According to an old proverb, a craftsman is only as good as his working tools. This is very true, especially when it comes to using a band saw. While the easiest cutting tasks can be a hassle when using an underpowered bandsaw, a dull or fragile bandsaw blade would make the task more difficult and annoying. As such, you need the best bandsaw blade you can get.
Band saws are a versatile and useful tool in the workshop. You can use them for a wide range of cuts. Nevertheless, not even the best band saw in the world can provide you with the quality cuts you need if you use the inappropriate blades. In this article, we are going to walk you through the reviews of the best band saw blades in the market.
The Best Band Saw Blades Are:
Product | Details | ||
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1. DEWALT DW3984 24 TPI Portable Band Saw Blade | Our Top Pick |
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2. Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade |
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3. Bosch BS6412-24M Metal Bandsaw Blade |
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4. Olson Saw FB23193DB Band Saw Blade |
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5. SKIL 80151 Band Saw Blade |
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6. MK Morse ZWEP441418MC Cobalt Band Saw Blade |
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7. Bosch BS9312-15S Bandsaw Blade |
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8. POWERTEC 13132 High Carbon Bandsaw Blade |
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9. DEWALT DW3986C Portable Band Saw Blade |
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1. DEWALT DW3984 24 TPI Portable Band Saw Blade — Best All-Around Band Saw Blade
Are you looking for a band saw blade that you can use to cut a wide range of material? We recommend you go for the Dewalt DW3984 bandsaw blade. This is one of the best band saw blades out there, as you get a pack of three blades at a considerably reasonable price. With this model, you do not have to worry about getting a replacement anytime soon. This blade comes in a silver finish and you can use it to cut both thin and thick metal.
This band saw blade is wear and heat resistant. It handles some of the most difficult cutting tasks with ease. The blades are made out of Matrix II High-Speed Steel edge. It contains 8 percent cobalt, which strengthens the blade and increases its durability. This blade also does a great job of retaining its sharpness, thanks to the build material.
The blade features 24 TPI, which provides you with a smooth finish on your metal or wood. These blades are sturdy and durable enough to handle a wide range of metal cutting jobs including crosscuts, ripping, and more, thanks to its alloy steel backer. The length of the blade is 44 inches. It is a little bit slow, but it gets the job done.
Specs
- 24 TPI
- Cobalt
- 44.875 inches
- 4 ounces
Pros
- Compatible with portable band saws from other manufacturers
- Affordable
- Heat and wear-resistant
- Can cut a wide range of metal and wood
Cons
- Higher TPI reduces the cutting speed
2. Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade
The Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade is one of the best band saw blades in the market. This brand is known for manufacturing great blades for band saw, and this model is one of the finest the firm has made. This blade is made of low carbide high silicon steel, making this blade one of the best band saw blades for resawing. This is an excellent blade for cutting wood with round design gullet, low width, and narrow kerf.
It is highly durable and it runs cooler. It also comes at a very affordable price. This blade remains strong and productive after several hours of working. Since it is made with low carbide, it is rigid and flexible under high pressure. The teeth of the blade are covered with silicon coating, ensuring the teeth remain sharper for a long time.
This blade has three teeth per inch. This feature helps to make the blade multifunctional. The blade also allows you to carry out crosscuts with ease, without using the entire blade. The length of the blade is 105 inches, but we recommend you use it with only band saws with a blade length of 90 inches or more.
The reduced tension of the blade helps to increase its durability, as there are less wear and tear. The teeth of this blade are machined from a solid block of steel, which makes them 50 percent sharper than rivals.
Specs
- 3 TPI
- Low carbon high silicon steel
- 105 inches
- 9.1 ounces
Pros
- Affordable
- Long-term sharpness
- Ideal for crosscuts and resawing
- Durable
Cons
- It does not have multi-pack
3. Bosch BS6412-24M Metal Bandsaw Blade — Best Band Saw Blade for Wood
If you want to free yourself from the hassle of getting a replacement bandsaw blade anytime soon, you should consider buying the Bosch BS6412 Metal Bandsaw Blade. This blade is highly durable and it comes in a pack of three. The length of the blade is 32 inches, which makes it ideal for cordless band saws. You can use this blade to cut thin metals and hard steel.
This blade is made from premium grade steel, which increases the durability and strength of the unit. The most fascinating features of this unit are its flexibility and heat resistance. This unit features 24 teeth per inch, providing you with excellent quality and exceptional cuts. The blade is designed to withstand heat. As such, you do not have to worry about the blade heating up regardless of the speed you are cutting at.
It also features optimized tooth geometry for best cutting performance. While it is a metal cutting blade, you can use it to cut a wide range of wood. It also does a great job of retaining its sharp edge for a very long time. The design of the blade also makes it very easy to sharpen.
Specs
- 24 TPI
- Premium grade steel
- 32.875 inches
- 4.8 ounces
Pros
- Wear and heat resistant
- Great quality
- Affordable
- Easy to sharpen
- Delivers clean and accurate cuts
Cons
- It does not come with a warranty
4. Olson Saw FB23193DB Band Saw Blade
Olsen saw blades are one of the top-rated bandsaw blades out there. You can use this blade to cut through a variety of materials including plastic, non-ferrous metal, hardwood, softwood, and mild steel. This blade is very popular for its durability and dependability. If you are looking for high cutting speed and high-accuracy bandsaw blade, then the Olson Saw FB23193DB is one of the best options you have.
