Which Band Saw Blade Works for Cutting Metal?
For cutting metal, choose a bi-metal blade with high speed steel or M42 cobalt teeth. Pick a tooth count that keeps at least three teeth in the material, and match the blade length to your saw exactly. Yes, you can fit a metal-cutting blade on a band saw, as long as the saw can run slowly enough for metal.
Imachinist S933414Best overall
DEWALT DW3983CBest portable saw blade
FOXBC FOX93341014Best value 93 in bladeStart with bi-metal, not a plain carbon blade
Metal wears teeth fast, so the blade material matters most. Bi-metal blades join a hard high speed steel tooth edge to a flexible alloy steel backing. The teeth stay sharp, and the body of the blade bends around the wheels without cracking.
Look for M42 or cobalt on the label. Cobalt adds heat and wear resistance, which is what you want when cutting steel, stainless or brass. Among the blades in our best band saw blades for metal comparison, the DEWALT 3-packs list 8% cobalt, and the FOXBC 93 in blade lists 8% cobalt with 2% tungsten.
A plain carbon blade can handle thin aluminum or sheet in a pinch, but it dulls quickly on steel. If you want a broader look at blade types for wood and metal, see our best band saw blades page.
Match the blade length and width to your saw
A band saw blade must match your saw's length exactly. A blade that is even slightly off will not tension or track correctly. Check your manual or read the size printed on the old blade.
The blades we compare range from 27 in for compact portable saws to 93.5 in for shop saws. Width and thickness matter too, since your saw's guides are set for a certain blade size.
| Saw type | Blade length | Width | TPI | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact portable | 27 in | 0.5 in | 18 | FOXBC 3-pack |
| Portable | 32-7/8 in | 0.5 in | 18 or 24 | DEWALT 3-packs |
| Deep cut portable | 44-7/8 in | 0.5 in | 18 | FOXBC 3-pack |
| Small horizontal/vertical | 64.5 in | 0.5 in | 24 | FOXBC 2-pack |
| Shop saw | 93 in | 0.75 in | 10/14 | Imachinist or FOXBC |
| Shop saw, narrow | 93.5 in | 0.5 in | 10/14 or 14 | Imachinist, POWERTEC |
Choose the right teeth per inch (TPI)
The rule is simple: keep at least three teeth in the material at all times. Too few teeth and the work can snag and strip them. Too many and the gullets clog with chips.
Variable pitch blades, such as 10/14, change tooth spacing along the blade. This helps with pipe and profiles, where the number of teeth in contact changes through the cut.
- Thin tube and sheet: fine teeth, about 18 to 24 TPI. The DEWALT 24 TPI pack is aimed at thin-wall tube.
- Pipe and profiles: variable pitch such as 10/14.
- Thinnest tube: the Imachinist 93-1/2 in blade at 14 TPI.
- Thick solids: coarser teeth, such as the 4/6 or 5/8 options Imachinist describes for big tube with thick walls.
- Soft metals like aluminum and copper: the POWERTEC 14 TPI raker set blade is designed for these.
Slow the saw down for metal
Blade speed is the step people miss. Wood saws often run fast, and that heat will burn metal-cutting teeth quickly. Imachinist suggests 100 FPM to 300 FPM for ferrous metals.
Before you swap blades, check whether your saw has a slow speed setting or a variable speed control. If it only runs at one fast speed, a metal blade will not last, and a dedicated metal saw or a portable band saw may be a better fit. Our best band saw for home workshop page can help if you are shopping for a saw.
Safety and setup tips
Metal cutting throws sharp chips and creates hot cut edges. A few habits keep it safe.
Unplug the saw or remove the battery before changing a blade, and wear gloves when handling a new blade, since the teeth are sharp.
- Wear safety glasses or a face shield for flying chips.
- Use hearing protection, since metal cutting can be loud.
- Clamp the work firmly so it cannot twist or grab.
- Let the blade do the cutting. Pushing hard overheats and dulls the teeth.
- Deburr cut edges before handling the part.
Band saw or angle grinder?
A band saw gives a cleaner, cooler, straighter cut in tube, pipe and bar. An angle grinder is faster for rough cuts and works in tight spots, but it throws sparks and leaves a rougher edge. If you lean toward a grinder, see our best angle grinder disc for cutting metal guide.
Also note that a blade made for resawing wood has few, wide teeth and will not suit metal. Our best band saw blade for resawing page covers that separate job.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cut wood and metal with the same blade?
Some listings say a bi-metal blade can also cut wood, plastic or brass. In practice, cutting wood dulls and loads a metal blade, so it is best to keep separate blades for each.
Why does my metal blade lose teeth quickly?
The usual causes are running the saw too fast, using too few teeth for thin material, or pushing the work too hard. Slow the blade, check the TPI, and feed gently.
Is a 3-pack worth it for a portable saw?
Thin 0.020 in blades on portable saws wear and can break, so having spares on hand means you can swap quickly mid-project.
Do I need coolant or lubricant?
Many shops use a cutting wax or fluid to reduce heat and extend blade life, especially on steel. Check your saw's manual for what it recommends.