Best Bandsaw Blades – 2021 Round-up

| Last Updated: October 20, 2022

Bandsaw blades are essential tools in the woodworking and metalworking industry. They cut thick timber, resaw boards, plastics, rubber, and metals of varying shapes and sizes. 

The output of your cutting depends on the type of blade used in your bandsaw. There are many different types of bandsaw blades on the market which makes choosing the right one confusing.  

Although most blades are versatile, they come with varying features that might need extensive knowledge to pick the right one. In this article, we explore some of the best bandsaw blades, depending on your needs.

Comparison of the Best Bandsaw Blades

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Constructed from high grade, quality carbon steel
  • Has guaranteed weld and heat resistance
  • Tooth arrangement offers seamless cutting results
View Latest Price →
  • Alloy steel backer offers fatigue resistance
  • Ideal cutting for thick, medium, and thin gauge metal
  • 8% cobalt content gives additional wear and durability
View Latest Price →
  • Best for the Money
  • 8% cobalt content gives extra strength and durability
  • For cutting iron, aluminum, bronze, copper, brass, steel
View Latest Price →
  • Best Band Saw Blade For Metal
  • For cuts in rectangular tubes, solid and structural shapes
  • Vari-raker tooth set is ideal for general cutting applications
View Latest Price →
  • Best Band Saw Blade For Resawing
  • Blades are induction hardened for precise hardness
  • Blade is perfect balance of width, thickness, and precision
View Latest Price →
  • Best All Around Band Saw Blade
  • Flexible blade works well with plastic, woods, and non-ferrous metals
  • Has guaranteed weld and heat resistance
View Latest Price →
  • Best Band Saw Blade For Hardwood
  • Very durable, easy to handle and install
  • Can be used for woodwork, industrial, professional, and DIY uses
View Latest Price →

How to Choose a Bandsaw Blade

Since there is no perfect bandsaw blade for any application, some knowledge on what to look out for in a bandsaw blade will draw you close to finding what fits your bandsaw machine and cutting needs. Here is a highlight of some of the features to keep an eye on.

  • Blade tooth orientation

  • Saw blade material

  • Blade teeth count

  • Blade thickness

  • Blade length and width

Photo credit: Selmach.com

Why Are These Features Important?

Here is why each of these is a vital consideration:

Blade Tooth Orientation

Bandsaw blades have varied inclinations suited for different cutting needs.  

Raker Tooth

This teeth setting has one tooth pointing to the left while the other points to the right and followed by a straight tooth. This type of teeth is ideal for smooth joints and rounded parts.

Alternate Teeth

Just as the name suggests, this setting has alternating teeth left right, left right without a raker in between.

Wavy Tooth

This type has teeth set left and right and in between is a raker. It is suitable for cutting thin materials.

Saw Blade Material

The common two materials used in bandsaw blades are bi-metal and carbon. Bimetal bandsaw blades are ideal in cutting alloy steels, non-ferrous material, aluminum stainless steel, and carbon steels. 

Carbon bandsaw blades on the other hand are best suited for cutting brass, graphite, bronze, aluminum, and carbon.

Photo credit: TheFabricator.com

Blade Teeth Count

Measured in TPI, which denotes-number of teeth per inch, many teeth in a blade mean a smoother cut with a flawless finish. More teeth, however, take longer in cutting, and such teeth setting may be prone to faster dulling than low TPI blades. 

A two or three TPI  blade is sufficient for cutting thicker material whereas more complicated cutting may require at least a TPI of 14. For all-rounded sawing purposes, a blade with 6 to 8 TPI is fine.

Blade Thickness

A blade that heats and flexes continually can be tiring and hurts your cutting. An appropriate blade thickness is a top consideration if you do a lot of straight cuts. For thinner and more precise work, a thinner blade is ideal.

Blade Length

The proper functionality of a bandsaw blade is directly proportional to the right blade length. Although some bandsaws allow up to a 2-inch margin error, the more accurate the blade length is, the better. 