One of the most outstanding and lovable features of this unit is its hook angle teeth. These teeth can bear more shorn material out of the grove. This feature allows you to make clearer and cleaner cuts without stopping and blowing out space. This unit contains just three teeth per inch. Nevertheless, it has great cutting capability.
You can use this blade with all vertical, stationary, floor standing 2-wheel band saws. The blades are also ideal for professional craftsmen, DIY, woodworking, and industrial use. The Olson Saw blades hold their sharp edge pretty well even after thousands of rip cuts.
Specs
- 3 TPI
- Metal
- 93.5 inches
- 8 ounces
Pros
- Holds a sharp edge for a long time
- Fast cutting
- Easy installation
- Versatile and affordable
- Durable
Cons
- It is less precise due to lower TPI
5. SKIL 80151 Band Saw Blade
The SKIL 80151 Band Saw Blade is one of the most affordable saw blades in the market. This unit comes with an assortment of blades and it boasts of high performance and durability. The length of the blade is 59.5 inches and you can use it with most 9 inches band saws. One feature that many users tend to love so much about this blade is its optimized tooth geometry, as it helps to improve cutting. However, what we love most about this blade is its premium-grade steel construction.
The blade is also versatile, and you can use it to cut through a wide range of materials. This is a pack of three blades, but they are not replacements, as the three of them are different. The blade pack includes a 3/8 inches 6 TPI blade for fast cuts, one 1/8 inches blade with a 15 TPI for tight curves and smooth cuts, and there is a ¼ inches blade with a 6 TPI. The last blade is a bit aggressive but it does a better job of cutting tighter corners than the 3/8 inches blade.
The SKIL 80151 stands out in the market it is a premium saw blade that does not come with a premium price tag. The great build of this blade helps it to resist heat buildup, which greatly contributes to the durability of the blade.
Specs
- Three different blades (6 TPI, 15 TPI, and 6 TPI)
- Premium grade steel
- 59.5 inches
- 3.04 ounces
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Super sharp
- Versatile
- Three different blades
- Heat resistant
Cons
- Not best suited for heavy gauge metal
6. MK Morse ZWEP441418MC Cobalt Band Saw Blade
If you are looking for a bandsaw blade that can fit with all standard portable band saw machines, then the MK Morse ZWEP441418MC is one of the best options you have. This is one of the top band saws in the market and it can cut through a variety of materials. The blade is electron beam-welded and it can last for a very long time. You can use it to cut metal and pipe tubing with very high speed. The blade cuts very fast and it is heat and shock resistant.
This is also a pack of three blades, and they come in different widths and arrangements. This blade is available in teeth per inch orientations from eight to all the way to twenty-four. The blade options come with wavy, standard, and pitched teeth, providing you with different blades for different cut finishing.
All the blades are very reliable when it comes to durability, thanks to their cobalt-infused steel composition. The electron beam welding of the blades also provides a degree of flexibility, allowing the blade to run efficiently during use. These premium blades also feature Matrix II cutting edge and the longest blade life compared to its rivals. The variable pitch teeth also reduce vibration. The length of the blade is 44.875 inches.
Specs
- 14/24 TPI
- Cobalt
- 44.875 inches
- 5.8 ounces
Pros
- Wavy and rake configurations
- A wide range of TPI options
- Electron beam welded for durability
- Cobalt infused steel to prevent degradation from metal cutting
Cons
- Susceptible to losing teeth
7. Bosch BS9312-15S Bandsaw Blade
The Bosch BS9312-15S is one of the most versatile band saw blades out there. You can use this blade for operations from general-purpose cutting down to scroll cutting, as well as other cutting tasks in between. The width of the blade is 1/8 inches and it allows you to make snug cuts. The length of the blade is also very long, as it measures 98.5 inches. Another fascinating thing about this blade is that it comes at a very affordable rate.
This is 15 teeth per inch blade that provides you with much smoother finishes, even though it takes a long time to do that. It also features an optimized tooth geometry that makes cuts much easier. For durability and high performance, this blade is made with premium-grade steel. The steel used to make this blade resists heat buildup. This means you can use this blade in high-speed operations without worrying about damaging the blades. The heat resistance nature of the blade also helps to enhance the quality of the cut.
This is also a pack of three blades. It offers a variety of types and sizes to cove metal and wood applications. The blade is designed to fit the most popular band saws in the market, including 10 inches and 9 inches band saws. This is a blade for woodworkers.
Specs
- 15 TPI
- Premium Steel
- 93.5 inches
- 1.6 ounces
Pros
- Great for cutting tight corners
- Affordable
- High-grade material
- Durable
Cons
- The kerf of the blade is a little bit wide
8. POWERTEC 13132 High Carbon Bandsaw Blade
If you are looking for the best band saw blade that will not leave a hole in your pocket, then the POWERTEC 13132 High Carbon Bandsaw Blade is one of the best options for you. This product comes at a fairly low cost. Nevertheless, you should not confuse the affordability of the blade for low quality. You can use this blade to cut any wood, non-ferrous materials, and plastic.
