MATERIAL PROFILE

Cutting cast iron

Cast iron is hard, brittle, and abrasive. Carbide-grit or carbide-tooth blades are common for field cuts, with strong dust and chip controls.

QUICK ANSWER

Blade choice starts with the cutting system.

Support the section on both sides and use a blade specifically rated for cast iron.

Build a Cast iron setup

REVIEWED PAIRINGS

2 saw families in the current matrix

Each pairing below has a dedicated answer. Absence is intentional; it is not permission to improvise.

SawDefault priorityUse case

Reciprocating sawControlled cutDemolition, flush cuts, and rough field work Band sawControlled cutContinuous cuts in wood, metal, and profiles

MATERIAL BEHAVIOR

What changes the recommendation

Risk to control

Abrasive dust, fracture, and edge damage.

Preparation

Support the section on both sides and use a blade specifically rated for cast iron.

Thickness and form

A solid section, thin wall, sheet, tube, or profile can need a different pitch even when the material name stays the same. Use the blade finder with the actual wall or cut thickness.