Band Saw BladesWhat is a carbon steel band saw blade and when to use it? NATCUT and Starrett
The carbon steel band saw blade is the economical option for contour cutting, complex shapes and softer materials. In this guide we explain what a carbon steel band saw blade is, when it makes sense, and which ones we carry at NAT MAC: our own NATCUT Carbon line and Starrett's Duratec.
What is a carbon steel band saw blade?
A carbon steel band saw blade is a single-metal blade, that is, made of a single carbon steel, unlike the bi-metal blade, which combines two metals. Its teeth are hardened so they cut and hold up, and the body is a flexible high-alloy steel that bends around the wheels.
Because it is made of a single material, it is more economical than the bi-metal and carbide blades. In exchange, it does not match the hardness or life of those blades, so it is reserved for softer materials, small sections, cutting curves and shapes, and light machines.
When does a carbon steel blade make sense?
The carbon steel blade is the best option when:
| When it makes sense | Why? |
|---|---|
| Looking for the economical option | It is the lowest-cost blade for cutting |
| You cut contours and shapes | Cuts curves and complex shapes with good precision |
| You work with soft materials | Works well on soft materials, wood and non-metals, and on small sections |
| Your machine is light-duty | Works on light-duty equipment and welds with standard tools |
When the material is harder or you want longer blade life, it pays to step up to a bi-metal blade. We explain the difference in our article on bi-metal band saw blades.
The carbon steel blades we carry
We carry our own NATCUT line and Starrett's Duratec, covering everything from precision cutting to the most difficult materials. This table summarizes them:
| Product | What is it? | What for? |
|---|---|---|
| NATCUT™ Carbon | Carbon steel mono-metal, hardened teeth | Precision cutting of small sections and complex shapes |
| Duratec™ SFB | High-carbon steel, flexible back (Starrett) | Economical contour and straight cutting for light machines |
| Duratec™ FC | High carbon with silicon and "air scoop" teeth (Starrett) | Difficult materials that other carbon blades cannot cut |
NATCUT Carbon: our own line
NATCUT Carbon is the carbon steel band saw blade from NAT MAC, our own brand. It is a mono-metal blade with hardened teeth (58 to 62 HRC) and a high-alloy steel body (C75S, 51CrV4 or D6A), which cuts complex shapes with precision and offers good durability and stability. It is available in widths from 3 to 25 mm, ideal for cutting small sections.
Starrett Duratec: economical and for difficult materials
We also carry Starrett's Duratec line, in two versions:
- Duratec™ SFB: high-carbon steel blade with a flexible back, for contour and straight cutting. It is economical and welds with standard equipment, ideal for light machines, shops and carpentry.
- Duratec™ FC: high-carbon steel with high silicon content, special set and "air scoop" teeth, with hardened teeth and tempered back. It cuts materials that conventional blades cannot, with high wear resistance.
How to choose the right carbon steel band saw blade?
The choice depends on the cut and the material:
- For precision cutting of small sections and complex shapes, the choice is NATCUT Carbon.
- For economical contour and straight cutting in shops, light machinery and carpentry, choose the Duratec SFB.
- For difficult materials that a standard carbon blade can't cut, the Duratec FC.
In summary
- The carbon steel band saw blade is mono-metal (a single steel) and is the most economical option
- Suited to contour cutting, shapes, soft materials, small sections and light machines
- For harder materials or longer life, a bi-metal blade is recommended
- We carry our own NATCUT Carbon line and Starrett's Duratec SFB and FC
Why buy your band saw blades at NAT MAC?
We have more than 54 years of experience in the industry and ISO 9001 certified quality. We make our own NATCUT line and distribute Starrett, so we have the right blade for every job, from carbon steel to bi-metal and carbide, and we help you choose the right one for your machine and your material.
- Our own NATCUT Carbon line and Starrett's Duratec
- Also bi-metal (NATCUT and Starrett) and carbide (Starrett Advanz) blades
- Advice on choosing the right blade for your material and machine
- Blades welded to the length of your machine
- Backed by ISO 9001 certified quality
Tell us what material you cut, on what machine and in what dimensions, and we will recommend the right band saw blade. Request your free quote.
Sources: NAT MAC Band saw blades catalog (NATCUT and Starrett); Starrett, Band Saw Blades; Starrett, Band Saw Blades Catalog 60.
