Here at Ferric Machinery, we don’t just sell machines—we help you make the right choices for your shop, your workflow, and your bottom line. Our advisory services are designed to help fabricators of all sizes plan smarter, scale efficiently, and stay competitive. Our trained technicians have expert knowledge of our product lines, stock, and industry tips. In this blog, we’re sharing some of that knowledge, discussing everything you need to know about bandsaws.
Types
Bandsaws can be divided into two main categories, horizontal and vertical. Horizontal bandsaws use a blade that is parallel to the ground and are ideal for precise cuts through harder materials, such as stainless steel. Vertical bandsaws use a blade that is perpendicular to the ground and provide more versatility for intricate cuts through softer materials, such as structural steel.
Blades
Bandsaw blades can be divided into three main types based on their material: carbon steel, bi-metal, and carbide-tipped. Carbon steel blades can be a cost-effective option for cutting soft materials, such as wood and plastic. However, bi-metal blades are more durable and, therefore, are better for cutting harder materials, such as metals. Lastly, carbide-tipped blades are the most expensive but are best for cutting extremely hard materials, composites, and heavy production, offering the longest sharpness.
Teeth
The teeth of bandsaw blades are categorized by their size and the distance between each tooth. Larger teeth cut faster but may result in a poorer surface finish. On the other hand, smaller teeth cut slower but create a cleaner surface finish.
The distance between each tooth is usually quoted in teeth per inch (T.P.I.). The general rule is that you should have at least three teeth and fewer than twelve teeth in the workpiece. There are further recommendations depending on the material you are cutting. This sounds rather complicated, but as long as you know the thickness, material, and desired finish of what you are cutting, you can figure out the best blade for your project!
Speeds
Bandsaw blade speeds are measured in surface feet per minute (SFPM) and vary widely based on the material being cut, ranging from 40 to 15,000 SFPM. For softer materials, higher speeds are generally used, whereas for harder materials, lower speeds are necessary to avoid excessive heat. However, too slow a speed can cause the teeth to strip or a rougher, vibrating cut. Lastly, you should also consider the size of your workpiece, as the rate of heat generation increases with diameter.
Here are some common target speeds for different materials:
- Wood – 5,000 SFPM
- Aluminum and Other Non-Ferrous Metals – 210 SFPM
- Mild Steel – 130 SFPM
- High-Strength and Stainless Steels – 88 SFPM
Feeds
Finally, bandsaw feed types are categorized by the level of automation and control, including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic systems. Each of these types come with different levels of operator involvement, efficiency, and cost. Ferric Machinery offers bandsaws with each of these feed types to accommodate the needs of your shop.
Have more questions? We can help! Contact Ferric Machinery today!