Best 80-Inch Band Saw Blades for Metal Cutting
The best 80-inch metal band saw blade depends on the material: choose a fine 24-TPI blade for thin ferrous tubing, a 14-TPI blade specified for stainless steel, or a blade made for non-ferrous metals such as aluminum. The Imachinist S801224 suits thin ferrous profiles, while the POWERTEC blade is designed for soft metals. Check your saw’s required length, width, and thickness before choosing; an 80-inch blade may not fit every machine.
| Blade | Best for | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| Imachinist S801224 | Thin ferrous profiles | 24 TPI; avoid for non-ferrous metal |
| POWERTEC 13260 | Aluminum and other soft metals | 14 TPI; 1/2-inch wide |
| Imachinist S801214SS | Stainless steel | 14 TPI; ferrous metals |
| Imachinist S801214-035 | Soft ferrous stock needing thicker backing | 0.035-inch thickness; confirm saw accepts it |
| FOXBC 80-inch blade | Not a metal-cutting choice | Carbon steel; listed as a general Craftsman blade |
Imachinist S801224 24-TPI Bi-Metal Blade
Best for: Thin ferrous tubing, pipes, and profiles. This 80-inch, 1/2-inch-wide blade has a 0.025-inch backing and 24 teeth per inch, a fine pitch suited to thin-walled ferrous sections. Its M42 bi-metal cutting edge includes 8% cobalt and 2% tungsten, which the product description identifies as durability and abrasion-resistance features.
The listed speed guidance is 100–300 SFPM for ferrous metals and 300–800 SFPM for non-ferrous metals. However, the manufacturer specifically says not to use this 24-TPI blade for aluminum or other non-ferrous metals. Choose this if you mainly cut thin ferrous profiles; avoid it for soft-metal work or a saw running above the recommended metal-cutting speed.
POWERTEC 14-TPI Non-Ferrous Blade
Best for: Cutting aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, and tin. POWERTEC specifies this 80-inch bi-metal blade for non-ferrous, or soft, metals. It is 1/2 inch wide and uses a 14-TPI raker-set tooth arrangement, with evenly arranged teeth intended for cutting performance.
The listing names Sears Craftsman 137.224320 and models 9HT2433N and 9HT23331N, and says it suits many saws requiring an 80-inch, 1/2-inch-wide, 0.025-inch-thick blade. Confirm your saw’s specifications rather than relying on length alone. Choose this over the 24-TPI Imachinist blade when non-ferrous metal is the main material. The product details do not specify use for stainless steel.
Imachinist S801214SS Stainless Steel Blade
Best for: Stainless steel and other listed ferrous metals. This M42 bi-metal blade measures 80 inches long, 1/2 inch wide, and 0.025 inch thick. Its fixed 14-TPI tooth profile is described as suitable for thin pipes, tubes, and profiles. The listing also specifies other steel below 30 HRC and all ferrous metals.
Choose this if stainless steel is a regular job and the saw accepts its dimensions. It is not recommended for non-ferrous metal, so select a blade explicitly made for aluminum or similar materials for those tasks. Its fixed 14-TPI pattern is a specific configuration, not a variable-pitch tooth option.
Imachinist S801214-035 Reinforced Blade
Best for: Soft ferrous metals when a thicker backing is appropriate for the saw. This M42 bi-metal blade is 80 inches long and 1/2 inch wide, with 14-TPI teeth and a 0.035-inch-thick backing. The product describes it as a reinforced, hard, stiff backing for soft ferrous metals.
Check fit carefully: the listing explicitly says to confirm that the band saw accepts 0.035-inch-thick blades before purchase. It also says not to cut non-ferrous metals or non-metal materials with this blade. Choose the 0.025-inch S801214SS instead if your saw requires that thinner backing or stainless steel is the intended material.
FOXBC 80-Inch Carbon Steel Blade
Best for: Buyers comparing a general-purpose Craftsman 12-inch saw blade, not shoppers seeking a blade specifically designed for metal. This two-piece set is listed as an 80-inch, 1/4-inch-wide, 0.014-inch-thick carbon steel blade for Sears Craftsman 12-inch band saws. Its description mentions heat resistance, welding, and a geometric tooth arrangement.
The supplied product details do not identify it as a metal-cutting blade or specify a metal material. Therefore, do not choose it for metal based on length alone. Its narrower 1/4-inch width and 0.014-inch thickness also differ from the 1/2-inch-wide, 0.025-inch metal blades above; verify the saw’s requirements and intended use.
Buying Guide: Choosing An 80-Inch Metal Blade
Which metal are you cutting?
Match the blade to the workpiece. The POWERTEC model is specified for non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, and tin. The Imachinist stainless-steel blade is intended for stainless steel and other ferrous metals, while the 24-TPI model is aimed at thin ferrous tubing and profiles. Do not assume one blade is suitable for every metal; the product listings include material-specific restrictions.
How should you compare tooth pitch?
Tooth pitch matters when choosing for the material’s thickness and shape. The 24-TPI blade is specifically described for thin ferrous pipe, tube, and profiles. The 14-TPI options cover different tasks: one targets non-ferrous metal, one specifies stainless and other ferrous stock, and one specifies soft ferrous metal with a thicker backing. Follow the blade maker’s intended use rather than comparing TPI in isolation.
Will the blade fit your saw?
Verify all required dimensions: blade length, width, and thickness. These products are 80 inches long, but their widths and thicknesses vary. Several metal-focused options are 1/2 inch wide and 0.025 inch thick; the reinforced Imachinist blade is 0.035 inch thick and requires a saw that accepts that thickness. The FOXBC blade is narrower and thinner, so it is not an equivalent substitute.
Does saw speed matter?
Yes. The S801224 listing recommends 100–300 SFPM for ferrous metals and 300–800 SFPM for non-ferrous metals, while also warning against metal cutting on wood-cutting band saws operating above 1,000 SFPM. Check your saw’s speed and follow the specific blade instructions before cutting. The supplied details do not give speed guidance for every listed blade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an 80-inch blade compatible with every 12-inch band saw?
No. Confirm the required blade length, width, and thickness in your saw’s specifications. The product listings identify particular compatible models or dimensional requirements, but 80-inch length alone does not establish fit.
Which listed blade is for aluminum?
The POWERTEC 14-TPI blade is explicitly designed for non-ferrous metals, including aluminum. The Imachinist S801224 listing says not to use its 24-TPI blade for aluminum or other non-ferrous metals.
Which option is specified for stainless steel?
The Imachinist S801214SS is described for stainless steel, other steel below 30 HRC, and ferrous metals. It is not recommended for non-ferrous metal.
Can the FOXBC blade be recommended for metal cutting?
Not from the supplied product information. It is described as a carbon steel blade for Craftsman 12-inch band saws, but its listing does not specify metal-cutting use.