Can Bandsaws Cut Metal. Metal wood Band saw

Can Bandsaws Cut Metal?

A bandsaw is a power saw with a long, sharp metal blade in the form of a continuous Band with very sharp teeth that rounds about two wheels, one of which is powered. The constant turning of the Band forms a formidable cutting action of the Band as the material being cut is moved through the blade.

The top wheel, or pulley, guides the blade, and the lower pulley, the powered one, controls the blade speed.

It’s a fine addition to any woodworking shop and versatile enough to cut not only wood but also metal and other materials. Bandsaws are also used in lumbering.

They are handy at cutting curves in wood but can do much more. They can be used to cut tenons and small rabbets, as well as ripping stock and cutting small strips from larger pieces of wood.

What Materials Can a Bandsaw Cut?

Bandsaw blades come in a variety of sizes and tooth counts (teeth per inch, or TPI). This enables bandsaws to cut wood, metal, and plastic.

Any of these materials can be cut by moving them along the bed of the saw, with or without a fence, guiding the material through the blade along the lines and shapes marked. Because you are moving the material being cut, rather than moving the blade as you would in other power saws, you are able to cut curves and irregular shapes. You are also able to cut irregularly shaped pieces too.

They are not perfect for cutting flexible materials, though. That flexibility will affect the quality of the cut and the safety of machine use. This is in line with their strong point – cutting thicker materials that are stable as moved through the blade.

Thin metals are not suitable for bandsaw cutting. The general rule of thumb for cutting metals is that the metal should be at least as thick as three teeth on the blade, if not thicker.

Materials suitable for cutting with your bandsaw:

Plywood
Softwoods like pine
Hardwoods like maple and walnut
Soft and hard plastics
Soft metals like brass and aluminum

No matter what it is you are cutting, though, it is recommended you not wear gloves, loose-fitted clothing with floppy sleeves, or your hoodie’s drawstrings, as these can be pulled into the moving blade. It’s not likely you are wearing jewelry in your shop, but just to be sure, we’ll mention any such accessories should be left outside your shop, especially when using a bandsaw.

Bandsaw Blades And The Materials To Be Cut

The blades you use on your bandsaw will be determined by the materials you intend to cut with it. In this instance, it’s the right blade for the right job.

The factors of bandsaw blades include thickness, width, the size of the teeth, and, as mentioned above, the tooth count per inch. The choice of blade factors will be determined not only by the material to be cut but also the type of cut to be made, whether straight or curved:

Thick blades – provide more rigidity and straighter cuts
Thin blades – for more detailed and intricate cuts
High TPI – slower cuts that will prevent wood tear-outs
Low TPI – faster cutting

Generally speaking, blades intended for cutting wood will have larger teeth and a low TPI. The teeth will angle down, cutting down through the wood rather than angled up that can lift the wood as it is being cut.

Blades intended for other materials such as plastics and metals will have smaller teeth and a higher TPI. These blades would also be suitable for foam and other materials.

With the right blade and the right speed, even steel can be cut with your bandsaw. We’ll talk about blade speed in a moment, but for a video demonstration of a reduced-speed high tooth count machine cutting some steel, we found this one for you.

Bandsaw Blade Speed

The common speed for a bandsaw blade is about 1000 feet per minute. However, wood can be effectively cut at a much higher blade speed – upwards of 5000 feet per minute. However, for safety, it is recommended that you use a lower speed. And, again, what you are cutting is a blade speed consideration, an intricate curve, for instance.

High speeds are not suitable for cutting metals, though. The blade speed for cutting meals should be considerably slower, in the range of 100 to 300 feet per minute. Any faster, and you will likely ruin your blade.

Two-speed bandsaws expand your machine’s capabilities, too, and are intended to permit cutting both wood and metal. Reducing blade speed on these models involves moving the drive belt to a secondary position on the drive pulley and the powered pulley.

The bandsaw speed reducer for metals is a handy idea and a piece of equipment that can even be purchased as a kit. In essence, it provides the secondary position on the drive and powered pulleys to adjust blade speeds for woods and metals if your bandsaw is not a two-speed model.

We found a bandsaw speed reducer kit on eBay for about 85. Bespoke models can run from around 100 to 400 and higher, depending on your bandsaw model and your speed adjustment needs.

The right blade and blade speed can do many of your wood and metal cutting tasks. Safety goggles are a must, of course. A wood tear-out can send a splinter, and a metal shard or filing can land in your eye. Again, no loose sleeves or sweatshirt drawstrings, and no jewelry, while working with any power tool, but especially a bandsaw.

Be safe, and be accurate in your cuts. Your bandsaw will serve you well on many projects.

