Bandsaw blade makes all the difference
John_D
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
Holy smokes. I’d tried to resaw 6″ oak with the blade that came with my 17″ Grizzly, and it was a miserable experience. Badly bellied (almost 1/4″), no amount of tension made a difference, etc.
Received a bunch of good blades from Suffolk Machinery a while back but didn’t need to resaw until today. Slapped on a 3/4″ 3 tpi alternate set blade and shot through that 6″ oak. Went nice and slow, but easily took off a 5/32″ slice entire length of the board. No visible faults at all.
Thanks for all the recommendations, folks, especially forestgirl who talks about these blades so darn much. 🙂
My goal is for my work to outlast me. Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
Replies
I'm going to have to give them a try, have heard nothing but good things. I have been running 1.25" 1.3 tpi blades made by Morse and have been very happy, consistent slices of less than 20 thousandths but my local supplier is under new management and seems more interested in selling cheap crap than keeping up his stock of blades and abrasives. Time to find a new source.
Hey John,
Yeah, I was crying about my bandsaw and FG took my to the woodshed and straightened me out too. Fine lady she is, she's sure helped me more times then I ever helped her! Suffolk really is a great resource. Glad all is well.
John
John,
If you don't mind me asking, where do you get the Suffolk blades from? Do you order from them direct, or is there a ww-ing outlet that carries them?
Thanks,
Lee
I personally bought them at suffolk machinery. They're Timberwolf blades, I think.
I'm not pretending to do a review, as I've used nothing else (other than the blade that came with the saw, which really isn't a good blade at all). Just expressing some gratitude for all the good help I've received here.My goal is for my work to outlast me. Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
Lee, Suffolk Machinery indeed is the main place to get Timber Wolf blades. They were developed in conjunction with a Swedish manufacturer. Here is their contact page. I always recommend calling them if you're just getting started with band saw blades and have questions about which blade(s) to order. They are extremely helpful, and will ask about your expected usage and guide you to the best blades. All you need to have is your blade length (or saw model). It's essential to use the right blade for the job if you want good results.
I've seen TW blades at Woodcraft, but only in limited sizes. Since I have the old Grizzly 1019Z, I never find the right size! Besides, I figure Suffolk deserve my $$ when possible for bringing us these fine blades. They are great for the 14" saws.
PS Wood is the brand name that is on the Timber Wolf blades sold at the WWing shows, so if you're at a show you can pick them up there. They are, I'm pretty sure, the same price as ordering them though.
Suffolk often (always?) has a special going on that's "order three, get one of these free" on their web site. The 3 that you can choose from for your free blade are 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2".forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Lee, I forgot, TW blades are also now available through the Grizzly catalog, if you happen to be ordering from them anyway.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Hey forestgirl,
Thanks for all the info. I feel like a moron, I have a timberwolf blade on my delta 14" with the riser block. I indeed ordered it from Grizzly. I didn't realize the sufflok blades and timberwolf were one in the same. I beleive I bought 2, they were on special for $19.99 each during last year's spring sale. I will definitely check them out on the suffolk site if they are buy 3 get 1 free.
Thanks,
Lee
Good deal, Lee (not that you've decided you're a moron, but that you've already tried the TW blades, LOL). "I will definitely check them out on the suffolk site if they are buy 3 get 1 free." Just remember, it's only those 3 blades listed that you get to choose from. Have fun!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I've seen blades advertised in (I think) either Highland Hardware or Hartville Tool catalog, as "Viking" blades and describes as formerly known as Timberwolf. I've seen 'em for a long time now. Any idea if they are the same?
Hope this is not too far off topic. How do I tell what length band saw blade to buy? I have a 14" Delta and ordered a 93 1/2 inch blade because that is what was on it when I began my first tune-up. Now I cannot get anywhere close to the tension that is recommended in all the posts I read about tune-up, i.e., move 1/4 " or less with guides etc. out of the way. I screwed the tension as far as it will go and still WAY more than 1/4 " movement. Is my blade too long? I guess I could put a shim of some kind under the tension bar but don't know if that is safe or recommended. Thanks for any help.
