Metalworking Bandsaw vs. Woodworking Bandsaw – What’s the Difference?

If you’re shopping for a bandsaw, you might wonder whether you can get away with using just one for both metal and wood. The short answer? No. While they look similar, metalworking and woodworking bandsaws are built for entirely different tasks. Using the wrong one can lead to poor cuts, damaged blades, or even a ruined machine.

So, what exactly sets them apart? Let’s break it down.

1. Blade Speed – The Biggest Difference

The most critical distinction between metal and wood bandsaws is blade speed.

Woodworking bandsaws run at high speeds (usually between 1,000 to 4,000 feet per minute). This fast cutting action helps slice through wood fibers cleanly without burning or tearing the material.

Metalworking bandsaws run much slower (often between 80 to 500 feet per minute). Metal is harder than wood, so cutting too fast would overheat the blade, dull it quickly, or even weld chips back onto the workpiece.

Some metal-cutting bandsaws come with variable speed controls, allowing them to adjust for different metals (e.g., aluminum vs. steel). Wood bandsaws, on the other hand, typically have fixed high speeds.

Can You Use a Wood Bandsaw for Metal?
Technically, yes—if you drastically slow it down. Some wood bandsaws can be modified with a speed reducer, but most aren’t built to handle the stress of metal cutting. Doing this regularly can wear out the motor or frame.

2. Blade Teeth – Designed for Different Materials

The blade itself is another major difference.

Wood bandsaw blades have fewer, larger teeth (3–6 teeth per inch, or TPI) with deep gullets to clear sawdust quickly.

Metal bandsaw blades have more, finer teeth (10–24+ TPI) to handle hard materials without chipping or breaking.

Using a wood blade on metal will dull it almost instantly, while a metal blade on wood will clog with sawdust and cut poorly.

3. Machine Construction – Strength Matters

Metal is denser and tougher than wood, so metalworking bandsaws are built heavier:

Frame & Guides: Metal saws have sturdier frames and reinforced blade guides to handle vibration and resistance.

Coolant Systems: Many metal bandsaws include coolant or lubrication systems to prevent overheating. Wood saws don’t need this.

Feed Mechanism: Some metal-cutting saws have hydraulic or automatic feed to maintain steady pressure. Wood saws are usually manual.

A wood bandsaw isn’t designed for the constant strain of cutting metal, and over time, it could warp or break.

4. Cutting Accuracy & Precision

Wood bandsaws prioritize smooth, fast cuts for shaping and curves.

Metal bandsaws focus on precision and durability, often featuring tighter tolerances for straight cuts in thick stock.

If you try cutting metal on a wood bandsaw, you’ll likely get rough edges, excessive blade wear, and poor accuracy.

5. Safety Considerations

Using the wrong bandsaw can be dangerous:

Kickback Risk: Metal chips can jam in a wood blade, causing sudden stops or kickback.

Overheating: A wood saw’s motor isn’t meant for the constant load of metal cutting and could overheat or burn out.

Blade Breakage: Metal requires more torque, and a wood bandsaw’s blade might snap under the strain.

Can You Buy a Dual-Purpose Bandsaw?

Some heavy-duty industrial bandsaws come with variable speed controls, allowing them to switch between wood and metal. However, these are expensive and still require blade changes for optimal performance.

For most DIYers or small shops, it’s better to have two separate saws—one for wood and one for metal.

Final Verdict: Which One Do You Need?

Get a woodworking bandsaw if you only cut wood, plywood, or plastics.

Get a metalworking bandsaw if you work with steel, aluminum, or other metals.

Consider a variable-speed industrial model only if you frequently cut both and need a professional-grade solution.

Trying to force one saw to do both jobs will lead to frustration, poor cuts, and potential machine damage. Invest in the right tool for the job, and you’ll get cleaner results and longer-lasting equipment.