Best Bandsaw Blades for Thick Metal (2026): 5 Picks for the Home Garage
Five Bi-Metal and M42 bandsaw blades for thick metal, compared by length, tooth count, width, thickness and material, with the thick-metal tooth and the non-ferrous specialist called out.
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Top picks at a glance
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- 1
Best OverallOniguard 35-3/8 in9.6/10View on Amazon - 2
Best Thick MetalJPPEYAHDDXB 35-3/8 in9.6/10View on Amazon - 3
Best for Metal and WoodFOXBC 64-1/2 in Blade9.6/10View on Amazon - 4
Best Non-FerrousPOWERTEC 80 in Blade9.5/10View on Amazon
A steel bracket that needs trimming, or a length of angle iron for a shop stand, is the job that calls for a metal-cutting bandsaw blade. A wood blade skates and dulls, and a hacksaw takes forever. The best bandsaw blades for thick metal are the Bi-Metal blades with a coarse, variable tooth that clears chips from a deep cut. This guide compares blades by length, tooth count, width, thickness and material, using only what each listing states.
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Quick picks
- Best Overall Oniguard 35-3/8 in: 8/10 TPI variable-tooth Bi-Metal blade for thick metal, with 3X life in stainless steel claimed, in a 3-pack Check price on Amazon
- Best Thick Metal JPPEYAHDDXB 35-3/8 in: 8-10 TPI Extreme Thick Metal blade in a 3-pack, with 2X faster cuts in thick metals claimed Check price on Amazon
- Best for Metal and Wood FOXBC 64-1/2 in Blade: 64-1/2 in Bi-Metal M42 blade with 8% cobalt, for mild steel, stainless and wood, in a 2-pack Check price on Amazon
- Best Non-Ferrous POWERTEC 80 in Blade: 80 in triple-tempered M42 cobalt blade, 14 TPI, for aluminum, copper, lead, zinc and tin Check price on Amazon
Picks for the garage
for Milwaukee 48-39-0609 35-3/8" 8-10 TPI Extreme
35-3/8 in Bi-Metal blade with 8/10 TPI for thick metal, in a 3-pack, with 3X life in stainless steel claimed.
Pros
- 8/10 TPI variable tooth for thick metal
- Bi-Metal blade for stainless steel and steel alloys
- 3X life in stainless steel, per the maker
- One blade for all metal thicknesses, per the listing
Cons
- The specifications line lists length as 11.26 in, against 35-3/8 in in the title
- Spec table lists thickness as 0.0393700787 in, against 0.02 in in the bullets
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety listing is stated
3PK 48-39-0609 for Milwaukee 35-3/8" 8-10 TPI
35-3/8 in Extreme Thick Metal blade with 8-10 TPI, in a 3-pack, with 2X faster cuts in thick metals claimed.
Pros
- 8-10 TPI for thick metal
- Aggressive tooth design for 2X faster cuts in thick metals, per the maker
- 3X life in stainless steel, per the maker
- 3-pack for spares on the shelf
Cons
- No blade width is stated
- No blade thickness is stated
- No blade material is stated
- No warranty term is stated
FOXBC 64-1/2" x 1/2" x 0.02" x 24 TPI Metal
64-1/2 in Bi-Metal M42 blade with 24 TPI and 8% cobalt, for mild steel, stainless and wood, in a 2-pack.
Pros
- Bi-Metal M42 with 8% cobalt content for added durability and wear
- Cuts mild steel, stainless, chrome and tungsten steel, per the listing
- Also handles hard plastics and wood based projects, per the listing
- Unique welding technique for a strong, smoother welding point
Cons
- Spec table lists thickness as 0.023622 in, against 0.02 in in the title
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety listing is stated
- 2-pack, fewer blades than the 3-packs here
FOXBC 44-7/8-inch Bandsaw Blades 24 TPI
44-7/8 in Bi-Metal M42 blade with 24 TPI, in a 3-pack, for DeWalt and Milwaukee portable band saws.
Pros
- Bi-Metal M42 High Speed Steel with heat resistance
- Fits DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Makita and Wen portable saws
- 3-pack for spares on the shelf
- 24 TPI blade for clean cuts, per the listing
Cons
- Spec table lists thickness as 0.0393700787 in, against 0.020 in in the title
- No thick-metal claim is stated
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety listing is stated
POWERTEC 80 Inch Bi-Metal Bandsaw Blades
80 in triple-tempered M42 cobalt blade with 14 TPI, for non-ferrous metal, in a single pack.
Pros
- Triple-tempered high speed M42 cobalt steel
- 14 TPI Raker Set teeth for non-ferrous metal
- Made for aluminum, copper, lead, zinc and tin
- Fits 12 in Craftsman band saws and other 80 in saws
Cons
- For non-ferrous metal only, not for thick steel
- Single blade, no spare in the box
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety listing is stated
Compared on paper
| Model | Shop Score | Length | TPI | Width | Thickness | Material | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oniguard 35-3/8 in | 9.6/10 | 35-3/8 in | 8/10 | 1/2 in | 0.02 in | Bi-Metal | 3 |
| JPPEYAHDDXB 35-3/8 in | 9.6/10 | 35-3/8 in | 8-10 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | 3 |
| FOXBC 64-1/2 in Blade | 9.6/10 | 64-1/2 in | 24 | 1/2 in | 0.02 in | Bi-Metal M42, 8% cobalt | 2 |
| FOXBC 44-7/8 in Blade | 9.6/10 | 44-7/8 in | 24 | 1/2 in | 0.020 in | Bi-Metal M42 HSS | 3 |
| POWERTEC 80 in Blade | 9.5/10 | 80 in | 14 | 1/2 in | 0.025 in | M42 cobalt steel | 1 |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 4 November 2026. TPI is teeth per inch as listed.
