10 Signs You Need A Bandsaw Blade Replacement

Do you know when you need a bandsaw blade replacement? Can you spot the signs? Here are the top 10 signs you need to know. Once you spot them, it’s important to purchase a bandsaw blade replacement ASAP.

  1. Teeth stripping
  2. Slow cutting
  3. Harder pressure needed (you may notice you need to use more pressure when using the blade)
  4. Feed rate issues
  5. Heat build up (not only does this negatively impact your blade, but it also puts a strain on your machine)
  6. Strange or loud noises
  7. Burn marks (can be both on the blade, or the machine)
  8. Hairline cracks in the blade
  9. Blade doesn’t move consistently
  10. Strange or unusual smells when cutting

These signs can also occur if you’ve paired the incorrect blade with a material. For example, using a bandsaw blade used for wood to cut metal. Using the wrong blade can be a sure fire way to negatively speed up your blades life.

So, how long is a bandsaw blade life? This is a difficult question. Because, more often than not, it’s down to trial and error.

It all depends on blade type, machine, cutting material, and what it’s being used for. If you’d like a life estimate for your chosen blade, contact us here at SawBlade.com.au with this information, and we can provide an estimate and information on how much the blade can withstand.

#1 Reason Why You Need Bandsaw Blades To Cut Mild Steel

Why do you need bandsaw blades to cut mild steel? And, what is it? This article is here to answer all of your questions. From workshops, to construction, you will benefit from a bandsaw blade to cut mild steel. 

Mild steel is one of the most common materials you’ll come across. This is the #1 reason why you’ll need bandsaw blades to cut mild steel.

Mild steel is a type of carbon steel with a low level of carbon. The level of carbon can vary, dependent on the source. It’s also often known as ‘low carbon steel’. The carbon amount is generally between 0.5% and 0.25%.

High carbon steel has a carbon content of 0.30% to 2%. Anything higher is classified as cast iron.

Now, what blades can be used? As per usual, it all depends on the thickness, shape and desired outcome. Here is a quick guide to help you decide.

General Purpose Blade

Bi-Metal M42 – 10-18 TPI

Solid Mild Steel Bar

Bi-Metal M42 – 18-24 TPI (cut slowly)

Hollowed Steel

Bi-Metal M42 – Variable Pitch TPI 6-10

Angled Steel

Bi-Metal M42 – 10 TPI

Steel Channel

Bi-Metal M42 – Variable Pitch TPI 8-12 or 6-10

Mild Steel Plate

Bi-Metal M42 – Variable Pitch 10-14 TPI

If you’re after a smooth finish, it’s a good idea to opt for a higher TPI.

One tip you always need when using a bandsaw. 3 teeth need to ALWAYS be in the work piece when cutting. If not, you risk dulling the teeth, damaging the blade, etc.

Here are some resources on getting started with bandsaw blades, and a TPI guide if you’re unsure. If you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to contact one of our dedicated customer service representatives via 03 9005 7931, live chat, or email.

 

5 Steps To Selecting Your Bandsaw Blades

If you’re new to bandsaw blades, or even if you’re not, it’s important to know how to select the right blade for the job. Here is a quick 5 step guide to selecting your bandsaw blades.

  1. Figure out what you want to cut. This is fairly self explanatory, but it’s an essential part of the process. What is the type of material you need to cut? Note the material, thickness, shape, etc.
  2. Is this a one time job? Or, will you continually use the blade on a regular basis? This step is integral. If you’ll be using the blade often, it’s a good idea to choose a durable blade. 
  3. Note the specifications of your bandsaw. Such as the max width of the machine, the brand, the model, etc. This helps with customising the blade to perfectly fit your machine. You’ll also need this information so you know what your machine can handle.
  4. Ask yourself, are you cutting corners and curves. Or, are you straight cutting? Is your material curved or not? 
  5. Finally, take all of these points into account. Then, choose the right blade material. The blade material will all depend on this information. 

One of the most common mistakes people make when purchasing a bandsaw blade is disregarding TPI. One of the most common mistakes people make when purchasing a bandsaw blade is disregarding TPI. Selecting the right TPI is essential. Here is ‘The Ultimate TPI Guide’ to help you decide. 

And there you have it! An easy guide to help you with selecting your bandsaw blades. If this hasn’t helped you choose the right blade, contact our dedicated customer support team by live chat. Or, call us on 03 9005 7931. We will to provide you the right information for you to make an educated choice.

Cold Saw Blades Cutting Copper

Have you been looking for the perfect blade to cut through copper? Then look no further. In this article we will walk you through what copper is, and which blade is right for the job (spoiler the answer is cold saw blades for copper).

So, what is copper? Similar to brass, copper is made from various types of alloys used in many different ways. Such as roofing, cladding and wiring. As well as plumbing and temperature gauges.

Copper has been used in construction for thousands of years, and it’s clear why. One of the major benefits of using copper is it’s durable and doesn’t need to be replaced or repaired often, and its corrosion resistance.

Now for the main event, which cold saw blades are needed for copper. The best options would be a circular blade, or a High Speed Steel Cold Saw Blade. It is also known as a HSS Cold saw Blade. Click here if you’re new to the world of cold saws blades, or if you don’t know the benefits of a HSS Cold Saw Blade.

Here at sawblade.com.au we offer the Excision HSS Cold Saw Blade, a quality blade made in Italy from HSS. The HSS Cold Saw blade is durable, long lasting, and it can be re-sharpened!

Aside from the blades themselves, we also stock coolant to keep your machine and your blade running smoothly. Here at sawblade.com.au we have a quality guarantee, where we do in house grinding to ensure the blade teeth are sharpened to perfection. Not only that, but you can order customised blades and machinery with us from the comfort of your own home.

What Are Cold Saw Blades?

We’re here today to answer the age old question: what are cold saw blades? You’ve likely asked yourself this question before. Especially if you’re new to the metal cutting industry.

They are circular metal cutting saw blades that come in two different types. The first being high speed steel (solid HSS), and the second is a tungsten carbide tip (also known as TCT).

They are used to cut metal using a slow rotational speed. The blades are driven by a high powered motor. They cut around 5000 surface feet per minute. 

But, why are they called cold saw blades? They’re named that due to the fact that they transfer all of the energy and heat created during the cutting process to the chip. This enables the blade and the work to remain cold. 

These are the ideal choice for cutting steel, and when purchasing it’s good to search for ones that tungsten material. Tungsten steel is the most durable material. 

One of the biggest pros of using cold saw blades is that they can be sharpened many times before they need to be discarded. You can sharpen them up to 10-15 times before they begin to wear down. This means they’re durable and have a long blade life. 

TIP: Less teeth = faster cutting speed

       More teeth = smoother finish, slower cutting speed. 

You can use these blades for a number of different things. For example, round or square tubes and pipes, solid metals, angle iron, extrusions and even forgings.

Here at SawBlade.com.au we stock HSS Cold Saw Blades and other custom made circular blades

Partners

Not sure what you need?

Don’t worry – get in touch with the team and we will help you find the right product for your requirements

Talk To
Bandsaw Blade
Expert

You will receive a call within 2* hours!
*Office Hours

Over 25 Years the company
has been selling Blades and
Counting...






    You are Amazing!

    A Blade Expert will be contact with you by phone within the next two business hours.

    In the mean time, in 5mins please check your email as we have also sent you the companies latest Blade Catalogue.
    Talk to you soon..

    Talk to a Blade ExpertGet the Job Done