Photo credit: BladeSerpent.com

To determine the appropriate blade length for your blade, refer to your manual or use the formula: (2 x A) + (3.14 x B), the distance between the bandsaw wheel center and the upper wheel midway is A (inches) while B is the bandsaw wheel’s diameter.

Blade Width

Based on the type of cutting you want to do, using the appropriate blade width is very essential. A wider blade is appropriate for straight cuts, thicker wood pieces, or other materials and larger cuts. For a curved and more accurate cut, a thinner blade does the magic.

Review of the Best Bandsaw Blades

Here is a review of some of the best blades available on the market today, including the features of a bandsaw blade and their significance.

Best Overall:
POWERTEC 13183X

POWERTEC 70-1/2 Inch Bandsaw Blades, 1/8' x 14 TPI Band Saw Blades for Sears Craftsman 21400 and Rikon 10-305, 10-3061 10' Band Saw for Woodworking, 1 pack (13183)

PROS

  • Premium build from high-grade carbon steel
  • Geometric tooth arrangement
  • Regular teeth profile of 14 TPI and a rake
  • Thick blade for straight cuts
  • Compatible with most common bandsaw brands 

CONS

  • Not ideal for curve cuts and intricate material
  • Some users report easy blade breakage 

Specs

Weight: 0.1 Pounds

Tooth Type: Regular

Dimensions: 7.75 x 7.75 x 0.5 inches

Build Material: Carbon steel

Review

Built from high-grade carbon and with high-speed performance, you can use a POWERTEC 13183X in heavy-duty production in a busy workshop. At 0.025 inches, the blades are thick enough to give straight cuts on any material. 

The blades come in packs of three and work with other popular bandsaw brands, such as Skil, Ryobi, Wen, and Craftsman, among others, which may, however, not be the best blade in case you’ll cut delicate or irregular shapes.

Bottom Line

POWERTEC 13183X is a versatile blade that will cut both wood and metal materials. At 14 TPI, this is considered a standard blade suitable for commercial and heavy-duty production or home workshops. A pack of three blades keeps you safe in case one blade breaks in the course of duty. You may, however, need to get a thinner blade for resawing and contour cutting.

Runner-up:
DEWALT DW3986C

DEWALT Portable Band Saw Blade, 32-7/8-Inch, .020-Inch, 14/18 TPI, 3-Pack (DW3986C)

PROS

  • Matrix II high-speed steel for a stronger blade
  • 8% added cobalt for durability and sturdiness
  • Fatigue resistant alloy steel backer for enhanced progressive productivity
  • Ideal for cutting thin, medium, and thick metal
  • Comes in a pack of three

CONS

  • Blade dulls fast
  • Limited 30-day warranty 

Specs:

Weight: 5.60856 ounces

Tooth Type: Variable

Dimensions: 14 x 0.63 x 5.25 inches

Build Material: Cobalt

Review

Coming from a trusted brand, DEWALT DW3986C can be counted on for durability and versatility since it will work for both your woodworking and metalworking needs. 

This blade will cut at high speeds, which makes it suitable for heavy-duty production. The blade is also very compatible with most bandsaw brands.

Bottom Line

DEWALT DW3986C is a multi-purpose bandsaw blade suitable for cutting thick, medium, and thin metals and also for all woodworking needs. The blade is made to last long and will stand for long hours of use without heating up. 

The major downside to this blade is quick dulling, which might also depend on usage frequency.

Best for the Money:
Milwaukee 48390511

Portable Band Saw Blade, Bi-Metal, PK3

PROS

  • Ideal for cutting both mild and tough stainless steel material
  • Bimetal blade construction for more blade strength
  • Comes in a pack of three
  • 14 TPI standard for most cutting needs
  • Raker tooth type for fast cutting

CONS

  • Some users report easy breakage
  • Not ideal for fine cuts 

Specs

Weight: 0.54 Pounds

Tooth Type: Raker

Dimensions: 36 x 8x 1/2 inches

Build Material: Cobalt

Review

Milwaukee 48390511 is a super tough blade that will require less frequent changing due to dulling or breakage. The blade cuts fast and is ideal for cutting soft materials such as aluminum, bronze, angle iron, and tough materials such as tungsten steel and chrome. 