Matt Hagens

Matt is an experienced woodworker and a devoted family man. Matt’s passion for woodworking began at a young age when he would watch his grandfather in his woodworking shop. He has spent over 20 years honing his skills, learning new techniques, and perfecting his designs. When he’s not in his workshop, Matt loves spending time with his family.

Differences Between Metal-Cutting and Wood-Cutting Band Saws

Learning about Band saws allows you to select the right equipment for your projects. In particular, metal- and wood-cutting Band saws are common cutting tools. Check out the differences between metal-cutting and wood-cutting Band saws for more information.

The Versatility of Band Saws

Band saws are versatile machines that can cut through different types of metals. Wood-cutting Band saws are useful in woodworking and lumbering applications. It’s common for metalworking shops to exclusively use metal-cutting Band saws, but sometimes you need to cut wood. In these rare instances, you may wonder, “Can I use a metal-cutting Band saw to cut wood?”

Metal-cutting Band saws are sturdy enough to handle wood material, so you can use them for wood and lumber. However, wood-cutting Band saws are ideal for this purpose.

Metal-Cutting Band Saw

Metal-cutting Band saws are used for industrial purposes like cutting metal, steel, and aggressive material. These Band saws are available in vertical and horizontal designs and complete intricate or precise cuts. Given the heavy-duty material the machine cuts, the unit is sturdier than wood-cutting Band saws. One of the defining features of a metal cutting Band saw is the ability to control the speed of the blade. Cutting harder metal materials requires relatively slow speeds that a wood Band saw cannot achieve.

Wood-Cutting Band Saw

Wood-cutting Band saws cut wood and lumber. There are stationary units available in a vertical design with adjustable features like a miter gauge and rip fence. The blades can cut through wood particles without leaving fibers behind. Wood Band saws usually do not have speed controls, resulting in them being on one speed, which is relatively fast. This is ideal for cutting wood, plastics, and soft metals (bronze, brass, aluminum)

Preferred Projects

Woodworking or metalworking hobbyists and workers need the best Band saws for their projects. Metal-cutting Band saws are ideal for a wide variety of materials, and specifically, those applications where you need to adjust your speed. All of the projects that require cutting metal to construct various designs. In contrast, wood-cutting Band saws are best for tables, shelves, wooden utensils, and dressers. The machine will cut efficiently through wood without leaving rigid edges.

Using the Right Band Saw

As previously mentioned, you can technically use a metal-cutting Band saw to slice through wood. However, it’s best to stick with the preferred material. Wood fibers can clog the metal blade’s teeth, cutting wood slowly. Avoid equipment malfunctions by using the right Band saw for the material.

After learning about the differences between metal-cutting and wood-cutting Band saws, you can use the preferred machine for projects. If you’re interested in Band saw products, you’re at the right place. Detroit Band Saw Works has the best products, including metal-cutting Band saw blades crafted with quality materials. Don’t look anywhere else for Band saw tools! Browse our product category to purchase items today.

Scroll Saw vs. Band Saw: What’s the Difference?

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A scroll saw looks like a mini-Band saw, but they’re different tools. Compare a scroll saw vs. Band saw to decide if you need one, the other or both.

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Some years ago, a fellow woodworker demonstrated how to make a Band saw box. The procedure involved cutting out the center of a block of wood with a Band saw, then gluing on a bottom and affixing the top on a pin. That way it could rotate to open and close the box, or make the top removable. To do this, you have to make a single cut through the side of the box and repair it with glue.

A lingering question has always been whether the procedure could have been done more efficiently with a scroll saw, which looks like a Band saw but is a significantly different tool. A scroll saw features a removable blade that can poke through a predrilled hole in the center of the wood, eliminating the need to cut through the side of the box. This is a great feature. But even so, it’s doubtful you could use a scroll saw to make these boxes.

To see why, you have to know how different scroll and Band saws are. That will help you appreciate the best uses for these tools.

What Is a Scroll Saw?

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A scroll saw is a benchtop tool for cutting intricate curves in wood, metal and other materials. The most common design features a vertical column with a metal cutting surface. Above it, an arm holds a thin cutting blade about eight inches long or so, depending on the tool.

Blade widths range from #12 (.065 inches) to #2/0 (.024 inches) with a variety of tooth orientations, depending on the type and thickness of the material you’re cutting. The blade, supported from underneath, extends through a hole in the table. It cuts by reciprocating action, like a jigsaw.

Throat width, the distance from the blade to the vertical column at the back, determines the size of the scroll saw. Twelve inches is common, but models with 30-inch throats are available. A longer throat means you can cut wider material; a 12-inch throat is suitable for most DIY purposes.

Scroll saws typically have a tiltable table for making bevel cuts. Some come with a dust blower and foot-powered lever to control blade speed, which makes it easier to cleanly cut intricate curves.

