Your complete guide to choosing, using, and maintaining bandsaw blades in the UK.
Blade Selector Tool
Choosing the right blade is the most critical step for getting clean, safe cuts. An incorrect blade is the top cause of most bandsaw problems. This tool will guide you through selecting the perfect blade width, TPI, and type for your specific project.
Blade Width vs. Minimum Cutting Radius
The width of your blade determines the tightest curve you can cut. Wider blades are for straight cuts like resawing, while thinner blades allow for intricate, curved shapes. Use this chart to see the relationship clearly. Hover over any bar for precise details.
TPI (Teeth Per Inch) Recommender
TPI affects your cutting speed and the finish of the cut. A coarse pitch (low TPI) cuts faster but leaves a rougher finish, ideal for thick stock. A fine pitch (high TPI) cuts slower but produces a smooth finish, best for thin or hard materials. Select a material below to see our recommendation.
Tooth Types
The shape of the teeth also impacts performance.
- Regular: All-purpose for smooth finishes.
- Hook: Aggressive, fast cuts in wood and plastic.
- Skip: Wide spacing prevents clogging in soft materials.
- Variable: Reduces vibration for a smooth, all-purpose cut.
Measuring Blade Length
If you don't know your blade length, you can calculate it. Set pulleys to their working position, then measure:
- C: Distance between wheel centers.
- R Up: Radius of the upper wheel.
- R Lo: Radius of the lower wheel.
Length = (R Up * 3.146) + (R Lo * 3.146) + (2 * C)