This has been covered a lot in both magazine articles and in this forum. If your saw has the original spring in the tensioning assembly it is too weak to properly tension the blade. The solution is to buy a replacement spring from Iturra Design, they don't have a web site, but they can be reached at 888-722-7078.
John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine
Thanks for the information. I was unaware that the tensioning issue had been addressed in other threads. Pardon my redundancy.
Jim
No problem with redundancy, there are thousands of topics discussed here over the years, it would be impossible to know about even a fraction of the items discussed. I only mentioned it had been covered to give you some leads for more information. Never hesitate to ask questions, that is the reason the Knots site exists.
John W.
As John said, no problem with "redundancy". As much as I hang out here, I wasn't aware of any concensus that you must replace that spring. Better order one myself, eh?
BTW, when you call Iturra, be sure and ask them to include a catalog with your order. It's one of the best reads on the planet vis a vis band saws. You'll find yourself torn between putting with your catalogs and putting it with your reference books!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I just called Iturra. Very helpful aand courteous and not far away in Jacksonville. Thanks John for the contact info and FG for suggesting the catalog.
Edited 6/28/2006 1:39 pm ET by sansmnd
"...and not far away in Jacksonville. " Ahhhhh, you're in Florida! I miss the days of going to the beach every Sunday, but I don't miss the humidity! Lived there from 7 years old to 11 years old, St. Pete, and a little time in Sarasota.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I suppose a humid climate is like any other. One simply takes it as it is. I have lived here all my life except my Navy years and the two winters I spent on the shores of Lake Michigan made me long for home. If I never see snow again it will be too soon! LOL Only in the last few months have I come to dislike it but only because I learned how much wood moves when going from my non-weather proof shop to the air conditioned house. A lesson learned the hard way. I bought the wood "Bible" by Bruce Hoadley and at least now am beginning to understand what happens. It seems I tolerate the change much better than dead trees. :)
"It seems I tolerate the change much better than dead trees. :)" No kidding! Hoadley's book is a jewel, isn't it.
We didn't have air-conditioning when I was a kid, that would've helped for sure. You have your work cut out for you there! Wonder where Allison is....a knots member (professional) who moved her biz to FL a few years ago. Had to scramble, IIRC, to find other folks living there and doing WWing.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I guess you don't have any humidity? (sarcasm, for sure) Last time I was out your way I couldn't tell the humidity for all the rain! Here in Orlando it's better than the coast, but some of the worst humidity I've experienced has been in the Midwest -- like Iowa and Illinois. Then you go from humid to overly dry indoors in the winter. I saw a cabinet door that split apart at the joints when a woodworker from Upstate New York moved to Maine -- from winter in New York to the Maine coast. How did you get from Florida to Washington?
Oh, yeah, we have humidity LOL! Even during our heat wave last week, the RH in the shop was near 50%. We just don't have that 90°/90% kind of combination that's found in FL and other places!
"How did you get from Florida to Washington?" Born in California! Mom moved to NC (family there) and then FL after divorcing my dad way back when, back to CA when I was 11. Stayed there, went to college and worked at U.C. Davis until 1989. Followed my Dressage trainer up to the island, dragging 3 horses along with me. But injuries incurred in 1988 proved to be fatal to my riding career (plus it's incredibly expensive to have horses up here!). Sold all the horses by 1991. Sad, sad, sad, can't begin to tell ya.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Did any of that U Davis wine stuff infect you with the wine itch?
"Did any of that U Davis wine stuff infect you with the wine itch?" Nope, no-name burgundy was my drink of choice, LOL. With the occasional Wild Turkey when I was feeling brave.
My best years in Davis were when I was running my own horse boarding stable, showing in dressage and combined training, and at the end, breeding and showing the babies. Worked at the Vet School for 2 years, and that was a kick! Lots of stories to tell....ultrasound on a pet eel? no problem! Bears and llamas, eagles and big owls and you-name-it. The good ol' days for moi. All gone.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
<<The good ol' days for moi. All gone>> Naww, I doubt it. The best day is the one you're having! In fact, it's the only one you've got.
