Best Band Saw Blade for Stainless Steel in 2022 – Reviews & Buyers Guide

Choosing a bandsaw blade requires far more thought than just grabbing the first blade you see that fits your band saw blade size. There are a few things to consider, including the types of items or the types of projects you will be working on with your bandsaw blade.

There are times that you may need a specific type of blade or even blade width for certain projects so it is important to be familiar with what blade needs are required. When it comes to cutting materials like stainless steel, this is particularly true. You can’t just grab your everyday bandsaw blade and expect it to be sufficient to cut such a material.

In this case, your saw blade needs to be strong and sturdy enough to handle the material. You will find that a bi-metal band saw blade is probably the most popular because it is one of the most versatile options. Carbon steel blades are known for being durable and handling some heavy items but when it comes to steel, they work best for mild steel. Then, there are carbide tipped blades, which is the almighty bandsaw blade that cuts just about any material with ease.

In this guide, we’ve sifted through the options to find you the very best band saw blade choices for cutting steel and similar non ferrous prodcucts. We specifically looked for the following characteristics in our choices.

• The teeth per inch number
• The material of the blade
• Blade performance
• Blade longevity

While these are not the only defining factors, they were an essential part of our decision as they give some basic insight for how the blade was constructed and help to determine whether they can handle the hardness of stainless steels.

The Best Bandsaw Blades for Cutting Steel

We’ve sorted through the options out there to bring to you the very best on the market. While there are a multitude of saw blade options out there, the blades really depend mostly on what they are made out of in order to be able to handle non ferrous products for your projects.

In the following part of this guide, we will share with you all of our top picks for a band saw blade to cut through steel. Each review will share a comprehensive overview of the bandsaw blade but will also contain a rating of the key features we looked at as well as a list of pros and cons for your reference. Our goal is that this will provide you with all of the details that you need in order to make a fully informed decision on a blade.

We Think You’ll Like: Best Band Saw Blades in 2022 – Reviews & Buyers Guide

1. Best Overall: Bosch BS5912-18M Multi Construction Band Saw Blade

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This first option is our best overall pick. Bosch BS5912-18M Multi Construction Band Saw Blade is a quality blade meets sturdy items and it can slice through metal as well as wood anytime you need. This particular option is made from high carbon steel that is premium grade. It’s strong and sturdy with a bi metal approach that includes carbide tipped blades for that added strength that you need.

The blade is designed to be heat resistant so when you work with non ferrous metals it won’t get overheated. The teeth are also incredibly designed on the blades to give you absolute cutting performance when you need it most. This saw blade has a TPI of 24, giving you a higher tooth count on the band saw blade to help you smoothly cut through just about anything.

The heat treated design and the tooth pitch help to maintain the hardness of that cutting edge and makes your blade last longer overall so high speed steel and other hard and challenging materials simply won’t be a problem. The tooth design you find on this bandsaw blade is unique to Bosch with a geometric approach. The end result is the blades are optimized for performance and you aren’t straining your bandsaw or your band saw blade when you put it to work.

One thing to be aware of with carbon steel blades like this one is that sometimes the blade dulls quickly because it simply isn’t built to last as long, even though it is heat treated.

Key Feature Ratings (On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best)

• TPI – 10
• Material – 9
• Blade Life – 9
• Versatility – 10

Why We Like It:

This bandsaw blade made our list because it’s an all around great band saw blade that you can depend on. It handles high speed steel and is built to last even when you put it to work. It’s made with thinner sections so it can handle just about any task you put it against.

2. Budget Pick: Olson Saw FB23193DB Band Saw Blade

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You can find a broad range of prices when it comes to picking out a saw blade. These price hits often are directly related to the materials and the build of the blades but they can also be related to the brand and other factors. That being said, it is quite possible to find a quality blade at a reasonable price. We know our first pick was certainly budget-friendly but here is another great budget pick for a blade that you shouldn’t overlook. The cost of the blade is certainly worth the search.

The Olson blade does come in different size options so you can choose your bands width or perhaps buy a pack that comes with multiple blades in it if you want to have backups on hand. These blades sport 3 teeth per inch and are designed with a hook in the blade so they can effectively slice a broad range of materials.

Olson has been making blades and other band saw items since 1918 and they’ve always been a reputable brand. This blade falls into that category as well. It can be fitted to a variety of saws and it’s also easy to handle and install for a blade. The blade is made to be durable and long lasting. This is a carbon steel blade so again it may dull up faster than some blade options but you can’t really do better for the price.