What Is a Band Saw?

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A Band saw is a more common shop tool for cutting curves. Choose from floor-standing, benchtop and handheld models.

The blade is a loop of toothed metal that passes through a hole in a tiltable table and fits over drums above and below the table. The blade moves continuously when the drums rotate, and the teeth are oriented to push down on the material you feed through it.

Known for its versatility, a Band saw can do heavy-duty rip cutting as well as shapes, depending on the size and power of the machine and the width of the blade. Blade width varies from 1/8-in. to one inch, and in thickness from.014 to.063 inches. Wider, heavier blades are best for rip-cutting, but you need thinner, lighter blades for detail work. Blades also vary in teeth per inch (TPI) and tooth orientation.

Like a scroll saw, a Band saw has a characteristic throat depth, which in this case is the sideways distance from the blade to the housing. This determines the size of the tool and the maximum ripping width. While 10- to 18-in. is common for at-home tools, industrial Band saws can have up to a 48-in. throat.

What Are These Tools Used For?

A Band saw can take on heavy-duty tasks that a scroll saw can’t, but it isn’t as accurate for detail work. Here are some of the common uses for these tools:

Scroll Saw

Cutting wood pieces for inlay and marquetry.
Making puzzle pieces out of cardboard or wood.
Making musical instruments.
Fashioning dovetail joints.
Cutting shapes in soft metals, like copper and brass, and other materials, such as plastic. You can cut harder metals if you keep the blade lubricated.

Band Saw

Cutting curves and shapes in wood and other materials, such as metal and plastic.
Re-sawing wide boards into thinner ones.
Milling trees into usable lumber. Many industrial and portable sawmills are Band saws.
Cutting pipes. This is the most common use for handheld Band saws.
Crosscutting wood and other materials. Most meat cutters are Band saws.

Pros and Cons

A scroll saw is much more of a specialty tool than a Band saw. Although it cuts intricate curves, the distance between the table and the overhead arm limits the thickness of the material you can feed through it. And the thin blade bends when you try to cut thick material.

A Band saw, for its part, has more overhead clearance, no obstruction behind the blade, a heftier blade and more power. You can use a Band saw with a rip fence (which is usually included) or cut free-form shapes, although not as accurately as with a scroll saw.

How Much Do They Cost?

Scroll saws cost between 100 and 1,000, so there’s one for every budget. expensive tools typically come with a stand and extra features, including a guide light, dust blower, deep throat and variable-speed motor controlled with a foot pedal.

The price range for Band saws is wider because of the wider range of models for different purposes. A budget benchtop model for home woodworking projects costs about 200, while a large floor-standing model for re-sawing wood or cutting metal can cost 3,000 or more.

Corded and cordless handheld Band saws, mostly used on jobsites for cutting metal and plastic pipes, cost from 200 to 600.

The Best Band Saw, According to 2,350 Customer Reviews

Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best Band saw 2023. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Band saws almost always have a permanent spot in woodworking settings and other industries. Don’t be fooled by the plethora of saws already out there; a Band saw’s purpose is just as individualistic and allows for things like carved cuts.

Before settling on a DeWALT, Rikon, or Jet, it’s helpful to know what Band saws can bring to the workshop table and what makes them different from the other toothed tools out there.

What Makes a Band Saw Different from Other Saws?

A tool collection isn’t much without a good selection of saws, and anyone working in wood, metal, or lumber knows the unique capabilities a Band saw can offer. Band saws are also known as continuous Band saws and consist of a line of metal teeth that are held between 2-4 wheels. They’re electronically powered and can slice through thick pieces of wood, create intricate cuts, curves, and angles, and cut floorboards, molding, and fence posts. Table saws are often compared to Band saws but have their differences and perks. In short, the former is usually preferred for its accuracy, but the curved cuts a Band saw can make gives it an advantage in that respect.

Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best Band Saws 2023

Whether slicing metal, carving out thick wood, or carrying around from job to job, the following Band saws are a perfect fit.

Best Lightweight Band Saw: DeWALT Portable Band Saw | Buy Now

Best Band Saw for Metal: WEN 94396 Portable Band Saw | Buy Now

Find out more about these highly-rated Band saws below and learn what reviewers have to say about them.

listed in this article were as shown on amazon.com (USA) as of December 2022

Best Band Saw with Stand—WEN Two-Speed Band Saw BA3962

A sturdy, high-quality stand can make or break your experience with a Band saw. If portability isn’t the priority, WEN’s BA3962 two-speed model comes with a stand, making it perfect for shops and more permanent stations.

