Starrett 13688 Welded Bandsaw Blade Variable Pitch Bi-metal

Product Description

The STARRETT 13688 is a welded bi-metal bandsaw blade engineered for variable-pitch cutting on metal fabrication and production sawing applications. At 12 feet 1 inch in length and 1 inch wide, with a blade thickness of 0.035 inches, this blade is built for horizontal and vertical band saws commonly found in machine shops, fabrication facilities, and industrial maintenance environments. The variable pitch tooth pattern ranges from 6 to 10 TPI, reducing harmonic vibration and improving cut quality across a range of material cross-sections. The high-speed steel tooth tips are electron beam welded to a flexible alloy steel back, delivering durability under continuous cutting cycles. Licensed HVAC, plumbing, and industrial trades rely on this blade for ferrous and non-ferrous metal cutting tasks.

The STARRETT 13688 is part of the Intenss PRO series, designed for cutting ferrous and non-ferrous metals including structural steel, stainless, aluminum, and copper alloy stock. The variable 6 to 10 TPI pitch and raker tooth set make it well-suited for cutting solids, tubing, and structural shapes where consistent chip clearance and reduced blade breakage are priorities. This blade fits band saws with a 12-foot 1-inch wheel-to-wheel blade path and is appropriate for both production and maintenance cutting in industrial and commercial settings.

Key Features

• Variable pitch 6 to 10 TPI reduces vibration and improves surface finish on mixed cross-section cuts
• Bi-metal construction with high-speed steel teeth bonded to a flexible alloy back for extended tooth life
• Raker tooth set with positive rake angle promotes aggressive chip removal on ferrous and non-ferrous metals
• Straight tooth form and flexible back type support consistent tracking on production band saws
• Welded blade construction ensures consistent blade length and eliminates mechanical joint fatigue
• Part of the Intenss PRO series, rated for demanding continuous-cut applications

Compatibility

Designed for band saws requiring a welded blade with a 12-foot 1-inch blade path. Suitable for cutting ferrous metal and non-ferrous metal as specified by the manufacturer. Verify wheel-to-wheel distance and blade guide clearance for 1-inch wide blades before installation.

Installation Notes

Blade installation should be performed by a qualified technician with the band saw fully powered down and locked out per OSHA lockout/tagout procedures. Confirm blade tension settings match the manufacturer specifications for 1-inch bi-metal blades before operating. Blade guides and thrust bearings should be adjusted to support the full blade width without side loading. Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling the coiled or uncoiled blade.