Attempting to purchase a new bandsaw blade? However, there are so many choices that it is difficult to choose the right one.
So confused by bi-metal bandsaw blades vs carbon?
Carbon blades are created using carbon steel, whereas bi-metal blade is created using two distinct metals. Bi-metal blades are more durable and can be used to cut steel and stainless steel. Carbon blades are more suited for cutting softer materials but they also cost less.
This just provides an overview of the two blades. You will find more details in this article!
General Overview
There are many different types of blades. Bi-metal and carbon bandsaw blades are not just different in name. They differ in many aspects. Them being:
This just gives an overview of how the two blades stack up against each other.
In-depth Comparison
To understand the differences between the two blades, we must know more details. Fortunately, blade selection is not as complicated as putting smaller bars on chainsaws.
Composition
Carbon bandsaw blades are made from hard metals such as stainless steel. These alloys have a high proportion of silicon throughout their makeup.
In addition, they have teeth that have been heating treated and are beautifully machined, and their backs are flexible.
These particular band saw blades are of the conventional kind. They have been around for a long period of time. They are made of carbon steel in their construction. The bulk of the time, these blade saws are black in color.
Both kinds of carbon bandsaw blades are used for cutting through the majority of applications. However, there is one key difference.
Hardback blades have teeth that have been heating treated as well as a backing that has been heat treated. The beam is strengthened by the backer, which has been heat-treated, and it may be sliced in straight lines.
The flex back blades have teeth that have been heat-treated, which makes the backer more flexible. The contour cutting causes stresses, which are then absorbed by the flexible backer.
The band saw blades that are correctly called bimetal band saw blades get their name from the fact that they are made of two different types of metal.
a carbon steel backer that is capable of being bent. Because it is attached to the backer, the tooth edge on this is substantially more durable.
Typically, M42 Cobalt steel is used in the construction of this tooth edge. As a result of this, bimetal saw blades are often referred to as m42 bi-metal bandsaw blades.
Never forget how crucial it is to use the right metal cutting fluid. Use a Metal Cutting Compound as an alternative if you are not going to be working with fluid.
Never make use of common home items such as WD-40 or motor oil. Simply because they often shorten the blade’s useful life.
Other types of bimetal blades often include a cutting edge made of a cobalt-steel alloy. Because of this, the blade’s ability to withstand heat and wear. Also, its overall lifespan is improved.
Winner: The winner of this round is the bi-metal bandsaw blade. It has much higher quality components.
Used for Cutting
So what are bi-metal blades used for?
They are used to cut carbon steel, tool steel, and structural steel, they are used on band saws.In addition, they can be used on mixed metal applications, stainless steel, pipelines, and tubes.
Bi-metal blades can be used for cutting steel rods as well.
These bandsaw blades for cutting metal are used by a variety of people, including steel service shops as well as small to major enterprises.
In addition, there are shops that do maintenance, job work, tool and die work, and fabrication. And even just anyone who has an interest in sawing a wide variety of different forms, structures, and substances.
Carbon bandsaw blades can cut through a variety of materials, including wood, plastics, and soft metals like aluminum and brass. They are also capable of slicing through the steel of a rather thin gauge on occasion.
Winner: The bi-metal blade also prevails in this contest. It has many different applications.
Durability
The lifespan of carbon bandsaw blades is influenced by two elements. Which kind of metals do you want to cut, and how often and how often would you anticipate cutting them?
Blades made of carbon steel are adaptable and can be utilized to cut many different types of materials. This includes mild steel as well as aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, and any other metals that aren’t ferrous.
This, however, assumes that you merely want to use your bandsaw occasionally. Or, if you simply need to cut a few pieces, a blade made of carbon steel would do the job just fine.
On the other hand, you could wish to make frequent use of your equipment and have a substantial amount of material to cut. In such a scenario, we advise making use of a blade made of bi-metal.
A carbon steel blade is an inexpensive band saw blade that is used for cutting that is more generic in nature.
Depending on use, a bi-metal blade can last 3 to 4 times longer than other blades. Providing you use it correctly and only cut the appropriate materials.
10” and 14” bandsaws also differ and affect the durability of different blades.
Winner: The durability of the bi-metal bandsaw blade is much more sturdy. So it is the clear winner.
Availability
The two blades are not equally available, which is another distinction. Carbon bandsaw blades have been available for a longer period of time, making them the more prevalent option.
Because they don’t use their knives very often, the majority of home users choose carbon blades.
The need for the utilization of bi-metal blades has recently increased. Consequently, a great number of individuals may access it. However, it does not see as much use as the carbon blade.
Winner: The carbon blade prevails in this round. Because it is more widely available.
Price
When it comes to making purchases, pricing is a significant differentiator. On the other hand, a smaller price tag does not always indicate superior value.
The carbon blades may be purchased at close to ten dollars each. But the carbon blades are less durable.
The cost of blades made of bi-metal is much greater. They are close to $50 each. However, as was said before, their longevity is much improved.
The bi-metal blades have a substantially longer lifespan as a result of their increased toughness. In addition, they may be used for a wider variety of uses. Therefore, you will receive greater value for your money.
Winner: This winner of this round is also bi-metal blades because of their better value.
Verdict
Bandsaw blades made of bi-metal as well as those made of carbon are both excellent choices. But in the end, it all comes down to your requirements.
If you want to use the bandsaw more regularly, you should invest in a blade made of both metals. And if you just want to use it sometimes, you should purchase the carbon blade.
FAQs
Is carbide better than bi-metal?
The average lifespan of a carbide blade is hundreds of times greater than that of a bi-metal blade. This means that the cost of each cut is much lower when using a carbide blade.
Additionally, it may be used to cut a variety of materials.
What is the best TPI for cutting wood?
A blade with a TPI of 6 to 20 is required to cut wood and other soft materials. A TPI of 14 to 36 is preferred for harder materials such as metal. TPI represents teeth per inch of the blade.
Is 60 TPI better than 120 TPI?
The higher 120 TPI shell is lighter, thinner, and better purposed to the terrain. The casing with 60 TPI, on the other hand, is more resistant to puncture, abrasion, and cutting.
Conclusion
And with that, we know so much more about bi-metal bandsaw blades vs carbon. Both are excellent options, the choice comes down to your needs.
For regular use, it will be better to get a bi-metal blade. For lighter usage, get a carbon blade.
Good luck!
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