Bandsaws are versatile cutting tools. They can cut awkward shapes and thick lumber, make short crosscuts, and precisely resaw boards.
However, a bandsaw won’t be able to perform any of these tasks effectively without a high-quality blade. If you don’t have much experience with bandsaws, it might be unclear which blades you should choose.
To help you make an informed decision, we have reviewed seven of the best bandsaw blades that are currently available. This includes the size of the blade, how many teeth it has, and what material it is made of.
- Thin kerf
- High-silicon, low-carbide steel
- 65-degree rake
- Cobalt high-speed steel
- Pack of 3
- Scores 65 to 67 on Rockwell Hardness Scale
- Cobalt alloy steel
- Quiet cutting
- Reduces vibrations during use
Product Reviews
There are numerous bandsaws out there, which is reflected in how many blades you have to choose from. These include blades that are better for resawing or cutting metal, as well as general-purpose 14 TPI blades.
To help you find the right blade for your saw, we have reviewed seven of the best bandsaw blades that are currently available. We chose these blades for their tooth count, blade material, and the size of saws they will fit.
Timber Wolf 1/4-Inch x 1/2-Inch 6 TPI Bandsaw Blade
Best Bandsaw Blade for Woodworking
Timber Wolf blades are a premium option. This blade is made of high-silicon, low-carbide steel, so it will stay cool when exposed to intense friction for prolonged periods. It will cut effectively for longer as the teeth will dull slowly.
This blade is ideal for woodworking thanks to its unique tooth pattern and round gullet design. Combined with the thin kerf and 6.5-degree rake, it has 60% of the speed of a hook blade but can provide the smoother finish of a skip blade.
If you need to resaw wood, this Timber Wolf blade is an excellent choice. The only downside of this blade is that its high quality is reflected in its price. However, if you have the available budget, this blade can transform the way you cut wood and improve how your bandsaw performs.
Pros
- Thin kerf
- High-silicon, low-carbide steel
- 6.5-degree rake
Cons
- Expensive
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.58 ounces |
| Dimensions (inches) | 11.25 x 13.75 x 0.55 |
| TPI | 6 |
| Kerf | Thin |
| Price | $$$ |
Our Ratings
DeWALT 32-7/8-Inch Portable Bandsaw Blade
Best Portable Bandsaw Blade
This DeWALT portable bandsaw blade set is made of 8% cobalt and high-speed steel. This means it has the heat resistance and durability required to keep it sharper for longer.
The teeth score an impressive 65 to 67 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale, so they won’t dull as quickly as carbon steel blades. This also means the blade can run at high speeds without being worn down. Its durability is enhanced further by having an alloy steel back.
These DeWALT blades are ideal for cutting thick, medium, and thin gauge metals, thanks to their high tooth count and thin kerfs. They come in a set of three, so you will be able to keep sawing for a long time.
Pros
- Cobalt high-speed steel
- Comes in a pack of 3
- Scores 65 to 67 on the Rockwell Scale
- Affordable
Cons
- Only suitable for portable saws
- Won’t fit all bandsaw models
Product Specs
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Dimensions (inches) | 14 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches |
| TPI | 18 |
| Kerf | Thin |
| Price | $ |
Our Ratings
Milwaukee 48-39-0511 44-7/8-Inch 14-TPI Bandsaw Blade
Best Bandsaw Blade for Resawing Wood
These Milwaukee blades are made of high-speed steel and 8% cobalt for very impressive durability. The teeth are electron-beam welded to a special backing to provide a longer lifespan and are said to dull three times slower than conventional blades.
The tooth angles and deeper gullets reduce the vibrations while cutting, providing a smoother, less noisy cut. Thanks to its TPI of 14, this blade can be used to saw through metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and bronze.
However, where this blade truly excels is when it is used to resaw wood. Its rigidity and kerf mean it is very precise, helping you cut very straight lines.
If you want a high-quality blade at an affordable price, this is a great option. It is even sold in a pack of three, so you can always have spares ready when the first blade dulls.
