Folks,
I very frequently get frustrated because I have the wrong band saw blade on or the correct blade isn’t in the shop. I have a reasonable 3 tpi 1/2 inch for resawing. Everything else is pretty much shot.
If you only had enough money to buy two or three other blades, what would you buy? The next job will entail cabriole legs and some curly que skirt work.
Also, which brand(s).
Thanks
Frank
Replies
There's a few things to look at. What kind and what size of saw and the kind guides are you running. For resawing, some believe that the wider the blade the better. I'm one of those who do. This way you can tension the blade more and get a better resaw job. But there's some who believe that you can do just fine with a 3/4" blade. I have a 16" saw and have used all kinds and all sizes of blades for different jobs. If I'm making a lot of veneer then I install a 1 1/2 inch 3 tpi bi metal blade. If I'm doing just a few slices than a 3/4 inch 3 to 6 tpi does fine. If your wanting a blade that's an 'all around' blade than a 6 tpi 1/2 " works fairly fine.
Here again, it also depends on what kind of guides your using. Cool blocks for the 1/2" and smaller blades works well for the curve work etc. but for resawing it's better to go with European or better yet ceramic guides that will stiffen up your blade.
If I were wanting to purchase the minimum amount of blades I would buy a 1/4" 8 to 12 tpi blade for your scroll work, a 1/2 or 5/8" 6 tpi blade for general work, and a 3/4" 3 tpi blade for resaw. IF you can go wider than that, I would purchase the 1/4", 5/8" and a 1" or greater size blade.
As for brands of blades... I like the 'Sweedish' silicon steel blades, and the Olson bi metal blades. I would not purchase anything less than these... such as carbon blades. I hope this helps.
Steve
You might check Rockler. IIRC, they have a three blade pack http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=11067
of the Olson All Pro that I have had good luck with.
Pat
For almost everything, I run a 3/8X4PC Timberwolf blade on my 20" machine. It will cut a circle about the size of a silver dollar and still do a very good job on ripping and resawing. I've been doing cabriole legs with it recently too. The only thing it won't do well is logs.
I've bought them from both:
Constitution Saw: (860) 289-7696 or toll free at (800) 444-8041.
Suffolk Machinery: http://www.suffolkmachinery.com
Constitution seems to be cheaper.
Pete
Edited 4/19/2006 8:19 pm ET by PeteBradley
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