With the vast number of options available in your average DIY / hardware store, you may find the task of choosing a new bandsaw blade daunting. Using the wrong blade for a particular bandsaw or material may lead to injury from the blade snapping under tension or other malfunction. By taking the time to learn a little about the criteria to use when shopping for a new bandsaw blade, you will be able to avoid woodworking disasters.
Step One
Determine the type of bandsaw. Check to see if the tabletop saw sports two or three wheels. Use a special, flexible "three wheeler" blade for these saws.
Step Two
Select a carbide or carbon steel blade for wood-cutting saws. Purchase a bi-metal or carbon steel blade for a metal-cutting saw.
Step Three
Consider the types of cuts you will need to make. Select a blade width based on the sizes of any circles you may need to cut.
Step Four
Determine the amount of teeth per blade required, based on the material to be cut and the cutting speed desired.
Step Five
Use a blade with fewer teeth for a fast cut on wood, or use a blade with more teeth for a slower, smoother cut.
Step Six
Select blade-tooth patterns for metal cutting based on the thickness of the material. Use more teeth for a thicker slab of metal, and less for a thin one.