Pros
- Cobalt alloy steel
- Quiet cutting
- Reduces vibrations
- Comes in a pack of 3
Cons
- American-made, but imported steel
Product Specs
| Weight | 8.6 ounces |
| Dimensions (inches) | 19 x 6.9 x 0.2 inches |
| TPI | 14 |
| Kerf | Thin |
| Price | $$ |
Our Ratings
Powertec 13161 High Carbon Band Saw Blade
Best Bandsaw Blade for Bandsaw Boxes
Bandsaw boxes require very intricate cutting, with unusual lines and angles that will test the skills of even the most experienced bandsaw users. However, choosing the right blade can make life a little easier. That is why this Powertec high-carbon blade is so highly regarded.
The high carbon content gives it plenty of flexibility, which makes it suitable for sawing sharp angles and rounded edges. It has 6 TPI, which is an ideal tooth count for scrollwork and bandsaw box making.
This blade scores impressively on the Rockwell Hardness Scale, with an impressive 64 to 66 rating. This means that, in addition to making bandsaw boxes, it will also cut through soft metals and plastics.
The only negative is that carbon steel dulls more quickly than other types of saw blades. The flexible material is excellent for bandsaw box making, but you shouldn’t expect these blades to last very long.
Pros
- Flexible
- 64 to 66 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale
- Affordable
- High carbon steel
Cons
- Dulls quickly
Product Specs
| Weight | 0.32 ounces |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.9 x 4.7 x 0.5 |
| TPI | 6 |
| Kerf | Thin |
| Price | $ |
Our Ratings
Bosch BS80-155 Bandsaw Blade
Best Bandsaw Blade for Curves
Bosch is one of the leading power tool manufacturers in the world, so it is no surprise that the company also makes excellent bandsaw blades. This blade is designed for scrollwork, with a TPI of 15 to ensure it provides a smooth finish.
The blade’s narrow width also lends itself to intricate woodwork. It allows the user to easily maneuver the material around the cutting edge, enabling you to cut tight angles and curves.
The blade is made of high-carbon steel that is heat-treated to increase the hardness of the teeth. It should last longer than standard carbon steel blades, but not as long as cobalt-alloy and carbide-tipped blades.
The main reason to buy this product is for its scroll sawing ability, which requires some flexibility in the blade.
Pros
- 15 TPI
- Designed for scrollwork
- Narrow width
- Provides value for money
Cons
- Dulls quickly
- Won’t fit all bandsaws
- Build quality issues
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.58 ounces |
| Dimensions (inches) | 0.5 x 9.88 x 10.88 |
| TPI | 15 |
| Kerf | Thin |
| Price | $ |
Our Ratings
Powertec 13183X Band Saw Blade
Best Multi-Purpose Bandsaw Blade
This Powertec bandsaw blade is a 14 TPI model, so it is a true all-rounder. It also has a set of raker teeth, so it will cut faster and more cleanly.
This blade is made using high-carbon steel that is heat-treated to increase the hardness of the cutting edge and improve its lifespan. It will cut through soft and hardwood, non-ferrous metals, and plastics.
You can find this Powertec blade at a reasonable price, making it a versatile tool for relatively little money.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Heat-treated
- Multi-purpose
- 14 TPI
Cons
- Dulls quickly
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.58 ounces |
| Dimensions (inches) | 7.75 x 7.75 x 0.5 |
| TPI | 14 |
| Kerf | Thin |
| Price | $ |
Our Ratings
Bosch BS6412-24M 24TPI Metal Bandsaw Blade
Best Bandsaw Blade for Metal
This Bosch bandsaw blade is a 24 TPI model, with its high tooth count making smoother cuts through metal and other non-ferrous materials. High-grade steel is heat-treated to improve the hardness of the cutting edge and increase the longevity of the blade.
Bosch has also developed a unique geometric tooth design for optimal cutting performance and to place less strain on the blade and the bandsaw itself.
