Band Saw Blade Terms

Saw Terms

Blade Length

Simply measure the length of the blade needed. For pricing, go to the next highest half foot. Example- for a blade 5’4 ” go to 5’6” for pricing.

Blade Width

It is important to use the correct width for your saw as recommended by the manufacturer. With many saws you can use a smaller width but do not go wider.

Blade Thickness

Some blades of the same width come in different thicknesses. Try to stay with the same thickness to avoid having to make adjustments when changing blades. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting your saw to different thicknesses.

Pitch or Teeth Per Inch

To determine the number of teeth per inch, measure one inch of the blade from gullet to gullet and count the number of full teeth between them. This only works on constant pitches.

Blade Materials

There are 3 types of blade materials: Bi-Metal, hardback carbon and flexback. Consider using hardback carbon or Bi-Metal blades for your application for the same reasons that you would decide to use a carbon or high speed drill bit for a job.

Hardback Carbon

Use hardback carbon blades for mild steel and other softer materials.This blade is not recommended for production cutting. Hardback carbon blades can withstand operating cutting temperatures of only 400°F.

bi-metal illustration

Bi-Metal blades are best used for stainless and high carbon steels and other tough materials where higher abrasion and temperature conditions are encountered. Bi-Metal blades can withstand operating cutting temperatures of 1000°F.

1-800-383-5547 | Fax (608) 845 5199 | Ellis Mfg. Company, Inc., 107 W. Railroad Street, P.O. Box 930219, Verona, WI 53593-0219