However, the blade is 0.0020 inches thick and may not be the best for straight cuts compared to other thicker blade options in this review.

Bottom Line

Milwaukee 48390511 is a highly versatile blade type that will suit most of your cutting needs, from woodworking to tough and mild metals. The raker teeth will cut huge beams in less time and will not dull or break easily.

Best Band Saw Blade For Metal:
Lenox - 80162D2B51640

Lenox - 80162D2B51640 Diemaster 2 Vari-Raker Band Saw Blade, Bimetal, Regular Tooth, Raker Set, Positive Rake, 64.5' Length, 1/2' Width, 0.025' Thick, 10-14 TPI

PROS

  • Bimetal blade construction for a strong and durable blade
  • Variable tooth design for varying types of cuts
  • Ideal for both irregular and straight cuts
  • Cuts both metals and wood
  • Heat resistant M-24 high-speed steel to ensure durability

CONS

  • Not compatible with most bandsaw brands
  • Dulls quickly

Specs

Weight: 0.8 Pounds

Tooth Type: Regular 

Dimensions: 7.35 x 6.95 x 1.25 inches

Build Material: Bimetal

Review

The Lenox - 80162D2B51640 has a variable teeth design, varied raker, and a positive rake angle suitable for contoured cutting and cutting other non-ferrous materials. The variable tooth design has wider gullets for faster cutting and easy removal of debris from the kerf. 

The teeth are made of M-24 high-speed steel, making it both wear and heat resistant.

The teeth design is highly versatile and will cut in both straight and irregular shapes. The blade's variable pitch has low vibration and noise levels.

Bottom Line

Durable build bi-metal construction, varied teeth profile, high versatility capable of both irregular and straight cuts makes Lenox - 80162D2B51640 bandsaw blade is among the best choices in this review. 

The blade is highly heat resistant and with wide gullets to allow for easy and quick kerf clearing.

Best Band Saw Blade For Resawing:
Timber Wolf 105-3423VPC

3423VPC 105' by 3/4' Timber Wolf Bandsaw Silicon Steel Low Tension Resaw Blade

PROS

  • Durable build from Swedish silicon steel
  • Ideal for thinner cuts
  • Best for heavy-duty production
  • High-speed cutting with less vibrancy
  • Ideal for both woodworking and metalworking

CONS

  • Comes in a pack of one
  • Not the best for irregular cuts

Specs

Weight: 12.8 ounces

Tooth Type: Variable

Dimensions: 14.8 x 12 x 1.5 inches

Build Material: Swedish Silicon Steel

Review

At 0.25 inches thickness, Timber Wolf 105-3423VPC will give straight cuts without flexing in both small and large boards. The blade is extremely durable and is built from premium Swedish silicon metal.

The blade is razor-sharp and gives smooth finishes without grinding the teeth. The positive claw, variable pitch, and tooth design reduce the vibrancy during cutting.

Bottom Line

Timber Wolf 105-3423VPC is engineered for long production life and superior performance. Although the blade comes in one pack, the strong build will guarantee long services when used appropriately. 

Although it works best at resawing, its 0.25 inches thickness makes it for straight cuts too.

Best All-Around Band Saw Blade:
POWERTEC 13155

POWERTEC 59-1/4 Inch Bandsaw Blades, 1/4' x 14 TPI Band Saw Blades for Sears Craftsman, Ryobi, B&D, Skil, Protect and Tradesman 9' Band Saw for Woodworking, 1 Pack (13155)

PROS

  • Ideal for woodworking, plastic, and aluminum materials
  • Durable high-carbon steel build
  • Highly heat and wear-resistant hence lasts a long time
  • Raker set/regular teeth profile
  • Compatible with common bandsaw brands

CONS

  • Comes in one pack
  • Prone to breakage

Specs

Weight: 0.282 ounces

Tooth Type: Regular

Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches

Build Material: Carbon Steel

Review

Made from high carbon steel, POWERTEC 13155 is heat resistant and built to offer high precision cutting on wood, plastic and non-ferrous material. 

