Top 10 6 Tpi Bandsaw Blade 2023 - Buyer's Guide Best Picks

Blades can be adjusted for tension and track. Consult the owner's guide to find out how to do it correctly. Even if you have used a saw before, don't make a guess. Even small differences in the instructions can have a significant impact on performance. When done correctly, it doesn't take long and the saw will cut accurately and quickly. A poor adjustment will always result in substandard results.

Even though wood-cutting and metal-cutting bands saws are very different, there are some general principles that apply when choosing the right blades for each. While there are some similarities in the blade materials used, there are also distinct differences.

Carbon steel blades: These blades are commonly included with new band saws for cutting wood. These blades are easy to manufacture and can be used on a variety of materials including wood, plastics and fiberglass. They also cut aluminum, brass and thin steel. They do, however, wear out fairly quickly, especially when cutting metal.

Bimetal: The name implies that bimetal blades are composed of two metals - usually, carbon steel is used for the body, and either high-speed steel or cobalt for the teeth. These blades are more expensive, but their cutting edges are more durable and harder. Band saws that cut wood and metal can use bimetal blades.

These blades are usually made of carbon steel with tungsten-carbide powder attached to the cutting edge. They are often without teeth. Tungsten carbide, or carbide, is a compound so hard that it can cut through cast iron and steel. Carbide blades are mostly used on metal-cutting bands saws but can also be used to cut through concrete, ceramics and masonry. These blades are also used on large logging saws.

Diamond-tipped blades: These blades are similar to carbide-tipped ones, but have an industrial diamond grit attached to the cutting edge. This blade is capable of cutting through almost anything but because it's more expensive, they are usually used for specialist processes such as cutting glass and quartz.

Each band saw has a specific blade length. The blade's length is a fixed measurement, and blades that are the wrong size will not fit.

Band saws have a minimum and maximum width. Few blades exceed 2 inches and the narrowest are usually 1/8 inch. However, larger industrial machinery can have wider blades.

Different widths are used for different purposes. Band saws are often used to cut curves. Narrow blades work best for this. A narrower blade will allow you to cut a more precise curve. A 1/8-inch-wide blade, for example, can cut a radius of 3/16-inch, while a blade 1/2-inch-wide can only cut 2 1/2-inch-radius.

Narrow blades, however, can make cutting straight lines difficult, especially when working with thick materials. A wider blade is better for cutting straight lines when you need to make deep cuts in wood (such as when cutting veneers). The blade is stiffer because it has more metal.

According to general guidelines, the blade should be as wide as possible. The blade will be more durable, cut straighter and have less tendency to overheat. Use narrow blades only when a curve is required.

Thickness: Although the thickness of the steel can have an effect, there aren't many options unless you order custom-made blades.

TPI is the number of teeth per inch. More teeth per inch usually means a faster cut, but a smoother one. You can use blades with as little as 3 TPI for rough sawing softwoods. 6 to 8 TPI are often recommended for general band sawing. You can choose between 12 and 14 TPI for hardwoods or fine cuts. For thin materials, high TPI is recommended. The cut will look ragged if there are not enough teeth in contact with the material.

The tooth count of metal-cutting bands saws is higher. You can use blades with up to 10 TPI for soft metals such as aluminum or brass. For steel, the TPI could be between 14 and 16 TPI. Again, thin materials require higher TPI. When cutting sheet steel, it can be as high as 20 TPI.

Normaly, the higher the TPI, the wider a blade is. You won't likely find a blade for wood cutting that is more than 10 TPI. Sometimes you'll have to choose between blade rigidity and cut quality. Maximize the number of teeth if a fine finish will be required. A wide blade with few teeth is better if rapid sawing is important.

The shape of the teeth on these blades is very variable.

Standard: This is the most common tooth pattern. This tool has teeth that are evenly spaced for general use. Most hobbyists or woodworkers at home will never require anything else.
The skip pattern is characterized by long gaps between teeth. This allows the blade to cut through plastics or thick woods quickly and efficiently, without clogging.
Hook: These teeth are curved and designed for aggressive cutting. They will also produce a cleaner edge than skip-tooth blades.
Alternate: Although less common, alternate teeth have the opposite tooth, angled left and right. They are usually designed to cut thin materials and have a high TPI. However, they are more commonly used on scrollsaws.

Even old blades are dangerous. Be aware that the blades are usually coiled upon arrival. Remove them from the packaging with care and at arm's distance. Wearing gloves that are resistant to cuts is a good idea when you're unwrapping these blades or disposing them. However, gloves should not be worn when using the bandsaw because they could get caught in the blade.