We also want to point out the 1/2 an inch blade width. This is ideal for a blade cutting through steel but it’s also versatile so it can handle far more than just steel. Olson Saw FB23193DB Band Saw Blade is a common blade that works for just about any of your everyday projects and handles the steel needs in small doses well.

Key Feature Ratings (On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best)

• TPI – 8
• Material – 9
• Blade Life – 9
• Versatility – 10

Why We Like It:

We chose this blade because it brings you versatility and reliability at a low cost. We love the price and the fact that is is budget friendly compared to many others out there. On the same note, it still produces reasonable results for variable uses.

3. Dark Stone Carbide Tipped Blades Bandsaw Blade

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This next option is definitely a premium choice but the price is well worth the cost for what the blade is capable of. You will find this listed as a resaw blade but the check point is that the body of the blade can easily handle the pressure of working through high speed steel without having to slow or worry about fast wear and stress against the blade.

You can use this blade on any pattern or hardness, but it works primarily best for things like resawing and thick cuts. The TPI is only 2 but this allows you to get through thick and heavy materials, including lumber or other metal options. It can handle nickel, lumber, bronze, and any thick steel you put it against.

This is not your carbon steel or bi metal material. Dark Stone Carbide Tipped Blades Bandsaw Blade is made with carbide, making it a hard blade, which is why it can handle hard material needs. This bandsaw blade will ultimately take you to the next level of cutting but keep in mind the tooth count as this could limit you for some designs or more intricate cutting needs.

While the thickness is ideal for a variety of uses and the length is a traditional length, the kerf might cause added vibration when you need something for a pattern. You can make a cut easily through plastic, wood, aluminum, steel, titanium, and more thanks to the hardness but you may find angles and curves to be slightly more challenging to cut.

Key Feature Ratings (On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best)

• TPI – 8
• Material – 10
• Blade Life – 10
• Versatility – 9

Why We Like It:

This blade does have a bit higher of a price but when it comes to cutting, you probably won’t find a bandsaw blade that can handle thickness and be versatile to steel, aluminum, wood, plastic, or whatever else you try to throw at it.

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4. Imachinist Bi Metal Blade for Steel

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A good rule of thumb for handling steel is to simply go with a bi metal blade. This product is known for being versatile and the thickness can handle your wood but can also handle steel, plastic, and more. The nice thing is you can keep cutting without changing your bandsaw blade at every turn, which is why so many people turn to this style of blade. It’s far more convenient to find a saw blade that can suit a variety of needs rather than changing your blade with every use.

This particular blade has 14 teeth per inch, which makes it a great option for steel and other product needs. It can handle the hard things and the soft things and the heat treated design help the teeth simply slice through steadily without a lot of noise or heat in the process. It also doesn’t cost a lot, which can be a nice consideration to determine the right blade for you.

When it comes to pressure, the Imachinist blade here produces quality cutting without causing a lot of stress on the item. Imachinist Bi Metal Blade for Steel can handle a lot of length and thick products. It can handle other requirements like lumber for furniture and it will stay together. It does not have a welded end but it can be welded should it break.

The kerf gives you the ability to continue any type of cutting, including angles, gullet, and even a range of thickness requirements.

Key Feature Ratings (On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best)

• TPI – 10
• Material – 10
• Blade Life – 10
• Versatility – 10

Why We Like It:

When you’re looking for a blade that is simple steadily reliable, you will find it here. The tooth inch on the kerf is perfect and the welded blade is smooth and sufficient for just about any bandsaw project. It can cut like a dream and can definitely handle steel with those strong and steady teeth.

5. Timber Wolf Carbides Bandsaw Blade

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Timber Wolf is quite well known for their quality and this blade definitely fits the bill. It can handle steels as well as other items and it’s an ideal width when you need something a little bit smaller. The teeth per inch measure out at 10 TPI, which gives you a lot of cutting capability with a versatile kerf. Each tooth is a carbide item so wood, metal, steels, and anything else is not a problem. It’s a welded blade but it has a smooth and steady cut quality.

This blade is also designed to run cooler while you work. Timber Wolf Carbides Bandsaw Blade
can handle a high inch project, unlike many other blades that are similar by design. The high silicon in the carbon steel allows you to cut with ease, relying on the tooth to make it through quickly and not overheat in the process.

