Portaband Blades
Portaband blades allow for bandsaw cutting on jobsites and in field environments. Designed for portable bandsaws, they cut pipe, conduit, structural steel, and bar stock with more control and cleaner results than abrasive wheels or reciprocating saws.
EPCO supplies bi-metal portaband blades in the lengths and tooth configurations used by fabrication shops, contractors, and maintenance teams across the industrial Midwest. Use the options below to order the portaband blades you need, or contact us for more information. All blades ship in 3-packs. Volume pricing is available for larger orders.
EPCO supplies bi-metal portaband blades in the lengths and tooth configurations used by fabrication shops, contractors, and maintenance teams across the industrial Midwest. Use the options below to order the portaband blades you need, or contact us for more information. All blades ship in 3-packs. Volume pricing is available for larger orders.
Bi-Metal Portaband Blades for Industrial Cutting Applications
EPCO's portaband blades are bi-metal construction, 1/2" wide with a .020" blade thickness. The bi-metal design bonds a high-speed steel cutting edge to a flexible alloy steel back. Teeth stay sharp longer under sustained heat and friction. The backing stays flexible under the stress of field and production use.For shops and crews cutting metal on a regular basis, bi-metal provides a longevity advantage. While carbon steel blades carry a lower unit cost, they dull faster on hard spots and weld seams. Bi-metal portable band saw blades hold an edge longer, which reduces blade changes and keeps production moving.
How to Select the Right Portaband Blade
Two variables determine blade fit: length and TPI (teeth per inch). Both need to match your saw model and your material.Blade Length
EPCO stocks four standard lengths:- 27-3/16" - compact portable bandsaws
- 32-7/8" - mid-range saws used in electrical and plumbing trades
- 35-3/8" - standard saws for general metalworking
- 44-7/8" - deep-cut saws for heavy fabrication and structural applications
TPI by Material Type
TPI determines how the blade engages the material. As a general rule, the thinner the material, the higher the TPI. Aim to keep at least two to three teeth in contact with the workpiece. On thin-wall stock, a low-TPI blade will catch and strip teeth.- 8/11 TPI, Thick Metal: Solid bar stock, heavy structural steel, thick-wall tubing. Efficient on dense cross-sections with good heat management on longer cuts.
- 12/16 TPI, Medium Metal: Pipe, angle iron, light structural shapes, and mixed-gauge work. The most versatile configuration in the lineup. A practical default for shops with varied cutting requirements.
- 14/18 TPI, Medium Metal: A finer-tooth option for thinner-wall tubing, conduit, and related surfaces.
- 18W TPI, Thin Metal: Sheet metal, electrical conduit, thin-wall mechanical tubing.
Industries That Use Portaband Blades
Portaband blades serve a wide range of industrial operations. Common applications include:- Fabrication shops cutting structural steel, pipe, and bar stock (8/11 and 12/16 TPI)
- Electrical contractors cutting EMT and rigid conduit (14/18 and 18W TPI; 32-7/8" and 44-7/8" lengths for Milwaukee and DeWalt saws)
- Plumbing contractors cutting copper, black iron, and galvanized pipe (12/16 or 14/18 TPI in 44-7/8")
- MRO and maintenance teams handling varied materials across facility work (12/16 TPI in 44-7/8" covers most general applications)
- General metalworking shops with mixed stock sizes and material types (12/16 TPI as a baseline; multiple lengths recommended)
EPCO: Industrial Supply for Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan
EPCO has served industrial customers across Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan since 1978. That regional focus means we carry the products this market actually uses and maintain inventory levels that support repeat purchasing without lead time surprises.Advantages of choosing EPCO for your portable band saw blades include:
- Direct access to knowledgeable staff: Product questions and application guidance come from people familiar with the inventory, not a general support queue.
- Flexible order and account options: EPCO works with industrial customers on volume pricing, net terms, and standing orders. If your team buys portaband blades on a regular cycle, we can structure an arrangement that reduces the administrative burden on your side.
- Fast fulfillment: Online orders ship promptly. Local customers can contact us directly for time-sensitive needs.