Best Band Saw Blade Reviews and Comprehensive Buying Guide

A dull or wrong blade makes even an easy band saw cut harder, so the blade matters as much as the saw.

There are two very different kinds of blades on this list. Woodworking band saws (9-inch to 14-inch stationary saws) take long blades sized to the saw. Portable band saws for cutting metal pipe take short 32-7/8 or 44-7/8-inch blades. Always buy the exact length your saw's manual lists.

OUR TOP PICK

Our top pick is the DEWALT DW3984 24 TPI Portable Band Saw Blade, as it features a long-lasting and durable construction.

It is a 44-7/8-inch bi-metal blade for portable band saws such as the DeWALT DWM120K, and it is ideal for clean cuts in thin metal. It will not fit a woodworking band saw.

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The Best Band Saw Blades Are:

Product	Details
1. DEWALT DW3984 24 TPI Portable Band Saw Blade	1. DEWALT DW3984 24 TPI Portable Band Saw Blade Our Top Pick	- TPI: 24 - Material: Bi-metal (8% cobalt edge) - Length: 44.875 inches - Weight: 4 ounces	Check Current Price
2. Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade	2. Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade	- TPI: 3 - Material: Low carbon high silicon steel - Length: 105 inches - Weight: 9.1 ounces	Check Current Price
3. Bosch BS6412-24M Metal Bandsaw Blade	3. Bosch BS6412-24M Metal Bandsaw Blade	- TPI: 24 - Material: Steel (metal cutting) - Length: 64.5 inches - Weight: 4.8 ounces	Check Current Price
4. Olson Saw FB23193DB Band Saw Blade	4. Olson Saw FB23193DB Band Saw Blade	- TPI: 3 - Material: Metal - Length: 93.5 inches - Weight: 8 ounces	Check Current Price
5. SKIL 80151 Band Saw Blade	5. SKIL 80151 Band Saw Blade	- TPI: Three different blades (6 TPI, 15 TPI, and 6 TPI) - Material: Premium grade steel - Length: 59.5 inches - Weight: 3.04 ounces	Check Current Price
6. MK Morse ZWEP441418MC Cobalt Band Saw Blade	6. MK Morse ZWEP441418MC Cobalt Band Saw Blade	- TPI: 14/18 - Material: Bi-metal (cobalt) - Length: 44.875 inches - Weight: 5.8 ounces	Check Current Price
7. Bosch BS9312-15S Bandsaw Blade	7. Bosch BS9312-15S Bandsaw Blade	- TPI: 15 - Material: Premium Steel - Length: 93.5 inches - Weight:1.6 ounces	Check Current Price
8. POWERTEC 13132 High Carbon Bandsaw Blade	8. POWERTEC 13132 High Carbon Bandsaw Blade	- TPI:15 - Material: High carbon steel - Length: 62 inches - Weight: 0.8 ounces	Check Current Price
9. DEWALT DW3986C Portable Band Saw Blade	9. DEWALT DW3986C Portable Band Saw Blade	- TPI: 14/18 - Material: Bi-metal (8% cobalt edge) - Length: 32.875 inches - Weight: 5.6 ounces	Check Current Price

1. DEWALT DW3984 24 TPI Portable Band Saw Blade (Best All-Around Band Saw Blade)

If you own a portable band saw, the Dewalt DW3984 is a strong choice. You get a pack of three blades, so you have spares on hand. It is a metal-cutting blade for pipe, conduit, and sheet stock.

It is a bi-metal blade with a Matrix II high-speed steel edge, 8 percent cobalt content, and Rc 65-67 tooth hardness, so it resists heat and wear. An alloy steel backer resists fatigue.

The 24 TPI tooth count suits thin-wall tubing and sheet metal. The blade is 44-7/8 inches long. It cuts more slowly than a coarser blade, but leaves a clean edge.

Specs

• 24 TPI
• Cobalt
• 44.875 inches
• 4 ounces

Pros

• Compatible with 44-7/8-inch portable band saws from other manufacturers
• Affordable
• Heat and wear-resistant
• Cuts thin-wall pipe, conduit, and sheet metal

Cons

• Higher TPI reduces the cutting speed
• Not for woodworking band saws

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2. Timber Wolf Bandsaw Blade

For woodworking, the Timber Wolf blade is our pick. It is made of low-carbon, high-silicon steel and is designed to run at lower tension than many blades, which is easier on smaller saws. Its rounded gullets and thin kerf make it a popular choice for resawing.

This version has three teeth per inch, a coarse pitch that clears sawdust well in thick stock. It is 105 inches long, which fits saws that take a 105-inch blade, such as the JET JWBS-14DXPRO.

