Best Bandsaw Blades ???

marti038 | Posted in General Discussion on January 13, 2009 04:38am

I recently purchased a used Jet 14″ bandsaw. The machine itself is in great shape, but the blade needs to be replaced.

I’ve never bought bandsaw blades for wood and I’m seeking recommendations for the best value blades. In other words, like many of you, I’d be willing to pay more if the blade lasts longer or cuts better.

I don’t really ever do any resawing. That’s not to say that I won’t, but I just need a standard blade for now.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Curt

Replies

SARGEgrinder47 | Jan 13, 2009 07:20pm | #1
Basically for curves "any" carbon steel BS blade will work and they are cheap. I get mine from Highland WW for around $12 and keep a 1/4" 6 tpi on my small Jet BS. But.. for re-saw I use a 3/4" Lennox bi-metal on the 18" BS. Re-saw with standard carbon blades is not the best option as the carbon over-heats in that role and dis-tempers.

Many are going to tell you to get a Timber-wolf which is a low tension blade. I just personally don't care for low tension blades but most seem to love them.

Sarge..

Edited 1/13/2009 11:22 am ET by SARGEgrinder47
Napie | Jan 13, 2009 08:22pm | #2
I love the Timberwolf blades and have had very good luck for all types of sawing from scroll work to resawing 12" hardwoods.
forestgirl | Jan 13, 2009 08:50pm | #3
Second Napie's recommendation of Timberwolf Blades from Suffolk Machinery. They are a low-tension blade that's wonderful for our small saws. Your best bet since you're a first-time buyer, is to call them and talk to the staff about what kind(s) of cutting you plan to do, let them pick out 2 or 3 blades for you. If you're doing mostly curves, you need to match the width of the blade to the radii you're dealing with.

There's a "Buy 3, get one free" offer going on right now <click here>. It's a good way to go, get the most out of your shipping charges. Band saw blades don't last forever, even if you're not resawing.

forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Rich14 | Jan 14, 2009 01:39am | #4
Curt,

Read Michael Fortune's article about setting up a band saw and you will have a much better idea how to make decisions about blades for your saw.

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ToolGuide/ToolGuidePDF.aspx?id=24093

Rich
sinsin | Jan 15, 2009 03:20am | #5
Michael Fortune gets his band saw blades from B.C. Saw in Toronto
WillGeorge | Jan 16, 2009 03:59pm | #6
Best Bandsaw Blades..

My opinion is Lennox blades Period! THEY know how to make blades!