Starrett 16242 Welded Bandsaw Blade 3-4 Tpi Bi-metal M42

Product Description

The STARRETT 16242 is a welded bi-metal bandsaw blade engineered for demanding metal-cutting applications in industrial and fabrication environments. The blade runs 150 inches (12 feet 6 inches) long and 1-1/4 inches wide, with a 0.042-inch thickness and a variable 3-4 teeth per inch (TPI) pitch pattern. Tooth material is M42 high-speed steel, a cobalt-alloy grade selected for heat resistance and edge retention when cutting ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The raker tooth set with a positive rake angle promotes efficient chip clearance and consistent cut quality across a range of stock profiles. This blade is part of the Intenss series and suits production sawing where blade life and cut rate both matter.

The 16242 is designed for contour cutting and straight cutting applications on metal-cutting horizontal and vertical bandsaws commonly found in machine shops, steel service centers, and fabrication facilities. The variable pitch pattern reduces vibration and harmonic chatter, which is especially useful when cutting structural shapes, pipe, solid bar, and tubing. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals are both within scope, making this blade a general-purpose workhorse for shops cutting mixed stock. A licensed machinist or trained maintenance technician typically performs blade installation and tensioning.

Key Features

• M42 cobalt high-speed steel teeth for extended cutting life in metal applications
• Variable 3-4 TPI pitch reduces vibration and chatter on structural and tubular stock
• Raker tooth set with positive rake angle promotes chip ejection and clean cuts
• Bi-metal construction combines a flexible back with a hardened cutting edge for fatigue resistance
• Contour-cutting capable for use on vertical bandsaw configurations
• 150-inch (12 ft 6 in) welded loop fits standard mid-size metal-cutting bandsaws

Compatibility

Designed as a replacement or spare bandsaw blade for metal-cutting bandsaws that accept a 150-inch loop blade measuring 1-1/4 inches wide and 0.042 inches thick. Confirm wheel diameter, blade guide clearance, and tension capacity before installation.

Installation Notes

Blade installation should be performed by a qualified machinist or technician following the bandsaw manufacturer's tensioning and tracking procedures. Power down and lock out the machine before removing the old blade or fitting the new one. Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling the coiled blade — the welded loop carries stored energy and edges are sharp. Verify blade tension and tracking alignment before resuming cuts, and allow a brief break-in pass at reduced feed rate to seat the tooth set.