Timber Wolf sells the same blade in other lengths, so order the length your saw's manual lists.

Specs

• 3 TPI
• Low carbon high silicon steel
• 105 inches
• 9.1 ounces

Pros

• Affordable
• Holds an edge well
• Ideal for resawing thick stock
• Runs at lower tension

Cons

• It does not have multi-pack

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3. Bosch BS6412-24M Metal Bandsaw Blade (Best for Metal on a Benchtop Saw)

The Bosch BS6412-24M is a stationary band saw blade, not a portable one. Bosch lists it as a 64-1/2-inch, 24 TPI metal-cutting blade, so it only fits saws that take a 64-1/2-inch blade.

The fine 24 TPI pitch suits thin metal. Run it at the slowest speed your saw offers, because woodworking speeds overheat a metal-cutting blade.

It is not a good choice for wood; the fine teeth clog quickly in thick stock.

Specs

• 24 TPI
• Steel, metal cutting
• 64.5 inches
• 4.8 ounces

Pros

• Fine pitch for thin metal
• Great quality
• Affordable
• Delivers clean and accurate cuts

Cons

• Only fits saws that take a 64-1/2-inch blade
• Not for wood

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4. Olson Saw FB23193DB Band Saw Blade

Olson blades are popular with woodworkers for their durability. If you want a fast-cutting blade for thick wood, the Olson Saw FB23193DB is a good option.

Its hook teeth have a positive rake and deep gullets that carry sawdust out of the cut. At just three teeth per inch, it cuts fast in thick hardwood and softwood but leaves a rougher surface.

At 93-1/2 inches, it fits many 14-inch two-wheel band saws. Check your saw's manual for the exact length.

Specs

• 3 TPI
• Metal
• 93.5 inches
• 8 ounces

Pros

• Holds a sharp edge well
• Fast cutting
• Easy installation
• Affordable
• Durable

Cons

• It is less precise due to lower TPI

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5. SKIL 80151 Band Saw Blade

The SKIL 80151 is one of the most affordable blade sets on this list. The blades are 59.5 inches long, the size used by SKIL's 9-inch band saw and some other 9-inch saws. Check your saw's manual before you buy.

The blade is also versatile, and you can use it to cut through a wide range of materials. This is a pack of three blades, but they are not replacements, as the three of them are different. The blade pack includes a 3/8 inches 6 TPI blade for fast cuts, one 1/8 inches blade with a 15 TPI for tight curves and smooth cuts, and there is a ¼ inches blade with a 6 TPI. The last blade is a bit aggressive but it does a better job of cutting tighter corners than the 3/8 inches blade.

It is a good value set for a small benchtop saw.

Specs

• Three different blades (6 TPI, 15 TPI, and 6 TPI)
• Premium grade steel
• 59.5 inches
• 3.04 ounces

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Sharp out of the box
• Versatile
• Three different blades

Cons

• Not best suited for heavy gauge metal

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6. MK Morse ZWEP441418MC Cobalt Band Saw Blade

If you need a blade for a standard 44-7/8-inch portable band saw, the MK Morse ZWEP441418MC is a good option. It is a bi-metal cobalt blade for cutting metal pipe and tubing.

This version has a variable 14/18 TPI pitch, which handles both thin and medium-wall material and reduces vibration. M.K. Morse sells the same blade in other pitches.

The cobalt edge resists heat and wear. The length of the blade is 44.875 inches.

Specs

• 14/18 TPI
• Bi-metal, cobalt
• 44.875 inches
• 5.8 ounces

Pros

• Variable pitch reduces vibration
• Available in a wide range of TPI options
• Fits standard portable band saws
• Cobalt edge resists heat from metal cutting

Cons

• Susceptible to losing teeth

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7. Bosch BS9312-15S Bandsaw Blade

The Bosch BS9312-15S is a 93-1/2-inch scroll-cutting blade for woodworkers. Its fine teeth suit curves and thin stock.

At 15 teeth per inch, it leaves a smooth finish, but it cuts slowly in thick wood.

The 93-1/2-inch length fits many 14-inch band saws, not 9-inch or 10-inch benchtop saws. It is also affordable.

Specs

• 15 TPI
• Premium Steel
• 93.5 inches
• 1.6 ounces

Pros

• Great for curves
• Affordable
• Smooth finish
• Durable

Cons

• The kerf of the blade is a little bit wide

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8. POWERTEC 13132 High Carbon Bandsaw Blade

If you are looking for the best band saw blade that will not leave a hole in your pocket, then the POWERTEC 13132 High Carbon Bandsaw Blade is one of the best options for you. This product comes at a fairly low cost. Nevertheless, you should not confuse the affordability of the blade for low quality. You can use this blade to cut any wood, non-ferrous materials, and plastic.