It can slice in six inches, create bevel cuts, and although it’s not the lightest saw, it only rings in at 73 pounds. “The WEN Band saw has been amazing,” wrote one reviewer. “I have cut knife scales out of some of the hardest woods in the world and all that I have had to do is change blades.”

Blade Material: High-speed steel

Cutting Angle: 45 degrees

Product Dimensions: 12″L x 8″W x 1″H

Best Benchtop Band Saw—Rikon Deluxe Bandsaw

This version of Rikon’s Band saw is an update to its 10-306 model. It now has a more sleek rip fence system, stronger, more reliable hinges, and a more user-friendly dust port. With two speeds to choose from, it’s a great option for more experienced workers who want to make a solid investment in a Band saw.

Plus, a five-year warranty ensures buyers are covered for any project to come. “I am a professional woodworker, and use this saw just about every day,” wrote one reviewer. “This saw is rock solid, and when you turn it on, it is dead quiet.”

Blade Material: High-speed steel

Cutting Angle: 45 degrees

Blade Length: ‎70.5 inches

Product Dimensions: ‎70″L x 16″W x 1″H

Best Compact Band Saw—WEN Band Saw BA3959

The BA3959 is an upgrade from WEN’s 2017 3959T version, which is also still available for purchase. Although it’s still a benchtop, its nine-inch cuts are smaller than what the more hefty versions out there can create.

That being said, it’s an agile machine that can come in handy for most projects. While it works wonderfully for a saw of its price, some reviewers suggested bolting it to a tabletop to keep it steady.

Blade Material: High-speed steel

Cutting Angle: 45 degrees

Product Dimensions: ‎11″L x 7″W x 4″H

Best Lightweight Band Saw—DeWALT Band Saw

It’s hard not to trust a name like DeWALT, and reviewers (a whole 91% of them) appreciate this deep-cut Band saw and its carrying case. At just 15 pounds, this portable saw is one of the lightest on the list. You can also purchase this particular bandsaw with a set of blades for an all-in-one deal.

“Strong motor and adjustable speed let you cut precisely and comfortably,” explained one buyer. “Good visibility of the cutting face, and [the] weight of the cutter assists gently in putting weight on the cutting blade.”

Blade Material: High-speed steel

Product Dimensions: ‎23.5″L x 14.25″W x 7.94″H

Best Heavy-Duty Band Saw—JET Bandsaw Kit

A cast-iron frame and 12-inch cuts explain the price tag on this JET Band saw. This meatier saw can handle thicker, larger pieces of wood than the smaller, more compact versions. Thanks to ball-bearing guides, there is less pressure and friction on the blades helping them last longer.

“I have, for years, owned some inferior brands and finally decided to upgrade to this machine,” explained a buyer. “I own other JET products and as I expected the fit and finish of this saw is fantastic. Set up is very easy, and it has more than enough power to get through the toughest materials.”

Blade Material: High-speed steel

Cutting Angle: 45 degrees

Blade Length: ‎105 inches

Product Dimensions: ‎29″L x 28″W x 77″H

Best Portable Band Saw—Milwaukee Band Saw

At a little over 21 pounds, this Milwaukee Band saw is a great option for anyone in need of a great portable saw. It features Milwaukee’s Job Site Armor Technology, which uses a composite coating and buffers to ensure that drops and falls don’t put it out of business. Though this is Milwaukee’s second version of its 6232 saw, the only real difference is its case.

Blade Material: High-speed steel

Special Feature: ‎Brushless

Product Dimensions: ‎21.44″L x 7.07″W x 14.39″H

Best Band Saw for Metal—WEN Portable Band Saw

Band saws aren’t only useful for woodworking; metal can also be cut with the proper blades and right saw. This WEN portable Band saw has the ability to make five-inch-deep cuts into metal and weighs only 14.5 pounds. Although metal is its specialty, plastic, rebar, and pipes are also fair game, and its small size is an advantage according to some reviewers.

After using it for over 300 hours since purchasing it, one buyer explained that it is “still solid and running very well,” adding, “I did have to shim the metal plate a little to get an effortless straight cut, but that was extremely simple.”

Blade Material: High-speed steel

Product Dimensions: ‎20.25″L x 13″W x 8.25″H

The Best Band Saw—Summary

Band saws are a must for any woodworker, whether a sturdy and stationary Band saw from JET (US1,749.99, Amazon) is in order to serve as a staple in your garage or workshop, or if you prefer a more lightweight model like the DeWALT portable Band saw (US345.53, Amazon) to carry around easily.

We hope our review of the best Band saws has been helpful. For more similar suppliers, including suppliers of Band saw blade welders, circular saws, saw blade blanks, and cold saws, consult our additional guides or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.

Can Bandsaws Cut Metal. Metal wood Band saw