Bimetal Bandsaw Blade Information
What Are Bimetal Bandsaw Blades?
Bimetal bandsaw blades are constructed from two different metals bonded together — a flexible alloy steel blade body combined with hardened high-speed steel (HSS) tooth tips. This combination gives bimetal blades far greater durability and heat resistance compared to standard carbon bandsaw blades, making them the go-to choice for cutting metal, stainless steel, and other demanding materials.
The flexible backing steel allows the blade to absorb the stress of high-speed cutting without cracking, while the hardened HSS tips resist wear and maintain a sharp cutting edge for significantly longer than carbon blades. Bimetal bandsaw blades are available in two main grades — M42 and M51 — each suited to different applications.
Bimetal M42 Bandsaw Blades
M42 is the most commonly used bimetal grade and is suitable for the vast majority of metal cutting applications. M42 bimetal blades feature 8% cobalt content in the HSS tooth tips, which significantly increases hardness and heat resistance compared to standard HSS.
One of the key advantages of M42 bimetal blades over carbon bandsaw blades is their ability to cut harder materials. While carbon blades are limited to wood, plastics and soft materials, M42 bimetal blades are specifically designed to cut metals that would quickly blunt or destroy a carbon blade — including mild steel, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals. If you are currently using a carbon blade and finding it struggles or wears out quickly, switching to an M42 bimetal blade will make a significant difference.
M42 bimetal bandsaw blades are ideal for cutting:
- Mild steel — solid bar, flat bar, box section and structural steel
- Stainless steel — grades 304 and 316 in moderate sections
- Aluminium and non-ferrous metals — copper, brass, bronze
- Steel tube and pipe — round, square and rectangular hollow sections
- Hardwood — dense hardwoods where carbon blades wear quickly
- Mixed material bundles — cutting multiple pieces at once
M42 offers an excellent balance of performance and cost, making it the most popular choice for engineering workshops, fabrication shops, and general metalworking.
Bimetal M51 Bandsaw Blades
M51 is a premium powdered metal high-speed steel grade that takes bimetal performance to the next level. M51 tooth tips are manufactured using a powder metallurgy process, resulting in a far more uniform and refined grain structure compared to conventional M42 HSS. This gives M51 blades significantly greater hardness, toughness, and wear resistance — particularly at high cutting temperatures.
M51 bimetal bandsaw blades are the right choice when cutting:
- Hardened steel — tool steel, die steel and other heat-treated materials
- Stainless steel — high-grade and duplex stainless where M42 wears prematurely
- Titanium and titanium alloys — aerospace and medical grade materials
- Inconel and superalloys — nickel-based high-temperature alloys
- Exotic and difficult-to-cut alloys — materials that rapidly dull standard blades
- High-production metal cutting — where maximum blade life is a priority
If you are finding that M42 bimetal blades are wearing out too quickly on your material, upgrading to M51 will typically deliver markedly longer blade life and a better quality cut, more than justifying the slightly higher cost per blade.
M42 vs M51 — Which Should I Choose?
| Feature | M42 | M51 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | General metal cutting | Hard & exotic alloys |
| Tooth material | M42 HSS (8% cobalt) | M51 powdered metal HSS |
| Heat resistance | High | Very high |
| Blade life | Excellent | Superior |
| Cost | Standard | Premium |
| Recommended when | Cutting mild & stainless steel | Cutting hardened, exotic or difficult alloys |
Choosing the Right TPI for Bimetal Blades
As with all bandsaw blades, TPI (Teeth Per Inch) selection is important for achieving the best cut quality and blade life:
- Low TPI (2–4) — large solid bar, heavy structural sections and thick billets
- Medium TPI (4–8) — general purpose metal cutting, solid bar and flat plate
- High TPI (8–14+) — thin wall tube, sheet metal and thin sections
- Variable pitch (e.g. 4/6, 6/10) — reduces vibration on tube, mixed sections and bundles for a smoother cut and longer blade life
Always ensure a minimum of 3 teeth are in contact with the material at all times. Too few teeth in contact causes tooth stripping and premature blade failure.
How Long Do Bimetal Blades Last?
Bimetal bandsaw blades last significantly longer than carbon blades when cutting metal. Blade life depends on the material being cut, blade speed, feed pressure, and coolant use. Using the correct cutting fluid or coolant will greatly extend the life of your bimetal blade and improve cut quality.
Signs your bimetal blade needs replacing include: reduced cutting speed, difficulty maintaining a straight cut, tooth stripping, blade drift, or visible fatigue cracks in the blade body.
Order Bimetal Bandsaw Blades
All of our bimetal bandsaw blades are made to order and cut to your exact specification. Choose your grade below, enter your length, select your width and TPI, and we will cut and dispatch your blade with free delivery on all UK orders.