A bi-metal bandsaw blade has a hardened high-speed steel (HSS) tooth edge joined to a tough, flexible spring-steel back. That combination lets the teeth stay sharp in metal while the band itself flexes around the wheels thousands of times without cracking, which is why bi-metal is the first choice for metal cutting and heavy, repeated production work.
Applications of bi-metal bandsaw blades
Bi-metal bandsaw blades are versatile tools that find application across a wide range of scenarios, from general-purpose tasks to heavy production cutting. They excel at cutting challenging materials, including hardwoods and solid metals. Our diverse customer base includes engineers, metal and wood fabricators, metal reclamation specialists, carpenters, and various other professionals who rely on these blades for their cutting needs.
Common applications
Bi-metal bandsaw blades are well-suited for the following materials:
- Alloy steels
- Mild steels
- Stainless steels
- Carbon steels
- Structural steels
- Tool steels
- Flat stock
- Angles
- Hardwoods
Why choose bi-metal over carbon?
The preference for bi-metal blades over carbon blades boils down to their superior durability and extended lifespan. Bi-metal blades can effortlessly handle tougher materials, making them the ideal choice for a wide array of applications—from simple metal cutting to demanding production tasks involving harder materials.
However, it is crucial to recognize that no single blade can excel in every cutting task. Relying on a one-size-fits-all approach can lead to wasted time, resources, and even potential injuries. When selecting the right bandsaw blade, consider various factors such as blade width, teeth per inch (TPI), material compatibility, and material thickness. We provide standard thickness options to simplify your selection process.
To assess whether bi-metal bandsaw blades meet your specific cutting requirements, we encourage you to review the materials listed above and their relevance to your needs. If you have any questions or require assistance during your decision-making process, feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable team via email. They are eager to provide expertise to help you make the best choice for your applications.
Understanding ferrous and non-ferrous materials
When purchasing bandsaw blades, you may encounter the term “ferrous.” This term refers to materials that contain a specific amount of iron. Common ferrous metals include:
- Steel
- Stainless steel
- Mild steel
- Carbon steel
- Cast iron
- Wrought iron
- Pig iron
Conversely, non-ferrous materials consist of metals such as:
- Aluminium
- Copper
- Brass
- Zinc
- Lead
- Tin
- Nickel
- Bronze
- Gold
- Silver
Available widths
Our bi-metal bandsaw blades are available in widths ranging from 6.3 mm to 41 mm (1/4 inch to 1.5 inches), ensuring you find the right blade for your cutting tasks.
How to choose the right bi-metal blade: quick checklist
- Measure the length of your old blade or check your machine manual - see how bandsaw blades are measured.
- Match the width to the job: narrower blades follow curves, wider blades cut straighter and stand up better to feed pressure in thick sections. Never go wider than your machine is designed to take.
- Pick the TPI from the section you cut, not the size of the bar. Aim for at least three teeth in the cut at all times; thin tube and sheet need finer teeth, solid bar needs coarser teeth. Our which TPI do I need guide and metals TPI chart help here.
- Consider variable pitch (for example 10/14 or 6/10 TPI) when you cut a mix of sizes or profiles such as angle, channel and tube - read more on variable pitch blades.
- Run it in gently: a new bi-metal blade lasts longer if the first few cuts are taken with reduced feed pressure - see how bandsaw break-in is done.
Common mistakes with bi-metal blades
- Too coarse a pitch on thin-wall tube. Fewer than three teeth in the cut lets teeth snag and strip.
- Too fine a pitch on solid bar. The gullets fill with chips, the blade rubs instead of cutting and heat builds up quickly.
- Forcing the feed. Excess pressure causes crooked cuts and early tooth wear; let the teeth do the work.
- Skipping coolant on steel. Where your saw has coolant, use it - heat is the main enemy of the tooth edge. See coolants and lubricants.
- Low or uneven tension. A slack blade wanders and fatigues; check blade tension and performance.
Frequently asked questions
Can a bi-metal bandsaw blade cut wood?
Yes. Bi-metal blades cut hardwoods well and stay sharp for longer than carbon in abrasive or dense timber. For general softwood work only, a carbon blade is usually the more economical option, but a bi-metal blade is a good choice if you also cut metal or want longer edge life.
What is the difference between bi-metal and carbon bandsaw blades?
A carbon blade is made from a single carbon-steel strip with hardened teeth. A bi-metal blade has a high-speed steel edge welded to a flexible alloy back, so it tolerates heat and hard materials far better. Compare both on our bandsaw blade material choice page.
Can bi-metal blades cut stainless steel?
Yes - stainless, tool, alloy and structural steels are all listed above as typical bi-metal applications. Stainless work-hardens, so keep a steady feed, avoid letting the blade rub and use a pitch that keeps at least three teeth in the cut. Our work hardening guide explains why.
Which bi-metal blade width should I order?
Order the width your machine is set up for, or the width of your existing blade. We make bi-metal blades from 6.3 mm to 41 mm wide; narrower widths suit curved work and wider widths suit straight cuts in thicker material. You can browse sizes in our bimetal bandsaw blades range.
All of our Bimetal material is sourced from the USA from MK Morse, but in some rare occurrences we will used another US or UK sourced material.
For more information on Bimetal Material bandsaw blade material choice guide.
To view our Bi-Metal Bandsaw Blade TPI (Teeth Per Inch) chart, order your bandsaw blade online.
Start your bimetal order Here!
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026