Replies

1. 
   PeteBradley | Jun 22, 2005 04:16am | #1

   Give Suffolk Machinery a call. Their number is (800) 234-7297. They can talk you through what best to pick based on what you want to do. Their website is good too - http://www.suffolkmachinery.com/

   No financial interest, just a happy customer.

   Pete

2. 
   forestgirl | Jun 22, 2005 05:45am | #2

   Ditton on the Suffolk Machinery suggestion.   Timber Wolf blades are excellent and they're great at helping you figure out which blades to order.  They're also having a special right now I think, buy 3 get 1 free or something like that.  Don't know if it applies only to web orders.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

3. 
   PlaneWood | Jun 22, 2005 05:53am | #3

   Timberwolf

   http://www.suffolkmachinery.com/

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
   PlaneWood

4. 
   DennisS | Jun 22, 2005 06:36am | #4

   Tony -

   I had been using Lennox blades for some time since that's the brand my local saw shop carries. Since moving a considerable distance from them, and not needing any blades in the interim, I decided to pop for a Timberwolf blade at the last WW show in my area.

   My totally uninformed opinion of the difference(s) between the two are -

   Timberwolf instructions for tensioning the blade say to start with it at the tension mark on the saw (for the width of blade installed on the machine) then back off, yes actually back off the tension until the blade starts to flutter. Then re-tension just to where the flutter dissapears. I seem to get flutter even at full saw-scale tension for the 3/8" Timberwolf blade. The Lennox blades tensioned to or slightly above the saw gauge do not flutter.

   The Timberwolf blade (again the 3/8" .... I bought a 3/4 and 3/8 but haven't needed to re-saw with the 3/4 yet) hogs through the green wood I rough out for turning blanks quite nicely. The gullets in the Lennox seemed to fill more easily and stall the machine sooner (3/4hp Delta 14" saw with riser block). I can, of course, stall this saw with the Timberwolf blades but not so readily as with the Lennox.

   While the Timberwolf blades seem, on my saw at least, to provide a more aggressive faster cut, the finish is correspondingly less appealing than with the Lennox. I suspect if I can address the blade flutter with the Timberwolf the difference would not be so apparent. But with the type of sawing I'm doing with the 3/8" blade, turning blanks in green wood, this is not an issue.

   All the other comments with regard to the assistance provided by the Timberwolf people is well said. At the show where I bought my blades, the sales guy was willing to spend what time it took to get all my specs and needs understood before recommending a proper blade. And there was no prerequisite of a purchase. I just explained what I needed to do and he pointed out the blades best sutied to achieve those ends.

   Thanks for posting the question since I've been meaning to mount that 3/4" blade and give it a whirl. I have a nice length of black locust I'd like to re-saw into some panels for small boxes so I might take a shot at it later this week. You just reminded me of that project!

   In any event, chances are that the stock blade that came on the machine isn't the best quality. For the ultimate in finish off a bandsaw blade, I'd recommend a Lennox carbide. But they're way, way expensive!

   ...........
   From Beautiful Skagit Co. Wa.
   Dennis
1. 
   mikegagne | Jun 22, 2005 08:52am | #5

   I recommend you check the spring in the tension set as they are quite often worn beyond real use. There are a number of aftermarket springs that will give you a better range of tension on your Delta. Aloha, Mike

5. 
   BG | Jun 22, 2005 03:19pm | #6

   Tony,
   I bought a few Timberwolfs when I first got my BS and proceeded to destroy one in the first week or so. I bought an Olsen (less expensive) to learn with and its served me quite well. A well tuned machine is the most important, IMHO..that has a bit of a learning curve.

    

6. 
   lostarrow | Jun 22, 2005 04:07pm | #7

   Highland Hardware's Woodslicer. You won't be sorry. At least I never have been.  Incredible smooth cuts for a BS, they track beautifully, and the noise reduction is a big plus.

   Be not afraid of going slowly.  Be afraid only of standing still.   chinese proverb
7. 
   woodie | Jul 09, 2005 03:55am | #8

   Call up http://www.woodcraftbands.com        They'll set you straight on Lenox bi-metal blades at a great price. I don't have the number but call Iturra designs for a high tension spring for your bandsaw.

    

1. 
   giametti | Jul 10, 2005 05:55am | #9

   When talking to Iturra, also ask about their "BladeRunner" blades. They're the same blade as the WoodSlicer, but about $10 cheaper.
   What I have on my saw now is a 1/2" Lennox Tri-Master carbide blade. I love it. It resaws like a champ, and is narrow enough to do light curves and general work. I got it from Iturra Designs as well.Jim Eddy

   [URL=http://www.jameseddywoodworks.com]James Eddy Woodworks[/URL]

8. 
   naevus | Jul 11, 2005 01:57pm | #10

   Hi tony

   give a try to http://www.bcsaw.com and order their free catalog. They sell great stuff for band saw.

   P