No, not safely or effectively.
⚙️ Why You Shouldn't Use a Wood Bandsaw to Cut Metal
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Speed matters:
Most ferrous metals require cutting speeds under 300 feet per minute (FPM).
Wood cutting speeds are typically over 3000 FPM, 10x faster than metal cutting speeds.
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What happens if you try it?
You risk blade breakage, machine damage, and poor results.
It’s dangerous and can also void your warranty.
🪵 What About Cutting Wood on a Metal Bandsaw?
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It's technically possible, but:
The cut will be slow and rough.
It’s not efficient or practical for woodworking.
Metal-cutting blades and saws are not optimized for wood fibers.
🔩 Are There Any Exceptions?
Soft, non-ferrous metals (like aluminum) can sometimes be cut at speeds around 1500 FPM.
Some wood bandsaws reach similar speeds, but they still lack proper design for handling metal chips and swarf, which can damage the machine over time.
✅ Bottom Line:
Always use the right machine for the job. It’s safer, more effective, and helps your tools last longer.
🪚What are some alternative options?
We have a wide variety of metalworking bandsaws and a few models of combination woodworking/metalworking bandsaws if you prefer a machine that will handle both.
Combination woodworking/metalworking bandsaws – Versatile models that can handle both materials with the proper setup.
Horizontal bandsaws – Ideal for cutting metal stock to length.
Vertical bandsaws – Great for contour cutting in metal and, with the right blade and speed, can also cut wood.
Woodworking bandsaws – Optimized for clean, precise wood cuts.