In general, I agree with you. I've had my shot at my dream, and took it as far as I could. Who knows, maybe I'll be re-incarnated and rise to ride again, LOL. I've thought about going back into the biz, now that Nick's retiring -- us getting some property with barns and pasture and running a quality stable again, but I simply don't want to be tied down 24/7 at my age (actually it's more like 30 hours a day, 8 days a week!). So, other fulfillment will be found.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
"now that Nick's retiring"
Might I assume that Nick would be your spouse?
I have seen your picture in your profile. You obviously married a man well beyond your years. ;o)
First earth day.......I think I was too old to attend.Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral. Frank Lloyd Wright
"First earth day.......I think I was too old to attend." Well, that makes me feel better! ROFL. Yep, Nick's a little more than a decade older than I am. Here he is with our big collie:
View Imageforestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Maybe JohnD could come in and give us official approval to be venturing into discussions of Earth Day and husbands, ROFL. I can hear the Topic Police starting to saddle up, they'll be here soon!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I started this whole thread to voice my appreciation for what I've learned here, by citing a specific example that helped me a lot. It'd be funny for me to be indignant at everyone's conversation, since that's what I'm so grateful for. :)My goal is for my work to outlast me. Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
So, did you learn anything new about Whole Earth day or husbands? ROFL!!!
John, check out my River thread in the Cafe. We had a great weekend! How 'bout you???forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Weekend was good, but I'm exhausted. I had to get the clocks finished for Tuesday presentation to my mother (70th birthday), so pulled an all-nighter Monday night to push through and complete the job. She was very happy so it was worth it. Also on the weekend, went to a Mariners game with our visiting family from Australia (we went to a win, good way to go), and my twin daughters were baptised (many photos ensued).My goal is for my work to outlast me. Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
John,
Do you know if they make a spring for my little 'ole 12" Craftsman?
BTW, Just for kicks I got a hold of a Woodslicer from Highland Hardware and, oh what a difference. Great resawing for my little 'ole 12" Craftsman.
Not for long, though, the MiniMax E16 is on the truck heading my way. I can't hardly wait!!
yieldmap
I discovered Timberwolf blades a few years ago and posted a review on them that drew more than a few harsh comments from non-believers, frequently because they don't cost enough for some folks to accept their being that good. They are and you found that out. Cool huh?
Aside from the best blades in the business, Suffolk also has the best customer service. I almost look forward to call them to order more blades because whomever I get on the phone knows exactly what blade is best for the job.
have fun with your "new" saw!
Tom Hintz
Because there is always more to learn!
If you resaw ALOT! Get a Lenox 1 inch blade 3 tooth ber inch.. Cut through almost anything! I just love that blade.. I have use the 'so called' 'better' blades.. sort of like wolf or something.. Nothing like it.. Saw teeth marks (but due to feed speed).. If I had a power feed It would be for me the PERFECT blade...
My Grizzly BS is no MiniMax, or '62 Powermatic, and its frame would have a heck of a time trying to tension a 1" blade. Also I've read (maybe this has changed) that Lenox recommends a larger saw for those blades, and mine's only 17". The Timberwolf blades are a good compromise for me, as they are designed to operate at low tension.
Just resawed some 10" cherry last night, came out great, a few strokes with a #6 after made it perfectly smooth.My goal is for my work to outlast me. Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
I started using Suffolk's 1 1/4" blades about 12 years when I bought a band mill, then switched to their bandsaw blades. I've never looked at or considered other blades since.
pins
I had the same experience. Bought the Bandsaw at a show, and it came with the riser kit. On the recommendation of the General rep I bought some timberwolf blades... sized for the saw with rise. Got home, used the thing for a few months before I installed the riser... what a miserable experience. Then one day I installed it, and tried the new blades... It was like magic in the workshop.
This is the best advice for new bandsaw owners... UPGRADE THE BLADES IMMEDIATELY!
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