Thread: Carbon Steel Bandsaw Blades

They will work, the difference between them and say Bi-metal blades will be the length of time that they stay sharp. Coolant will help. Given the price it may be one of those try it and see things.

Michael

That's Starrett band saw blade. I own one and I have some extra Haltbar blades too.

I had used carbon blades on my 6x4 for a few years but after chewing up 3 blades in a short time i went to bi-metal and have been using them since, although i did p/u that carbon blade the last time in H&F as a back up as the bi-metal are to expensive for me to keep a spare.

I have Trajan 7X12 band saw. I've used bi-metal, M42 and carbon band saw blades.

I tried Bi metal blades years ago but find the cheap H&F starrett blades with coolant last a long time and are cheaper. The Bi metal where getting up to $35 10 years ago and for that I can buy 3 H&F blades and last a lot longer.

Dave

Originally Posted by Auskart

Are Carbon Steel bandsaw blades any good for cutting mild steel and non ferrous metals. Just bought a 2nd hand bandsaw and am looking at the blades below.

B200 | Band Saw Blade | machineryhouse.com.au

Cheers

When I bought my 6x4 fom macineryhouse some 10 years ago, I also bought 5 of the Starrett carbon blades from them. They lasted me about 6 months. Then I switched to bimetall blades, and have worn out only 4 in the remaining 9.5 years. I can say that for me, one bimetal blade lasts as long as 20 carbon blades. I would not use anyhing but bimetal on a metal bandsaw (carbon blades is all I need on my wood bandsaw).

Maybe it has to do with how I use the 6x4 bandsaw. I refuse to waste time by changing saw blade to suit the job. I use a medium tooth blade only, and accept that it cuts slow on plastics and Aluminium and needs careful downfeed for thin walled stuff. I cut a mix of all possible materials including stainless and aluminium bronze. I do change the blade speed according to what I cut. I do use oil lubricant for steel and WD40 for Aluminium.

If you choose to go for a bimetal blade, run it in about half an hour cutting first wood, then Aluminium with low downfeed. If you can afford it, toss the cheap and stiff chinese V-belt and replace it with a link belt, the saw will run much quiter and smoother. Chris

I tried cutting mild steel before and I used 201 hard back carbon blade . The tech support suggested to use the carbon blade. And it was good advice.