How the picks were scored
Each blade is scored out of 10 on performance, build, value, safety and warranty. No blade here states a safety listing or a warranty term, so safety and warranty score zero across the board.
| Product | Shop Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oniguard 35-3/8 in | 9.6 | 30 | 20 | 21 | n/a | 0 |
| JPPEYAHDDXB 35-3/8 in | 9.6 | 30 | 19 | 21 | n/a | 0 |
| FOXBC 64-1/2 in Blade | 9.6 | 28 | 21 | 20 | n/a | 0 |
| FOXBC 44-7/8 in Blade | 9.6 | 27 | 20 | 21 | n/a | 0 |
| POWERTEC 80 in Blade | 9.5 | 26 | 21 | 19 | n/a | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Safety counts only for powered gear or where the listing states safety features; where it does not apply, the score is taken over the remaining 90 points.
What the listings tell you
Five bandsaw blade listings were compared. All five stated length and TPI. Four stated width, thickness and a Bi-Metal or M42 steel build; one stated length and TPI only. None stated a warranty term, and none stated a safety listing. Two listings claimed 2X faster cuts in thick metals, 25% more cuts per charge and 3X life in stainless steel; those are the maker’s claims, not measured results.
Buying guide: choosing the best bandsaw blades for thick metal
Tooth count for thick metal
Thick metal needs a coarse tooth that clears chips from a deep cut. The two 8-10 TPI variable-tooth blades here are built for thick metal, and the maker claims an aggressive tooth design for 2X faster cuts in thick metals. The 14 TPI POWERTEC blade is a Raker Set tooth for non-ferrous metal. The two 24 TPI FOXBC blades state a finer tooth and a wide material range, from mild steel and stainless to wood based projects.
Blade length and fit
Match the blade length to the saw. The blades here run 35-3/8 in, 44-7/8 in, 64-1/2 in and 80 in. The 35-3/8 in blades fit Milwaukee portable saws, the 44-7/8 in blade fits DeWalt and Milwaukee portable saws, the 64-1/2 in blade fits WEN, Harbor Freight and JET saws, and the 80 in blade fits 12 in Craftsman band saws. Check the length the saw needs before ordering.
Bi-Metal and M42 steel
Four blades state a Bi-Metal or M42 steel build. The FOXBC blades state Bi-Metal M42 High Speed Steel, and the 64-1/2 in blade states 8% cobalt content for added durability and wear. The POWERTEC blade states triple-tempered high speed M42 cobalt steel. The JPPEYAHDDXB listing states no blade material, so there is nothing to compare on that blade.
Pack size
Three blades come in a 3-pack, one in a 2-pack and one as a single blade. A 3-pack keeps spares on the shelf when a blade dulls mid-job. The POWERTEC blade is a single blade, so order a spare if the job cannot wait.
What the claims mean
Two listings claim 2X faster cuts in thick metals, 25% more cuts per charge and 3X life in stainless steel. Those are the maker’s claims, stated on the listing, not measured results. Compare the stated length, TPI and material instead, and treat the multipliers as marketing.
Not sure whether to reach for the band saw or the grinder? See portable band saw vs angle grinder.
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Garage Fit Check
- Check the blade length the saw needs: 35-3/8 in, 44-7/8 in, 64-1/2 in or 80 in, and match it to the saw model in the listing.
- Four blades state a 1/2 in width; one states no width, so read the listing before ordering.
- Match the TPI to the metal: 8-10 TPI for thick metal, 14 TPI for non-ferrous metal, 24 TPI for the mixed metal and wood range the FOXBC listings state.
- Store spare blades in the pack they came in; the 3-packs keep two spares on the shelf.
- Confirm the saw model in the listing before ordering: Milwaukee 48-39-0609, DeWalt DW3984, WEN 3970, Harbor Freight, JET or Craftsman 12 in, as listed.
FAQ: garage tools
Can a bandsaw cut metal?
Yes, with a metal-cutting blade. The blades here are Bi-Metal or M42 steel blades made for metal, and the listings name mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper and angle iron among the materials cut.
What is a metal bandsaw?
A metal bandsaw is a band saw set up with a metal-cutting blade, usually a Bi-Metal blade with a coarse tooth count. The blades here fit portable band saws and 12 in band saws, and the listings name the saw models each blade fits.
What TPI is best for thick metal?
The listings built for thick metal here use 8-10 TPI with a variable tooth design, and the maker claims an aggressive tooth design for 2X faster cuts in thick metals. The 24 TPI blades here state a finer tooth for a wider material range.
How to pick the right blade length?
Match the blade length to the saw: 35-3/8 in for Milwaukee portable saws, 44-7/8 in for DeWalt and Milwaukee portable saws, 64-1/2 in for WEN, Harbor Freight and JET saws, and 80 in for 12 in Craftsman band saws, as the listings state.
Do metal bandsaw blades cut wood too?
The FOXBC 64-1/2 in listing says its blade is sharp and diverse enough to handle some hard plastics and all wood based projects, as well as metal. The other listings state metal only, so check the listing before cutting wood.
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