How to Cut Ferrous Metal Like a Pro: Best Saws & Blades
Apr 3rd 2025
Ferrous metals are one of the most widely used substances in masonry, project building and construction. They’re known for their durability and hardness—making them difficult to cut unless you know what you’re doing. Here’s everything you need to know about cutting ferrous metals like a pro:
Why Are Ferrous Metals So Hard To Cut?
Ferrous metals have high tensile strength and hardness since they’re made from iron. This means you’d have to use special tools with fortified blades to cut through it properly. If you try cutting ferrous metals with regular saw blades—the blade might end up chipping or breaking.
Best Saws To Cut Ferrous Metals With
If you want to cut through ferrous metal surfaces, you’ll need to know what type of saws to use. Some of the best choices to work with include:
Band Saw
Band saws are used to cut through ferrous metals with a good deal of precision and accuracy. These saws can cut through large or thick pieces, and they’re a great choice for workshops and professional setups.
Cold Saw
Cold saws are designed to keep the metal cool as it is being cut. This helps provide a cleaner cut edge and also preserves your saw blade. The circular saw blade in this saw cuts the metal slowly to prevent any overheating or warping.
Chop Saw
Chop saws are a go-to option for quick, straight cuts. They’re both powerful and fast. The only downside is that they produce a lot of sparks, making it important for you to use them in a safe space.
Reciprocating Saw
A reciprocating saw comes in handy for demolition projects or uses where you need quick and rough cuts. The right blade on this type of saw can help cut through metal pipes, rods and sheets too.
Best Saw Blades To Cut Ferrous Metals With
Knowing what saw to use is a good start for cutting through ferrous metals. However, it is just as important to know what saw blade to use.
Carbide-Tipped Blades
Carbide-tipped blades are your go-to blades for cutting through ferrous metals. These blades are made of steel with carbide tips to help with the cutting edge. They can cut through most ferrous metals, including steel, iron and cast iron.
High-Speed Steel Blades
Another good option for cutting ferrous metals is high-speed steel blades or HSS blades. They’re made from a steel alloy which helps make fast and clean cuts in a variety of materials. These blades also tend to last a long time, thanks to their durability.
Sharpen Your Saw Blades Today
The Sharpening House offers premium quality saw blades for your woodworking, masonry and DIY project needs. Depending on the project, you can opt for our blades for Saws for Ferrous Metals.
And, if you’ve already got blades you like but need them to be sharper–then we’ve got you covered. Call us at (705)325-8665 or Contact us to learn more!