Starrett 16281 Welded Bandsaw Blade 8-12 Tpi Bi-metal

Product Description

The STARRETT 16281 is a welded bi-metal bandsaw blade designed for continuous contour cutting on metal-cutting bandsaws. Measuring 154 inches long and 1/2 inch wide with a 0.035 inch thickness, this blade features a variable pitch of 8 to 12 TPI to reduce harmonic vibration and improve cut quality across a range of material thicknesses. The M42 high speed steel tooth tips are welded to a flexible backing, delivering heat and wear resistance that extends blade life compared to standard carbon blades. It is sold as a single blade and is intended for installation by machinists, fabricators, and metal shop technicians working with production or job-shop bandsaws.

The STARRETT 16281 is suited for cutting steel, stainless steel, exotic steel alloys, and non-ferrous metals in both production and maintenance environments. The variable pitch and raker tooth set with a positive rake angle make it particularly effective on solid bar stock, structural shapes, and tubing where consistent chip clearance is important. The Intenss PRO-DIE series is engineered for demanding metal-cutting applications where blade life and cut efficiency are priorities.

Key Features

• Variable pitch 8-12 TPI reduces vibration and improves surface finish on varying cross-sections
• M42 bi-metal construction bonds high speed steel teeth to a flexible alloy steel back for extended blade life
• Raker tooth set with positive rake angle promotes aggressive, efficient chip evacuation
• Flexible back resists fatigue cracking during continuous loop operation
• Contour cutting capable for curved or complex profile work
• Compatible with steel, stainless steel, exotic steel, and non-ferrous metal stock

Compatibility

Designed for metal-cutting bandsaw machines that accept a 154-inch blade loop with 1/2 inch width. Material applications listed by the manufacturer include steel, stainless steel, exotic steel, and non-ferrous metals.

Installation Notes

Blade installation should be performed by a qualified machinist or tool room technician with the bandsaw fully powered down and locked out per OSHA lockout/tagout procedures. Verify wheel diameter, blade guide spacing, and tracking adjustment before tensioning the new blade. Gloves should be worn when handling bandsaw blades to prevent cuts from tooth edges. Allow a brief break-in period at reduced feed pressure when starting a new blade to seat the tooth geometry properly.