This blade wears uniformly and therefore gives straight cuts even towards the end of its lifespan. It is compatible with most bandsaws but unfortunately comes in just one pack.

Bottom Line

Other than availability in one pack during purchase, POWERTEC 13155 combines most of the qualities that make an ideal bandsaw blade for industrial and home workshop cutting

High heat resistance, premium build from carbon steel, geometric teeth arrangement, 14 TPI, and high-speed performance are some of the features that make this blade stand out.

Best Band Saw Blade For Hardwood:
Olson Saw FB23193DB

Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade 3/4' x 93-1/2', 3 TPI

PROS

  • Easy installation hence saves time for other pressing tasks
  • Best for both non-ferrous, plastic, and wood cutting
  • Ideal for heavy-duty production for professional or commercial users
  • 3 TPI hook saw
  • Compatible with most bandsaw brands 

CONS

  • Comes in one pack
  • Some users report extensive blade drift during cutting

Specs

Weight: 0.4 Pounds

Tooth Type: Hook 

Dimensions: 10.25 x 10.88 x 1 inches

Build Material: Carbon steel

Review

With 93-1/2" long x 1/2" wide x .025" thick x 3TPI Hook tooth, this Olson Saw FB23193DB is a standard blade that will serve well for both commercial and heavy-duty cutting and also for occasional cutting in a home workshop. 

The blade will also fit all 14-inch bandsaws that include brands such as Steel City, Rikon, Jet, and more.

Bottom Line

Olson Saw FB23193DB is a versatile blade that will be ideal in cutting both hardwood, plastics, and other non-ferrous material. The blade, however, comes in one pack, and since you can never predict breakage, it is recommended to order at least two blades to be safe.

Types of Bandsaw Blades

There are a variety of bandsaw blades used in the woodworking and metalworking industry. Here are some of the most common blades used in the industry.

Regular Tooth

Also referred to as a standard bandsaw blade, the regular tooth blade has straight-faced teeth and deep gullets between the teeth. 

This blade is ideal for cutting metal and gives very good finishing when used in woodworking for cutting both.

Skip Tooth

The skip tooth blade has a flat gullet and no rake angle. This blade type has some resemblance to the hook tooth and may not be the best for complicated cutting where smooth finishing is required. 

The blade works well on soft cutting like aluminum and in woodworking.

Photo credit: Sensibledigs.com

Hook Tooth

Just as the name suggests, this blade has hook-like teeth, a wide rake angle, and 10 degrees undercut face. 

This blade is ideal for coarse and fast cutting on both huge and tiny materials. The blade cuts deep and is ideal for heavy-duty cutting needs such as beams.

The blade also works well in cutting other non-ferrous material.

Diamond Blade

This type of blade is mostly used in metalworking, although it also works well when used in cutting wood. A diamond blade is for cutting hard materials such as concrete, tiles, ceramic, glass, porcelain, and many more.

Why Bandsaw Blade Size and Tooth Count Matter

When shopping for a bandsaw blade, pay close attention to features like teeth per inch (TPI), blade length, and width, and for a good reason.

Photo credit: WoodMagazine.com

Closely packed teeth give fine cuts, but due to tiny gullets, removing debris may be difficult when compared to loosely spaced teeth. Thicker blades on the other side are ideal in cutting straight lines since the blade is less prone to flexing. 

Thinner blades best suit cutting irregular and curvy shapes and soft materials.

When choosing the ideal blade size and teeth count, the choice narrows down to the type of material you intend to cut.

Bandsaw Blade Size and TPI Chart

The TPI chart below shows different blade sizes, tooth type, blade size, and manufacturer.