The only downside of high-grade steel is that, even after being heat-treated, this blade will blunt more quickly than carbide and cobalt steel blades. Even so, Bosch has created a bandsaw blade that will slice through metal without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Geometric tooth design
- 24 TPI
- High-grade steel
Cons
- Dulls quickly
- Won’t fit all bandsaws
Product Specs
| Weight | 4.8 ounces |
| Dimensions (inches) | 10.8 x 9.8 x 1 |
| TPI | 24 |
| Kerf | Thin |
| Price | $ |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions (inches) | TPI | Kerf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timber Wolf 6 TPI Bandsaw Blade | Woodworking | 1.58 oz | 11.25 x 13.75 x 0.55 | 6 | Thin |
| DeWALT 32-7/8-Inch Bandsaw Blade | Portable | 5.6 oz | 14 x 5.2 x 0.6″ | 18 | Thin |
| Milwaukee 14-TPI Bandsaw Blade | Resawing Wood | 8.6 oz | 19 x 6.9 x 0.2″ | 14 | Thin |
| Powertec 13161 High Carbon Blade | Bandsaw Boxes | 0.32 oz | 5.9 x 4.7 x 0.5 | 6 | Thin |
| Bosch BS80-155 Bandsaw Blade | Curves | 1.58 oz | 0.5 x 9.88 x 10.88 | 15 | Thin |
| Powertec 13183X Band Saw Blade | Multi-Purpose | 1.58 oz | 7.75 x 7.75 x 0.5 | 14 | Thin |
| Bosch BS6412-24M 24TPI Bandsaw Blade | Metal | 4.8 oz | 10.8 x 9.8 x 1 | 24 | Thin |
Type of Bandsaw Blades
The type of bandsaw blade you require depends on the material you are cutting and what kind of cuts you need to make. A coarse blade, with 3 to 6 teeth per inch (TPI), is ideal for ripping lumber and thicker wood up to 8 inches, as well as resawing. It is also suitable for short crosscuts.
A blade with 18 to 32 TPI is considered the best choice for sawing through plastics and thinner metals. This is because the increased number of teeth will leave a smoother edge, slicing through the material rather than ripping through it.
If you want a versatile blade for general cutting, a 14 TPI blade is an excellent all-around option. It will combine the smooth cutting of a high tooth count with the ripping power of a coarse blade. These blades are the best choice for everyday bandsaw use.
Bi-Metal Bandsaw Blades
Bi-metal bandsaw blades have a high-speed steel cutting edge, welded to a flexible steel back. This combination makes them more robust than carbon steel blades, which are notorious for dulling quickly.
These blades can cut through harder materials such as stainless steel, nickel, and titanium. This hardiness also means they have improved heat resistance and last longer without dulling.
How to Choose a Bandsaw Blade
When choosing a bandsaw blade, there are several important attributes to consider. These aspects will be determined by which specific tasks you need the blade for, including the toughness of the material and how thick it is.
Length
The length of the bandsaw blade you need will be determined by the type of bandsaw you have. Consult your owner’s manual to find out the correct size. Bandsaws are available in various sizes, which is reflected in their blades. Blades generally range between 10 and 14 inches long.
Pitch
The pitch refers to the number of teeth per inch (TPI) a blade has. Cutting thinner sections of wood is best done with a higher tooth count for a smoother finish, whereas thicker pieces of wood require a lower tooth count.
Try to choose the correct pitch for the material you are cutting. This chart should give you a better sense of how many teeth you need:
| Teeth Per Inch | Best Use | Section Size (Inch) |
| 3 to 6 | Thick wood, rougher cutting, rip cuts | 1.5 to 10 |
| 8 to 14 | General-purpose sawing | 0.5 to 1.5 |
| 18 to 32 | Metal, sheet material, plastics | 0.5 to 0.37 |
Blade Width
The width of the blade will determine the radius of the cuts it makes, which will influence the tasks it is suitable for. A wider blade will be more suitable for straight cuts and resawing boards, as it will have greater rigidity and flex less when in use. This results in a neater, straighter cutting line.
A narrower blade is more maneuverable and can make smaller radius cuts. This means it is better for shaping wood when making furniture and other ornate woodworking tasks such as bandsaw boxes.
Here is a handy guide:
| Blade Width (Inch) | Radius Cut (Inch) |
| 0.125 | 0.19 |
| 0.19 | 0.31 |
| 0.25 | 0.63 |
| 0.38 | 1.44 |
| 0.5 | 2.63 |
| 0.62 | 4 |
| 0.75 | 5.5 |
Blade Thickness
The thicker the blade, the more likely it is to crack due to the stresses of cutting. The saw’s wheels also need to be large enough to accommodate the extra thickness. The thickness of the blade influences the kerf — the width of the cut made by the blade.