The blade features a width of 1/8 inches, which allows it to make very tight turns. Hence, if you are looking for a blade that can make a right turn when executing a project that requires tight curves, we recommend you go for this blade. The thickness of the blade is a bit wide, as it measures .125 inches. However, it allows for easy and smooth cuts.
This tool is highly versatile as it is compatible with different brands of band saws. You can use this blade with Powertec’s BS900-9 inches, Craftsman, and Harbor Freight saws. The fabrication of this blade is awesome and it is one of its major selling points. The blade is made of high carbon steel, which is highly flexible and durable. The blade is also less likely to break when cutting because it is made out of a single sheet of steel. This blade comes in handy for a wide range of cutting applications, making it a must-have band saw blade for most woodworkers and craftsmen.
Specs
- 15 TPI
- High carbon steel
- 62 inches
- 0.8 ounces
Pros
- Suitable for a wide range of projects
- Inexpensive
- Excellent quality
- Cuts fast
Cons
- The blade wanders sometimes
9. DEWALT DW3986C Portable Band Saw Blade
If you are using one of the best cordless band saws and you are looking for the best blade to go with it, we recommend you go for the Dewalt DW3986C Band Saw Blade. This blade features a thinness of just 0.02 inches. As such, it has a smaller kerf that would allow you to cut through wood with much ease. It comes in a pack of three and it is also very affordable. The three blades eliminate the need to get a replacement anytime soon.
One of the most outstanding features of this blade is its variable TPI. This is a 14/18 TPI blade that is capable of cutting through a variety of materials. The blade has alternating sections of 14 TPI and 18 TPI. The major benefit of the alternating teeth per inch is that it allows you to cut both thin and thick metal without switching blades. Switching blades is easy on a scroll saw so if you need something for scrolling the look at a scroll saw and compare it with a band saw. Check this article on Band Saw vs Scroll Saw.
This blade features a Matrix II high-speed steel edge. As such, it is wear and heat resistant and thus providing you with a blade that you will use for a very long time. For durability, this blade features 8 percent cobalt. The length of the blade is 32.875 inches and it is compatible with many portable band saws.
Specs
- 14/18 TPI
- Cobalt
- 32875 inches
- 5.6 ounces
Pros
- Build to last
- Versatile
- Variable TPI
- Heat and wear-resistant
Cons
- It dulls quickly when used on wood
Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Bandsaw Blade
Without the best bandsaw blade, your band saw, regardless of how expensive it is, cannot perform like a champ. As such, it is very important that you choose the right blade when shopping for a band saw blade. Here are some vital factors you need to put into consideration before purchasing one.
The Material and Quality of the Blade
The very first thing you need to consider when buying a bandsaw blade is its build-quality. Most of these blades are made out of carbide-tipped teeth or carbon steel or bi-metal. Carbon steel blades are relatively cheap. Blades made of carbide are more expensive but they last longer. However, the most expensive and durable blades are bi-metallic blades. For average cutting tasks, carbide blades will do a great job.
The Blade’s Width
The width of a band saw blade plays a major role in the type of cuts you can make with the tool. The blade’s width determines the radius of cuts. The thinner the blade, the easier it is to make straighter cuts. Hence, you would find it difficult to make straighter cuts if the blade is wider. On the other hand, wider blades are ideal for resawing and making veneers.
Also, thinner blades are more suitable for cutting smaller curves. Hence, you need to consider your intended use for the blade before making a purchase.
The Pitch of the Blade
The TPI, which is the number of teeth per inch, defines the pitch of the blade. A good band saw blades with lower angles provide faster cuts, but they leave a rougher cutting surface. The more the number of teeth per inch, the cleaner and smoother cut you will get. However, the higher the pitch, the higher the TPI, the slower the cut will be.
If you would be cutting more of thinner materials, you need to opt for a blade with high TPI, as thinner materials require a slower feed rate. In the same way, thicker materials need a lower TPI blade for a faster feed rate. Again, you need to consider your intended use before making a choice.
Blade Tooth Configuration
The teeth configuration of a bandsaw blade differs from blade to blade. These blades come in skip, hook, and standard configurations. The standard tooth configuration provides smoother cuts, as it comes with a high TPI. A blade with a hook design has widely spaced teeth with a rake angle of 10 degrees. These blades come in handy for cutting hard-to-cut woods, as they provide aggressive cuts.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best bandsaw blade is very important, as it would provide you with a great cutting experience and make your job much easier. We hope that the reviews of the best products, as well as the buying guide in this article, would help streamline your decision-making process.
From the products reviewed above, the Dewalt DW3984 Bandsaw Blade is our top recommendation. This blade satisfies all the vital criteria you want in a band saw blade. It is heat and wear-resistant, made with cobalt, and it offers a great cutting performance. It features a high-speed steel construction that helps it to withstand pressure.