Brand

Tooth Size

Tooth Type

Blade Size

Manufacturer

POWERTEC 13183X

70-1/2-Inch x 1/8-Inch x 14 TPI x 0.025

Regular Tooth Profile

7.75 x 7.75 x 0.5 inches

POWERTEC

DEWALT DW3986C

32-7/8-Inch, 020-Inch, 14/18 TPI

Variable Tooth Design

14 x 0.63 x 5.25 inches

DEWALT

Milwaukee 48390511

14 TPI 0.020 thickness

Raker Tooth Design

36 x 8 x 1/2 inches

Milwaukee

Lenox - 80162D2B51640

4.5" L 1/2" W, 0.025" Thick,10-14 TPI

Regular Tooth Design

7.35 x 6.95 x 1.25 inches

LENOX, Newell Rubbermaid

Timber Wolf 105-3423VPC

105" x 3/4'' x 2-3TPI x 0.025

Variable Tooth Design

14.8 x 12 x 1.5 inches

Timber Wolf

POWERTEC 13155

59-1/4” x 1/4” x 0.014 x 14 TPI

Regular Tooth Profile

6.5 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches

POWERTEC

Olson Saw FB23193DB

1/2"Wx 93-1/2" L 3TPI

Hook tooth

10.25 x 10.88 x 1 inches

Blackstone Industries, LLC

Top Brands in the Bandsaw Blade Space

The high demand for bandsaw blades in both the woodworking and metalworking industry has seen many less-known manufactures enter the market. Here we discuss some of the most reputable brands in the industry.

Dewalt

Founded in 1924, Dewalt Products Co. has been around for almost a century now. Their reputation as one of the best woodworking tool manufacturers is undisputed. Dewalt saws they were first used in World war II for constructing barracks, crates, housing, and more.

Photo credit: Dewalt.com

Dewalt manufactures a wide range of reliable and highly durable power tools trusted by professionals. Some scam websites have reportedly posed as Dewalt hoping to increase their power tools sales. 

The Dewalt DW3985C bandsaw blade is one of their durable products that comes packed in three pieces and has a 3-year warranty.

Bosch

Bosch is yet another trusted brand that sells high-quality engineering and technology products. Founded by Robert Bosch in Stuttgart in 1886, this German company has stood the test of time as a leading manufacturer of both hardware and software products.

Other than power tools and other industrial technology products, Bosch also manufactures household appliances and other building technology products.

Photo credit: BestAdvisor.com

Most Bosch products are for heavy-duty usage. The Bosch BS6412-24M bandsaw blade is one of their toughest products and comes with a 24 TPI and is 641/2 inch in length.

Most Bosch products have generous warranties, which further stamps their authority and trust as lead players in the power tools industry.

Skil

Skil Power Tools is a trusted manufacturer of electric power tools and other accessories. The Chinese-owned brand was founded in 1926 and has its headquarters in Naperville, Illinois.

Photo credit: WoodworkNation.com

A look at one of their products, Skil 80151 bandsaw blade is enough conviction why the brand is trusted by many. Skil 80151 is a heavy-duty cutting blade with a 15.6 TPI rating, is 591/2 inches long, comes with three blades, and has a one-year warranty.

Other top brands away from the three discussed above are Lenox Tools and Imachinist.

Price Points of Bandsaw Blades

Bandsaw blades come in different price ranges that may differ depending on the brand, performance, and other bandsaw blade features, as discussed in the article. Below are categories according to prices and the types of bandsaw blades you can find depending on your budget.

$10 and Below

Bandsaw blades in this price point are made from mid-grade material and might not be the appropriate choice for heavy-duty cutting.

They’ll do a great job for occasional sawing but will also tend to dull faster. They are among the cheapest bandsaw blades on the market for those who are on tight budgets.

Some of the bandsaw blades found within this price range include POWERTEC 13155, Bosch BS80-15S, POWERTEC 13161.

Photo credit: ForgingMagazine.com

$10-$15

Bandsaw blades in this price range are a little studier and durable. They are more improved and can be classified as being standard. They will not dull as quickly as their cheaper counterparts.

Some of the bandsaw blades in this category include Olson Saw FB23193DB, Bosch BS6412-24M.

$15 and Above

This price range consists of some of the best-engineered and highly durable blades. Products in this category come with multiple blades in the package suitable for those who use their bandsaw blades frequently.

Some of these blades that are also heavy-duty include Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade, Bosch BS9312-18M, DEWALT DW3992, POWERTEC 13206.

