What is the best TPI for cutting metal?
What is the best TPI for cutting metal?
Cutting thinner metals, including sheet metal, requires a finer cut. Use 18-24 TPI bi-metal blades. For thicker metals such as steel pipe, angle irons, or tubing, use 14-18 TPI bi-metal blades. For aluminum, an 8-10 TPI blade is best.
What is a bimetal bandsaw blade?
Bimetal blades are metal cutting blades. They are used on band saws to cut carbon steel, tool steel, structural steel, stainless steel, pipes and tubes, die steel, angles and flat stock, and mixed metal applications.
How do I choose a metal cutting bandsaw blade?
How to choose the correct bandsaw blade?
- A blade has a minimum of 2-3 TPI per inch.
- The higher the number of TPI the finer the tooth pitch.
- Cutting thin material such as light box section requires more teeth (fine tooth pitch)
- Coarse pitches are required for thicker materials such as beams or flat bar (fewer teeth)
Is it worth sharpening a bandsaw blade?
But the only way to ensure the functionality of your band saw and the quality of your final product is through using sharp band saw blades. It often makes sense to replace a dull blade with a new one, but you can sometimes get the best value out of merely sharpening an old blade instead of replacing it altogether.
How long should a metal bandsaw blade last?
Some can last under six months, and some can last years! Some of the most important variables to consider are what you are cutting, the condition of the machine and blade, how long you are using the blade, and even how you are feeding the wood through your saw as well.
Can I cut metal with a bandsaw?
Band saws are not suitable for cutting very thin sheet metal; a rule of thumb suggests the metal to be cut should be thicker than the depth of 3 band saw blade teeth, however they are excellent for cutting thin walled profiles such as box and angle.
What is 18 TPI for cutting?
Blades 12-18 TPI are typically used for metal and denser materials as well as finish cuts in wood. The 18-24 TPI range is almost always used for metal cutting.
How long should a bandsaw blade last?