A thicker blade, or gauge as it is known, is better suited to straight cuts due to its greater rigidity. You should consult your bandsaw’s manual to find out what blade thickness it can take because an oversized blade will likely crack during use.
Tooth Form or Style
Bandsaw blades have four main types of tooth configurations:
Standard
A standard tooth type is available in higher TPI counts and provides finer, more detailed cutting. If you want a smooth finish quickly, this is the best blade type.
Skip
A skip tooth blade has wider-spaced teeth and makes a slower, smoother cut in the wood. Typically, the skip blade has a zero-degree rake, making it less aggressive and well-suited to resawing.
Hook
A hook tooth blade has similar spacing to a skip tooth blade, but the rake is set at 10 degrees, giving it a more aggressive cutting edge. It can cut hardwood and other sturdy sheet materials.
Variable
A variable tooth blade is also known as a broach tooth blade. It has teeth with various angles and gullet depths, typically in a pattern of 3 TPI and 4 TPI. These blades reduce the vibrations when cutting.
Wheel Diameter
The wheel diameter is closely linked to the thickness and width of the blade. If the blade is too large for the wheel, it will probably crack when cutting. The smaller the wheel, the tighter the bend the bandsaw blade needs to negotiate.
Most general-purpose bandsaw blades are 0.025 inches thick, which is suitable for a wheel diameter of between 11 and 18 inches. This chart should help you determine whether or not a blade is suitable for your wheel size:
| Wheel Diameter (Inches) | Recommended Blade Thickness (Inches) |
| 4 to 6 | 0.014 |
| 6 to 8 | 0.018 |
| 8 to 11 | 0.020 |
| 11 to 18 | 0.025 |
| 18 to 24 | 0.032 |
| 24 to 30 | 0.035 |
| 30 + | 0.042, 0.050, 0.063 |
Blade Material
Bandsaw blades are typically made using one of three material types:
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is the softest bandsaw material and is popular with hobbyists. These blades are not very durable and will dull quickly with frequent use. They are best suited to cutting wood, plyboard, and plastics.
Bi-Metal Blades
Bi-metal blades are far tougher than pure carbon steel blades. They consist of a high-speed steel cutting edge welded to a flexible carbon steel backing. This makes them harder-wearing while retaining the flexibility of carbon steel.
Carbide-Tipped Blades
Carbide-tipped blades are the toughest type. They have tungsten or titanium-coated teeth that are resistant to heat, which protects the cutting edge and keeps it sharper for longer. This also means they are the most expensive blades but they compensate for this with longer lifespans.
Tips to Make a Bandsaw Blade Last Longer
Given the work they are expected to perform, bandsaw blades will inevitably dull and go blunt. Still, it is possible to prolong the lives of your blades by following some simple tips.
Tension
If your blade tension is incorrect, your blade will wear out more quickly than if it was correctly tensioned. Different blades will also have varying optimal tensions. Make sure the blade doesn’t slip on the bandsaw wheel during use and that it cuts straight.
If you notice a bow on the material you cut, this could be a sign that your blade needs more tension. Most bandsaws provide an approximate guide to the correct blade tensions, but you might need to make some adjustments to get it right.
Match the TPI to the Material
If you are trying to saw through metal with a blade with a low TPI, you will not only achieve poor results, but you will likely also ruin the blade. Similarly, cutting the wrong materials with a high TPI blade will cause too much friction, heating the blade and making it dull more quickly.
Clean the Swarf
The swarf is a brush that helps remove chips that become stuck in the gullets of the bandsaw blade. If the swarf is worn down, these chips won’t be removed and the blade will cut far less effectively. Make sure you replace the swarf before it becomes too worn down to function properly.
FAQs
How to Sharpen Bandsaw Blades
There are two main ways to sharpen saw blades. You can either invest in a dedicated blade sharpener or you could use a power tool with a sharpening attachment. If you have dozens of dull blades, it is probably worth buying a mechanical or machine sharpener. In the long run, this will be far less expensive than having to buy replacement blades frequently.
If you are a professional and need to make numerous cuts every day, it is well worth spending some extra money on a specialist machine. However, if you only use your bandsaw occasionally, you will be able to save money by using a power tool with an attachment instead.