Common Bandsaw Blade Problems and How to Fix Them

As much as a bandsaw blade will tremendously improve output in your workshop, expect to run into some problems that will require your time to fix. Below we discuss some of the most common problems and actions you can take when they occur.

Blade Breakage

Possible causes of blade breakage include:

  • Use of incompatible blade in the bandsaw

  • Worn or chipped pressure block

  • Imbalanced blade tension setting

  • Using inappropriate cutting fluid

Photo credit: Selmach.com

You can easily correct breakage caused by either high or low blade tension by adjusting the tension accordingly. This breakage can result from the bandsaw staying in one place longer than usual before use or even when changing cutting material. 

Regularly check the tension before starting any application.

You can correct blade breakage that results from wrong cutting fluid or blade by adhering to coolant recommendations and proper selection of your bandsaw blade. Most of these problems can be fixed or avoided by just a little attention to smaller details also found in the user manual.

Premature Teeth Dulling

This occurs due to:

  • Imbalanced fluid mix ratio or wrong fluid

  • Blade installed backward

  • Speed is set too high

  • High bandsaw feed

  • Applying incorrect blade break-in process

Causes of teeth dulling are very minor and easy to fix on your own. Pay attention to how to install the blade properly by consulting your manual. Set speed as per the recommendations, and read instructions on the right procedure of blade break-in.

Teeth Stripping

Teeth stripping may occur as a result of:

  • High feed pressure

  • Wrong plate pitch

  • Poor cutting application or fluid ratio

  • Wrong blade break-in procedure

Photo credit: Selmach.com

To avoid the teeth stripping menace while using your bandsaw, ensure you select the right tooth type and use the right coolant that is balanced appropriately (always check the coolant recommendations). 

Follow correct blade break-in procedures and adjust the feed pressure to the right recommendations.

Conclusion 

An ideal bandsaw blade combines several factors, as discussed in the article. Although you won't find a bandsaw blade that is perfect for all your applications, it is important to invest time to explore available options and ask questions about their features and what to expect. 

This way, you can find a blade that closely addresses your cutting requirements hence improved general output.

Recap - Best Bandsaw Blades

Heading out? Here's a refresher on our best bandsaw blades:

  1.  POWERTEC 13183X
  2.  DEWALT DW3986C
  3.  Milwaukee 48390511

People Also Ask

The availability of many bandsaw blades with varied features can be confusing enough on performance, usage, maintenance, and more. Here we answer some common questions from some users and those planning to buy bandsaw blades.

Are More Teeth on a Saw Blade Better?

Measured as TPI, which means teeth per inch, the teeth count on a bandsaw blade may affect your cutting output depending on the material being cut. 

While a bandsaw blade with a high teeth count is suitable for cutting fine and smooth finishes, it can be slow and accumulates debris in the kerf, which can be tiring to clean.

How Do I Know If My Bandsaw Blade is Dull?

Watch out for a blade that wanders and does not cut in a straight line. It may also need excessive force when cutting. A dull blade causes you to exert extra force on the blade during cutting, which can cause injuries and should be avoided.

Photo credit: Wikus.de

How Tight Should a Bandsaw Blade Be?

Measured as pounds per square inch (psi), the right tension for your blade should be between 15,000 psi to 20, 000 psi for a regular carbon steel blade. 

However, for much stronger blades like spring steel, bimetal, and carbide-tipped blades, a higher tension between 25,000 psi and 30,000 psi is recommended.

What Size of Blade Does a 14-inch Bandsaw Take?

To determine a bandsaw blade length, use a piece of tape placed on the floor, mark it and roll your bandsaw blade in a straight line. Be sure to mark your starting point both on the tape and the blade. Using this trick, a 14-inch bandsaw will take a 93-1/2 inches long blade.

What Does a 14-inch Bandsaw Mean?

A wheels’ diameter in the bandsaw is used to determine the bandsaw size. So, a 14-inch bandsaw translates to a wheel that is 14 inches in diameter.

Is a Bandsaw Dangerous?

A bandsaw can pose a great danger to your life when used improperly. Such dangers can include fire, electric shock, or personal injury. To stay safe with a bandsaw, make sure the machine is solely used for its intended purpose.