat-resistant material the blade was made with.
Rather than its budget-friendly price tag, our testers were more impressed with the blade’s 80 x 0.5 inches length and six teeth per inch feature. Thanks to this, it can fit the blade specifications of most bandsaws.
And because its material is made to resist heat, users can expect it to offer smoother bandsaw operations and lessen the chances of wearing.
What We Like
- Capable of executing different types of cuts
- It can resist heat for less wearing & long-lasting usage
- Budget-friend and compatible with most bandsaws
- Manufactured by a trusted power tool brand
- It’s made of premium grade steel
What We Don't Like
- Only includes one blade
- Availability mostly in the US or Canada
2. LENOX Tools 8010838PW185
If you’re engaged with several bandsaw projects, buying blades like LENOX Tools 8010838PW185 is a smart move, especially because they’re sold in bulk. So if one blade wears out, you have plenty of spares to work with.
Upon looking closely at the blade, we’re sure its tuff tooth design will stir your interest as it does ours. With this feature, the blade’s cutting edge can remain durable and sharp despite extensive usage.
These blades can resist shattering, indicating that they can bend without risking damage. Because of this, you can count on this blade option for tough cutting conditions.
What We Like
- Sold with five blades in one purchase
- Delivers impressive cutting performance
- Long-lasting cutting edge and blade life
What We Don't Like
- Sold at a higher price
- Shorter length than other options
3. POWERTEC 13104
As a blade measuring around 59.5 inches, it didn’t surprise us that POWERTEC 13104 can handle most cutting tasks. And since it’s constructed with high-grade carbon steel material, its durability will prevent any potential damage during heavy-duty usage.
It can cut accurately at any speed setting as it’s optimized with a geometric tooth design. Thanks to this, cutting different materials like wood, plastic, and metal won’t be an issue, as long as this blade is properly maintained.
This feature is also aided by a carbonated hard edge blade, making cutting results seamless and accurate.
What We Like
- It works well in cutting different materials
- Suitable for heavy-duty cutting operations
- Reliable and effective saw tooth spacing
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended for daily or regular use
- May cut slower than other models
4. DEWALT DW3986C
As a brand widely known for reliable woodworking machines [1], testing DEWALT DW3986C portable bandsaw blades isn’t something we can skip. It has a Matrix II high-speed steel edge that can resist heat and lower the chances of wearing.
The blade’s hardness rating can be measured around RC 65-67 standards, further proving its lasting durability. Because of this, cutting medium metal pieces, thick or thin, won’t be an issue.
And as if that wasn’t enough to prove its strength, did you know that this blade has an alloy steel backer? With this component, the blade can resist fatigue as well.
What We Like
- Capable of accurate cuts even at different speeds
- Resistant to fatigue, wearing, and tearing
- Lower price range than other blades
What We Don't Like
- Not as long as other blade options
- Compatibility may vary per model
Band Saw Blades Buyer’s Guide
Length and Width
If you want your bandsaw blade to cut well, you must buy a model that has the right length and width suited for the material you’ll be cutting.
If these features aren’t included in the manual, we suggest using the length formula (2XA) + (3.14XB). In this equation, A is the distance between the center and the upper wheels. Meanwhile, B is the bandsaw’s diameter.
As for the blade’s width, you’ll have to consider what type of cuts you’ll be doing. If it’s just a straight cut, wider blades will be useful. However, smaller blades are more accurate and suited for intricate cutting jobs.
Thickness
When buying thick bandsaw blades, you should know that they’re more susceptible to breaking and bending than thinner ones. However, our testers would also like to note that they can endure more strain when cutting tough materials.
We suggest buying thinner blades if you need to bend or twist the blade during cutting operations.
TPI
Tooth Per Inch (TPI) signifies the number of teeth your blade has. It also helps in getting smoother cuts. If you ask us, blades that are great for general use range around 6 to 8 TPI.
However, a regular blade with 2 to 3 TPI should be enough to cut thick materials. For intricate projects, blades with around 14 TPI should be your standard.
Choosing the appropriate TPI for your blade depends on the material thickness, desired cut quality, and the specific application, ensuring optimal performance and achieving the desired results.
Blade Type
Regular Tooth
True to its name, regular tooth blades have equally-proportioned teeth spacing. Thanks to this, it’s highly suitable for general-purpose bandsaw usage.
Rather than durability, these blades are known for their finer finish on thin materials.
Skip Tooth
These blades are designed with teeth widely spaced from one another. Each tooth is positioned at a 0-degree rake-like angle, making it resistant to clogging and suitable for cutting metal and plastic.
Hook Tooth
Unlike the other two options, hook-toothed blades are designed bigger. Thanks to its 10-degree rake angle, the blade’s material feeding process is more consistent. It also cuts faster than other blades.
Material Durability
If you scan the market as much as we did, most of the blades you’ll encounter are made with bi-metal and high-carbon material. Now, how can you tell which is better? The answer still depends on what kind of material you’ll be cutting.
Cutting typical materials like wood and plastic for a carbon-made blade won’t be a problem. In fact, it can even handle fiberglass and other non-ferrous materials. Meanwhile, bi-metal blades are durable enough to cut stainless steel and other metal types.
Advantages of a Good Band Saw Blade
- Bandsaw blades have high efficiency and put fewer materials to waste than other blade types.
- It can deliver more accurate cutting results regardless of the material.
- These blades are easier to control, making them capable of cutting intricate shapes.
Must-Know Tips
- Don’t forget to release your blade’s tension after every usage for longevity.
- Regularly lubricate your blade during usage for smoother cuts.
- Don’t let sawdusts and residues settle around the blade to avoid cutting inaccuracies and accidents.
FAQ
What bandsaw blade should I use to cut steel?
The best bandsaw blade you should use to cut steel is a bi-metal variation. You should also consider ones with hook teeth arrangements as it has a more consistent material feeding process.
Our Top Pick For a Band Saw Blade:
BOSCH BS80-6H
Given that BOSCH BS80-6H has a 6 TPI teeth configuration suited for general use, our tool testers concluded that it’s the best band saw blade on the list.
Despite its lower pricing, this blade proved its value through its premium construction and heat resistance, which is crucial when working on different types of material.
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