Makita Band Saw Blades
Makita band saw blade options for clean, straight cuts in metal and plastic, when you need a blade that tracks true and does not strip teeth mid-job.
When you are cutting tray, strut, threaded rod or box section all day, the blade is what makes the saw earn its keep. Makita bandsaw blades are made to run smooth, hold tension, and keep the cut square, so you are not fighting drift or burning through blades. Choose the right length and TPI for your material, then get a few spares in the van so you are not stuck when one lets go.
What Jobs Are Makita Band Saw Blades Best At?
- Cutting Unistrut, tray, and conduit on fit-out work when you want a fast, burr-minimising cut without dragging a grinder into finished areas.
- Chopping threaded rod, studding, and bolts to length on plant rooms and risers, so fixings go in clean and you are not rounding threads with heat.
- Breaking down box section, angle iron, and flat bar in the workshop or on site, where a steady band saw cut keeps mitres and lengths consistent.
- Cutting plastic pipe and composite materials on maintenance jobs, where the right tooth pitch stops grabbing and leaves a neater edge for assembly.
Choosing the Right Makita Band Saw Blade
Do not guess it. Match the blade length and tooth pitch to your saw and the material, or you will get drift, tooth strip, and slow cuts.
1. Blade length and fit
If the length is wrong, it will not tension properly and it will wander. Check your Makita saw model and the blade length listed for it before you order, even if the blade "looks close".
2. Tooth pitch (TPI) for the thickness you cut
If you are mainly on thin wall tray, strut, and sheet, go finer TPI so the teeth stay engaged and do not snag. If you are cutting thicker section, a coarser TPI clears swarf better and cuts quicker without overheating.
3. What you are cutting day to day
If you bounce between steel and plastic, keep dedicated blades for each. Using a metal blade on plastic can melt and clog the gullets, and a plastic-optimised blade on steel is a fast way to lose teeth.
Makita Band Saw Blade FAQs
How do I make sure I am buying the right Makita band saw blade length?
Check your exact Makita band saw model and match the blade length listed for that tool. If the length is even slightly off, it will not tension correctly and you will get wandering cuts or the blade can jump the wheels.
What tooth count should I choose for strut and tray work?
For thin wall strut and tray, a finer tooth pitch is usually the safer bet because it keeps more teeth engaged and reduces snagging. If you go too coarse on thin material, it chatters, grabs, and strips teeth fast.
Why is my Makita bandsaw blade drifting and cutting out of square?
Most of the time it is either a blunt or damaged blade, incorrect tension, or worn guides. Fit a fresh blade first, then check the saw is tensioning properly and the guides are not sloppy, because even a good blade cannot track straight in a worn set-up.
Can I use one blade for steel and plastics to save money?
You can, but it is false economy if you do it regularly. Plastics can melt and clog the teeth, and then the blade cuts hot and rough on metal. If you cut both often, keep separate blades and they will last longer.
How do I stop stripping teeth when cutting thicker steel?
Use a coarser pitch suited to thicker section, let the saw do the work, and avoid forcing the cut. If you push too hard or use too fine a pitch on thick steel, the blade overheats and the teeth go off quickly.
Who Uses Makita Band Saw Blades?
- Mechanical and HVAC fitters cutting strut, threaded rod, and channel all day, because a decent blade keeps cuts square and reduces rework.
- Sparks and tray installers doing containment, who want quick, controlled cuts without showers of sparks in occupied buildings.
- Steel fabricators and site welders trimming section to size, where the right Makita bandsaw blade tooth count stops snagging and tooth loss.
- Facilities and maintenance teams keeping a couple of spare blades in the van for quick repairs, so a snapped blade does not kill the job.
The Basics: Understanding Band Saw Blade Tooth Pitch
Most band saw blade problems on site come down to the wrong tooth pitch for the material thickness. Get that right and the saw cuts straighter, faster, and the blade lasts longer.
1. Finer TPI for thin materials
Thin wall strut, tray, and lighter section need more teeth in the cut at once, otherwise the blade chatters and snatches. A finer TPI smooths the cut and helps stop tooth strip.
2. Coarser TPI for thicker section
Thicker steel needs room to clear swarf. A coarser TPI bites better and runs cooler, so you are not forcing the saw and cooking the blade.
Band Saw Essentials That Stop Downtime
A blade is only half the story. These bits keep cuts accurate and stop you losing time when the saw starts wandering.
1. Spare blades (matched to your common materials)
Keep at least one spare Makita band saw blade for metal and one for plastics if you do both. When a blade snaps or strips teeth mid-run, you swap and carry on instead of downing tools.
2. Blade wax or cutting lubricant
On thicker steel, a bit of lube helps the blade run cooler and clears swarf better, which reduces burning and tooth wear. It is a simple fix when blades are dying early.
3. Replacement tyres or guide bearings (where your saw uses them)
If the saw starts drifting even with a fresh blade, worn guides or tyres are often the reason. Replacing them brings tracking back and stops you blaming blades for a saw set-up issue.
Shop Makita Band Saw Blades at ITS
Whether you need a single Makita bandsaw blade for a quick replacement or you are stocking up for regular containment and fabrication work, we have the range ready to go. We hold Makita band saw blades in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery so you can get back cutting without waiting around.
