If you are using a metal cutting bandsaw, getting the best cutting results comes down to one critical skill: properly setting the blade speed and feed rate.
Whether you are working in fabrication, maintenance, or industrial machining, this guide will show you how to optimize your settings for different metal types and profiles. You will learn how to use speed charts, read chip formation, and fine-tune your machine for precision and performance.
Why Blade Speed & Feed Rate Matter in Metal Cutting
Incorrect settings can lead to:
- Poor surface finish.
- Premature blade wear.
- Overheating.
- Material deformation or cracking.
- Longer job completion time.
By properly adjusting the bandsaw blade speed and feed rate, you increase efficiency, accuracy, and tool life—key factors for metalworking professionals in the competitive industrial sector.
How to Use a Bandsaw Blade Speed Chart Effectively
Most metal cutting band saws come with a speed chart that shows the recommended cutting speeds for different materials. Units are typically:
- Feet per minute (FPM) – Used in the US.
- Meters per minute (M/min) – Common in Asia and Europe.
Steps:
- Identify the type of metal and profile shape (solid bar, tubing, angle, etc.).
- Refer to your machine’s blade speed chart or operator’s manual.
- Adjust the speed:
- On pulley-driven machines, move the v-belt between pulley combinations.
- On gear-driven or variable speed models, use the speed dial controller.
Material Profile Matters: How Shape Affects Speed & Pressure
Different profiles (not just materials) demand specific blade speeds and feed rates.
| Standard Materials | FPM | M/Min |
| Carbon Steel | 196-354 | 60-108 |
| Alloy Steel | 111-321 | 34-98 |
| Mold Steel | 246 | 75 |
| Stainless Steels | FPM | M/Min |
| Stainless Steel | 85 | 26 |
| Cr Stainless Steel | 85-203 | 26-62 |
| Free Machining Stainless Steel | 150-203 | 46-62 |
| Cast Irons | FPM | M/Min |
| Grey Cast Iron | 108-225 | 33-75 |
| Ductile Austenitic Cast Iron | 65-85 | 20-26 |
| Malleable Cast Iron | 321 | 98 |
| Tool Steels | FPM | M/Min |
| Tool Steel | 203 | 62 |
| High Speed Tool Steel | 75-118 | 25-36 |
| Cold Work Tool Steel | 95-213 | 29-65 |
| Hot Work Tool Steel | 203 | 62 |
| Oil-Hardened Tool Steel | 203-213 | 62-65 |
| Water-Hardened Tool Steel | 242 | 74 |
| Soft Materials | FPM | M/Min |
| Aluminum / Aluminum Alloy | 220-534 | 67-163 |
| Copper / Copper Alloy | 229-482 | 70-147 |
Start slow, observe cutting performance, then fine-tune based on chip feedback.
Reading Metal Chips: Your Best Cutting Quality Indicator
The shape and appearance of the chips produced during cutting tell you everything you need to know about your current settings.
| Appearance | Description | Color | Blade Speed | Feed Rate | Other Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Hard, strong & short | Brown / Blue | Increase | Decrease | |
 |
Thick, short & hard | Brown / Blue | Increase | Decrease | |
 |
Hard, coiled & thin | Silver | Increase | Decrease | Check Blade Pitch |
 |
Powdery / Gritty | Silver | Decrease | Increase | |
 |
Straight & thin | Silver | Good | Increase | |
 |
Thin & curled | Silver | Good | Good | |
 |
Tightly coiled & thin | Silver | Good | Decrease | Check Blade Pitch |
 |
Hard, thick, strong & curled | Silver / Light Brown | Good | Decrease slowly | Check Blade Pitch |
Aim for continuous, curled shavings for smooth, clean cuts.
Adjusting Feed Rate on Metal Cutting Bandsaws
Feed rate is the speed at which the blade feeds into the material. It depends on:
- Blade type
- Material hardness
- Feed pressure mechanism
Common Adjustment Methods:
- Manual spring tension (basic models)
- Dial control (semi-automatic bandsaws)
- Hydraulic feed rate control (industrial machines)
Tip for users: When using cutting fluid or coolant, you can increase feed rate by up to 15% safely, as lubrication reduces blade wear and improves chip evacuation.
Recommended Metal Cutting Bandsaws
Looking for a reliable, easy-to-adjust bandsaw for metal cutting? These machines are designed with user-friendly speed and feed controls for maximum efficiency.
1. Rong Fu 6” Portable Metal Bandsaw RF-150V
The RF-150V is a compact yet powerful portable metal cutting bandsaw, ideal for medium-sized workshops in Singapore. Designed for efficient cutting of pipes, bars, and various metal profiles, it features variable speed control, a durable build, and angled cutting capability up to 60º—making it a versatile choice for fabricators, maintenance teams, and light industrial users.
Key Features:
- Adjustable cutting angle: 0º–60º.
- Variable speed with digital control.
- 450W single-phase motor.
- Anti-reset safety feature.
- Dry cutting (no lubrication required).
- Arch-blocking device for easy handling.
- Includes standard blade & length stop set.
2. Rong Fu 8″ Metal Bandsaw RF-812N
The RF-812N is a robust metal cutting band saw designed for medium-sized workshops. Built for versatility and durability, this model supports efficient cutting of pipes, bars, and solid stock with a range of features, including step pulley speed control, adjustable cutting angles, and hydraulic downfeed. Perfect for users who demand consistent performance and flexibility in handling a variety of metal cutting tasks.
Key Features – RF-812N:
- 8" x 12" cutting capacity.
- 0°–45° adjustable miter cutting.
- 4-speed step pulley drive.
- Hydraulic downfeed control.
- Cast iron frame & blade wheels.
- Tru-Lock quick-action vise.
- Full blade guard for safety.
- Carbide-bearing blade guide.
Rong Fu Distributor in Singapore
LFC PTE LTD is the authorized distributor of Rong Fu Bandsaw in Singapore. Our expert team can assist you in selecting the ideal bandsaw machine to meet your specific application.
Stay updated on Rong Fu products and other bandsaw machines by following LFC PTE LTD on social media. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
