1060 – 02 – Blade Material Options

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One fundamental factor to consider when you select a band saw is the blade material. The three most common blade types all have different benefits. Most blades are composed of carbide, carbon steel, or bi-metal.

Carbon steel blades consist of a one-piece strip of material. It is a metal sawing shop favorite and is extremely cost-efficient. A similar type of blade called the carbon hard-back blade is heat treated for strength so it can take heavier feed pressures than regular blades.

Bi-metal blades are made from two types of steel. The blade backing is comprised of spring steel, which is noted for its hardness and flexibility. A strip of high speed tool steel is then welded to the blade back. It’s more expensive because it is processed. This combination of two types of metal gives the bi-metal saw blades their name.

Carbide blades have excellent heat resistance and long lasting endurance. This is because they employ tungsten carbide tips. Carbide cylinders are welded into the pockets and worked into a particular shape. Carbide blades excel in high speed cutting of exotic alloys and other hard to cut materials.