These blades are reliable quality and are built to last. They don’t require as much power because of the pitch tension of the blades so you can run quickly and efficiently and not use all of your HP to do so on the saw. In addition, the thin kerf and tooth design on the blades makes cutting a breeze regardless of what you are cutting.

Key Feature Ratings (On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best)

• TPI – 10
• Material – 10
• Blade Life – 10
• Versatility – 10

Why We Like It:

When it comes to loading your saw with the right blades for your cutting purposes, you really can’t go wrong here. It’s built for versatility but it also handles cutting like a champ. It slices smoothly and reliably through wood and metal of all kinds, with a kerf that can stand up to the tasks.

6. Super Cut Premium BiMetal Bandsaw Carbon Steel Blades

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If you really want durability that you can depend on when cutting any type of metal, you need a blade that can handle the heat. Finding a bandsaw blade that is specifically labeled for this type of cutting is always a win. The good news is that when it says it can handle steels, it doesn’t mean that it can’t handle cutting wood and this is where the blade stands out in the end.

This particular blade for your saw is designed to handle metals (including steels) without the heat causing stress while it’s cutting. The pitch of the teeth and the inch on the kerf allows you to handle your tasks with ease. This has a tooth count of 10-14 per inch, depending on how the blade is cutting at the time. This tooth count is pretty reliable for heat any time you are cutting more challenging items.

Since Super Cut Premium BiMetal Bandsaw Carbon Steel Blades is a bi metal blade, it’s built to handle high speed steel like a champ. The high carbon steel paired with quality tips, makes this a band saw blade you shouldn’t overlook. It also comes at a great price for carbon steel blades that are comparable in the market. We appreciate the premium design and the fact that this bandsaw blade was designed for just such a purpose.

Your teeth and kerf pair together nicely for high speed steel. This bandsaw blade is also made in the USA, which is always a nice addition.

Key Feature Ratings (On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best)

• TPI – 10
• Material – 10
• Blade Life – 10
• Versatility – 9

Why We Like It:

We like this particular bandsaw blade because it’s made for cutting items just like this. The 1/2 inch width is ideal and the kerf is variable so it keeps you moving steady without a buildup of excessive heat while you are cutting. It can also be used for wood and other items as well.

7. DeWalt Portable Bandsaw Blade

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Finally, if you’re looking for something you can use on a portable bandsaw for cutting like this, you can’t go wrong with the DeWalt portable bandsaw blade. DeWalt Portable Bandsaw Blade is got great pitch with a 14/18 tooth per inch measurement. This kerf is incredibly small so it handles cutting like a pro. While DeWalt does have their own bandsaw models, you can use this on a variety of other portable bandsaw types as well, so it’s a functional choice.

The bandsaw blade is cobalt and it will fit a 32 7/8 inch saw. In fact, it even comes in a 3-pack so your bandsaw will be fully equipped all the time. Having a backup is nice in case a tooth breaks or kinks so you can make a quick bandsaw change and then keep on working. With this inch width, you can handle wood as well as your steels and it will make cuts solidly and consistently.

The blades for a portable bandsaw are made with cobalt so they can handle cutting without overheating and they won’t wear down or dull up so easily, even if you don’t use them on wood. The RC 65-67 hardness on the tooth promises your bandsaw will be equipped for the long haul.

Finally, these blades for your bandsaw are equipped with an alloy steels backing so each tooth is reinforced on the bandsaw to handle far more than just traditional wood when you work.

Key Feature Ratings (On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best)

• TPI – 10
• Material – 10
• Blade Life – 10
• Versatility – 10

Why We Like It:

When you need a reliable bandsaw blade, you really can’t go wrong with an option that will handle wood as well as your other items like steels. The tooth inch measurement here will allow your bandsaw to handle whatever you throw at it in the moment. We also love having the bases covered for a portable bandsaw too.

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How to Choose a Bandsaw Blade for Steels

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Now that you’ve seen our top choices for a quality bandsaw blade for cutting steels, it’s time to take a look at what makes them a good choice. The nice thing is that you have the ability to choose what you think will work best for you or even your budget range,

In this part of our guide, we will share some things to consider about a blade that makes the blades a good choice for just this purpose. Don’t pick out your bandsaw blade or blades until you take a look at these.

TPI

One thing that matters when cutting through metals like steels and other similar items is that they tend to heat up while making the cuts. One thing that helps with this particular aspect is the TPI but also the kerf and the size of the blade.

In general, if the blade has a higher TPI, this is really the best as those tiny little teeth in the design help to reduce the heating that occurs while in use. That being said, there are some lower TPI blades that you will see here and these work too because of the design of the tooth on the bandsaw blade.