How to Fold a Bandsaw Blade
1. Wrists
Hold the blade with your wrists facing down and away from your body.
2. Foot
Place your foot on the blade and press it downwards, bending the blade into an oval shape.
3. Fold it
Bring the ends of the blade towards each other. Think of it like folding the oval in half to look like a reverse taco.
4. Cross Your Hands
Now cross your hands, bringing the two halves of the blade over each other.
5. Let the Blade Coil Naturally
The blade will naturally coil, so let it do its thing, stacking them on the loop you were holding with your foot.
How to Remove Buildups From a Bandsaw Blade
If you use your blade to cut lumber and it becomes coated in resin, it will cut less effectively. This will also increase the friction while cutting, causing the teeth to dull more quickly. Take the blade and soak it in warm soapy water. A sponge should be enough to remove the majority of stubborn deposits, but you can also use a soft brush.
When you have removed all the residue, remove the blade from the water and dry it with a clean cloth. You can also use a hair dryer to ensure all the water is gone.
What TPI Does a Bandsaw Blade Need?
How many teeth per inch your bandsaw blade needs will depend on which material you need to cut. Your blade should have between 3 and 6 TPI for lumber and rough sawing, 8 to 14 for general-purpose use, and 18 to 32 for high-density materials such as steel.
The higher the tooth count, the smoother the cut will be, which is why these blades are better suited to harder materials.
What Causes Bandsaw Blades to Break?
There are many possible reasons that your bandsaw blade might break. The blade tension could be too high, or you might have the wrong blade size for the wheel diameter. It might also be caused by using a blade with a TPI that is inappropriate for the material you are cutting.
If you apply too much pressure to the stock when cutting, it will increase the stress on the blade, which makes it likelier to snap during use.
How Often Should You Change a Bandsaw Blade?
Bandsaw blades are some of the most important components of a bandsaw. They should be changed often to ensure the saw operates properly all the time. But, it’ll really come down to the type of wood you’re cutting, the thickness of the wood, and how often you’re using it.
But, changing the blade every few weeks or so is a good idea, regardless. This should help keep the saw cutting smoothly and prevent damage to the blade or the wood.
How Do You Make a Bandsaw Blade Last Longer?
There’re a few things to help extend the life of your bandsaw blade. First, make sure the tension on the blade is set correctly. If the tension is too high, the blade will be more likely to break; if it’s too low, the blade will flex and lose its shape.
Second, choose a blade with the right tooth pitch for your material. A blade with too fine a pitch will quickly wear down, while one with too coarse a pitch will produce a rougher cut.
Keep the area around your saw clean and free of metal shavings (known as “swarf”). Swarf can dull the blade and cause it to overheat.
What Causes Band Saw Blade to Wander?
One common issue that can arise when using a band saw is blade wander. This occurs when the blade deviates from its intended path, resulting in an uneven cut. There are several reasons why this may happen.
First, it could be due to a problem with the saw’s alignment. If the wheels aren’t properly aligned, the blade will drift off course. Another possibility is that the saw’s table is not level. If the table is tilted, the blade will also tilt, causing it to wander.
Band saw blades can sometimes become bent or damaged, which can also cause them to wander.
If you notice your blade wandering, check the alignment and level of the table, and inspect the blade for damage. Making simple adjustments can help prevent this issue and ensure accurate cuts.
What Is the Best Blade for a Bandsaw?
The Timber Wolf blade is the best bandsaw blade because of its price-to-quality ratio. This blade comprises high-silicon, low-carbide steel, which allows it to maintain its sharpness even under extremely high temperatures.
Because the teeth won’t become worn down as rapidly, the cutting ability will be maintained for longer.
The distinctive tooth arrangement and the circular profile of the gullet on this blade make it well-suited for woodworking. Combining this with the small kerf and 6.5-degree rake, this blade can achieve 60% of the speed of a hook blade while providing the extra polish of a skip blade.
In addition, you won’t need to worry about resawing because this blade has covered you. The main drawback of this blade is the high cost of purchasing it. Be prepared to spend more money because purchasing quality requires more resources.
Purchasing this blade will completely change the way you cut wood and will improve the functionality of your bandsaw, provided you’ve got the financial means to do so.