The blade is 1/8 inch wide, which allows it to make very tight turns. If your project needs tight curves, this is a good blade to try.

This tool is highly versatile as it is compatible with different brands of band saws. At 62 inches, it fits saws that take that length, such as Powertec’s 9-inch BS900 and some Craftsman and Harbor Freight saws.

The blade is made of high carbon steel, which is flexible enough for small wheels.

Specs

• 15 TPI
• High carbon steel
• 62 inches
• 0.8 ounces

Pros

• Suitable for a wide range of projects
• Inexpensive
• Excellent quality
• Cuts fast

Cons

• The blade wanders sometimes

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9. DEWALT DW3986C Portable Band Saw Blade

If you use a compact cordless band saw that takes 32-7/8-inch blades, the Dewalt DW3986C is a good match. The blade is 0.020 inch thick and is made for metal. It comes in a pack of three.

One of the most outstanding features of this blade is its variable TPI. This is a 14/18 TPI blade that is capable of cutting through a variety of materials. The blade has alternating sections of 14 TPI and 18 TPI. The major benefit of the alternating teeth per inch is that it allows you to cut both thin and thick metal without switching blades. Switching blades is easy on a scroll saw so if you need something for scrolling the look at a scroll saw and compare it with a band saw. Check this article on Band Saw vs Scroll Saw.

DeWALT lists a Matrix II high-speed steel edge, 8 percent cobalt content, and Rc 65-67 tooth hardness, so it resists heat and wear. The length of the blade is 32.875 inches, which fits many compact portable band saws.

Specs

• 14/18 TPI
• Bi-metal, 8% cobalt edge
• 32.875 inches
• 5.6 ounces

Pros

• Built to last
• Versatile
• Variable TPI
• Heat and wear-resistant

Cons

• Made for metal, not wood

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Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Bandsaw Blade

Without the best bandsaw blade, your band saw, regardless of how expensive it is, cannot perform like a champ. As such, it is very important that you choose the right blade when shopping for a band saw blade. Here are some vital factors you need to put into consideration before purchasing one.

The Material and Quality of the Blade

Blades come in three main materials, as Grizzly's bandsaw manual explains. Carbon steel blades have hardened teeth and a flexible back; they are the least expensive and fine for most woodworking.

Bi-metal blades have high-speed steel teeth welded to a flexible back, so they handle abuse and metal cutting. Carbide-tooth blades hold an edge longest and cost the most, which makes sense for heavy resawing.

The Blade’s Width

The width of a band saw blade determines the tightest curve you can cut. Narrow blades turn tight curves. Wider blades resist bending, so they cut straighter and are ideal for resawing and making veneers.

Never use a blade wider or narrower than your saw's manual allows.

If you have more need for intricate and smaller curves, then you should go for a narrower blade. However, if you are looking for an ideal blade for resawing and making veneers, then your best option is a wider blade.

The Pitch of the Blade

The TPI, or teeth per inch, describes the blade's pitch. On a good band saw, a blade with fewer teeth per inch cuts faster but leaves a rougher surface. More teeth per inch give a smoother cut but cut more slowly.

Use a higher TPI for thin material and a lower TPI for thick stock, where coarse teeth and deep gullets clear the sawdust.

Blade Tooth Configuration

The teeth configuration of a bandsaw blade differs from blade to blade. These blades come in skip, hook, and standard configurations.

The standard tooth configuration has closely spaced teeth and gives smoother cuts. A blade with a hook design has widely spaced teeth with a rake angle of 10 degrees.

These blades come in handy for cutting hard-to-cut woods, as they provide aggressive cuts.

Blades with skip configuration come with widely spaced teeth but with a rake angle of 0 degrees. These blades ensure relatively smoother cuts and they are less aggressive. Among the three blades tooth types, skip and standard tooth blades provide smoother and cleaner surface, but they are slower than the hook tooth blade.

Final Thoughts

Start with the blade length your saw requires, then choose width and TPI for the job: wide and coarse for resawing, narrow and fine for curves.

From the products reviewed above, the Dewalt DW3984 Bandsaw Blade is our top recommendation for portable metal-cutting saws. It is heat and wear-resistant, with a cobalt high-speed steel edge. For a woodworking band saw, start with the Timber Wolf blade in your saw's length.

Sources

• .020 in. 14/18 TPI Portable Band Saw Blade (3 Pk), DeWALT
• Stationary Band Saw Blades, Bosch
• Model G0513 Series 17" Bandsaws Owner's Manual, Grizzly Industrial