A band saw is a versatile cutting machine that allows you to cut through a wide range of different materials, including wood, metal, steel, and even meat. It is a saw that most woodwork enthusiasts have in their workshop. Not only does a bandsaw allow you to cut through different materials, but you can use it to cut straight lines and curves. 

You can equip the machine with different blades. Depending on what you are cutting, depends on the type of blade you will need. If you are new to operating the device, it is crucial that you use the correct blades when taking on a new task. Before investing in a new blade, you must understand its width, the tooth design, and the material you want to cut. When equipped with the correct blade you will be able to make precision cuts with speed. 

What Type of Blade do I Need for Metal Cutting?

If you own a horizontal or vertical bandsaw and you hope to cut metal with it, don’t assume that a standard wood blade will do the trick. Instead, you have to equip the machine with a blade designed specifically for cutting metal. 

The majority of metal cutting blades are bimetal blades or carbon steel. The tooth sizes seem to vary. Carbon tool steel blades are normally cheaper than bimetal blades, and they will allow you to cut through light pieces of metal. If you are looking to cut heavier pieces of metal, you should consider investing in a bimetal blade instead. Although these are more expensive than most carbon tool steel blades, they will help you cut through stronger pieces of metal. They seem to have a longer lifespan too. Bimetal blades will work on stainless steel. 

What Bandsaw Blades do I Need for Cutting Through Wood?

A woodwork enthusiast’s workshop is not complete without a wide range of blades used for cutting wood. Most DIYer’s work with wood on a regular basis, so it is vital that you carry a range of blades for your band saw. The majority of carpenters use a vertical bandsaw to cut through timber, and there are plenty of different blades out there designed for different projects. When choosing a blade, you should keep the following in mind:

• The width of the blade: Before you go to your local hardware store, read the instructions that came with your bandsaw. You should find out what the bandsaw’s maximum width is, to ensure the blade fits your machine. By installing the correct blade, you should have no problems making straight cuts. By investing in the right blades, you will avoid breaking them down the line. 
• The thickness of the blade: Making sure that you get a blade that is thick enough to cut through the wood you are working on is also very important. You will be able to decide on the thickness of the blade by looking at the diameter of the wheels and the project you are taking on. Although you will find that thicker blades can cut straight lines, they do tend to break easily. If you are working on lighter sheets of wood, you can use thinner blades. 

What is TPI?

If you are an experienced carpenter, you have probably come across TPI on several occasions in the past. TPI stands for Tooth Per Inch, and it is one of the most crucial things you should know before you spend your hard earned money on new blades. It is the number of teeth on every inch of a blade. If there aren’t a lot of teeth on the blade, you can expect it to cut faster than a blade with several teeth. However, if you are looking for a smoother finish, you should opt for a blade with lots of teeth. If you are looking to precisely cut a piece of wood, you should make sure that the blade has a minimum of three teeth inside the material throughout the entire process. This will allow you to accurately cut the wood. 

Conclusion

These versatile power tools are extremely popular all over the globe, and manufacturers are constantly warning their customers about the dangers when it comes to operating one. Before you start using the device, you should understand the importance of folding bandsaw blade. Most bandsaws are big machines, so folding and storing them can prove challenging. The majority of bandsaw blades are extremely sharp, so you have to be extra cautious when you are folding them. Make sure that you wear protective gloves just in case you grab part of the blade while handling the device. You can pick up leather globes that will protect you from sustaining an injury from most DIY stores. These are designed so people don’t cut themselves. You should also consider wearing eye protection equipment.