You might also find variable TPI, which means the tooth count will fall into a range. Variable blades can be quite useful and reliable as well.

TPI is the measure of how many teeth are in every inch of the blade. You would be amazed at how each inch can be filled with very particular teeth that run through each inch of the blade over and over. In these designs, each inch shows quality and consistency, even in a blade that is perhaps over 100 inch in measurement. It’s really quite phenomenal.

Type of Blade

Next, consider what the bandsaw blade is made of. In general, there are 3 basic types here. Regardless of whether the kerf is small or thin or the tooth count is right or if it is a variable blade, the type of metal the blade is made of also is relevant.

Here are the 3 main types.

• Bi metal blades
• Carbon steel blades
• Carbide blades

Of these 3 types, you can potentially use any of them but two of the blade options work the best. This leaves you a variable range of options to choose from in the bandsaw blade world.

Bi metals and carbides blades are both known for cutting just about any product. With these bandsaw blade selections, you can cover up to 95% of your needs. Carbides are the strongest of all and truly will make it through even the most challenging products.

The carbon steel blade can sometimes handle softer uses and is your general use bandsaw blade. However, it most likely will not be what you need for this particular use. That being said, this bandsaw blade type certainly serves a purpose and if you see a flexback bandsaw blade or a carbon hardback bandsaw blade, these might work depending on how mild or hard your item is.

The downside to this bandsaw blade type is that even though they are often treated for heat, the blades actually still get pretty warm when working through a tougher material, which is why this type of bandsaw blade is not always suitable for the project at hand.

Length, Width, and Thickness of Blade

When choosing your bandsaw blade, be sure to look at the length, the width, and the thickness information of the blades. The good news is that when it comes to a bandsaw blade there are specifications in the industry for certain types of blades so you know if you are purchasing a blade that is a specification that it meets those standards.

Choosing your bandsaw blade and selecting the length, width, and thickness may vary depending on the uses for the blade.

When using blades on metals and non ferrous products, you typically will go for a slightly wider bandsaw blade. These are known for making straighter cuts along the way compared to smaller blades. The wider blades also tend to have a bit more strength so they are more desirable for this type of use for blades as well.

The length of the blades is primarily going to be determined by your saw, whatever length of blade you need in order to load the blade. Again, this generally falls into general specifications across the industry so just be sure to choose the right size of blades for your saw.

Blade Tension

Finally, let’s talk just a little bit about the bandsaw blade and the tension, and how that matters. On most machines, you can set the tension of the blades to meet your needs. If you don’t get the blade tension right, this can actually cause issues with your blades in the end.

Ultimately, you need to learn how to properly tension your bandsaw blade to help reduce wear on the blade. There are general guidelines for bandsaw blade tension and different blades have optimal tension levels so be sure to watch those details when you set the blade on the machine.

 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Bandsaw Blade for Cutting Stainless Steel?

Our top bandsaw blade choice for this type of project is the Bosch. It’s affordable and it is well made and you really can’t beat that. We also really like the reliability of Timber Wolf’s blades so these are a win as well.

Can You Cut Stainless Steel with a Bandsaw?

Absolutely! Almost any bandsaw can handle a variety of products. While some may not be as great as others, you can look for these details on your saw. However, what you really want to watch is the blade as that is where the real work is happening.

How Do I Choose a Bandsaw Blade for Metal?

Be familiar with what the different blade types are best for. We shared a little bit about this in our buyer’s guide. The bi-metals are the most versatile blades, with the ability to handle 95% of your needs. Carbons are better for softer items but some can handle harder objects. Carbides are the cut-all blade that can handle anything the other two can’t!

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Conclusion

We hope you find this guide to choosing a bandsaw blade to be a valuable resource. While there are some things to know for handling certain items, you can find a reliable variable of blades to choose from. Keep in mind your inch measurements, your blade types, and all of the little details, and understand how all of that works together to help you through your projects.

Which blade do you have your eye on?

Expert Tip

When choosing a blade, the options that are made with carbides are some of the strongest out there. These can most definitely handle cutting through steels and any other object that you could possibly need from it as well.

Did You Know?

When it comes to the inch and other specifications on a bandsaw blade, there is an industry standard. While you can find a ton of different inch measurements and types, you can rest assured knowing that the blades fall into general standards in the industry and won’t just be a random option that would never work for any machine out there.

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