Starrett 16257 Welded Bandsaw Blade 8-12 Tpi Bi-metal

Product Description

The STARRETT 16257 is a welded bi-metal bandsaw blade from the Intenss PRO-DIE series, designed for demanding contour and straight cutting applications on metal. It runs 9 feet 9 inches in length and 1/2 inch wide with a blade thickness of 0.025 inches. The M42 high speed steel tooth material with a positive rake angle and variable pitch tooth form gives this blade the edge retention needed for interrupted cuts and harder alloys. It is sold as a single pre-welded loop, ready to drop onto compatible bandsaw wheels without additional joining. Licensed machinists, tool-and-die professionals, and metal fabricators are the primary installers of this blade type.

This blade is built for production and job-shop environments where the work material ranges from mild carbon steel to stainless steel, exotic steel alloys, and non-ferrous metals. The variable 8-12 TPI pitch pattern reduces harmonic vibration during the cut, which extends blade life on tough stock and improves surface finish. The raker tooth set and flexible back make it well-suited to contour cutting passes as well as straight crosscuts. It is appropriate for vertical and horizontal metal-cutting bandsaws that accept a 1/2-inch blade width.

Key Features

• Bi-metal construction with M42 high speed steel teeth for extended cutting life on hard metals
• Variable pitch 8-12 TPI pattern reduces vibration and improves cut quality
• Positive rake angle tooth form for aggressive, efficient metal removal
• Raker tooth set provides balanced chip clearance across multiple material types
• Flexible back resists fatigue cracking during contour cutting operations
• Pre-welded loop construction — no field joining required

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style replacement or direct-fit blade for metal-cutting bandsaws that accept a 1/2-inch wide blade in a 9-foot 9-inch loop length. Confirmed material applications include steel, stainless steel, exotic steel, and non-ferrous metal.

Installation Notes

Blade installation and tensioning should be performed by a qualified machinist or maintenance technician following the bandsaw manufacturer's tension and tracking specifications. Always power down and lock out the bandsaw before removing the blade guard or changing the blade. Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling the coiled or looped blade. Confirm wheel diameter and blade guide spacing are compatible with the 1/2-inch width and 0.025-inch thickness before mounting.