Replies

1. 
   RMillard | Dec 05, 2005 05:21am | #1

   I have not used a meat cutting saw.

   I've been very happy with Starrett Powerband Matrix II Bi-Metal blades. I never use anything wider than 3/8", as I don't think the average 14" saw has the strength to tension a wider blade. For general purpose work I use the .025" x 3/8" 8-12 variable pitch. For scroll work I use .025" 1/4 "x 10-14 pitch, and for resawing I use a .025" x 3/8" 4 pitch. I like the variable pitch, because it causes less vibration.  For sawing inlays ( which I do a lot of) I use a .014" x 3/8" Flex Back 6 Pitch, for its very narrow kerf and less waste.

   Rob Millard

    

   
   

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   Edited 12/14/2005 7:17 pm ET by RMillard

1. 
   billburke | Dec 14, 2005 12:33am | #10

   Rob,

   I was looking at the Starrett bandsaw blades (http://catalog.starrett.com/catalog/catalog/groups.asp?GroupID=83) however, I didn't see all of the configurations you mentioned.  Am I missing something? 

   Thanks,

   Bill

1. 
   RMillard | Dec 14, 2005 06:29am | #11

   When you go to the link you attached, at the bottom right hand corner, there is an icon, with the word top and a left and right arrow. Click on the arrow pointing right and a new page will open showing all the sizes and configurations available.

   Rob Millard

1. 
   billburke | Dec 14, 2005 05:37pm | #14

   Rob,

   I noticed that list as well.  However, it looks like those blades are not the Powerband Matrix II you mentioned.  That screen has Powerband M-42 at the top.  I suspect these are a different blade.  Please let me know if I'm splitting a hair.

   Thanks,

   Bill

    

1. 
   RMillard | Dec 15, 2005 03:30am | #15

   Bill,

   I may have caused some confusion. On the blade I use for scroll work, I forgot to say what width I use, which is 1/4" Also, the blade I use for sawing inlays is just a standard blade that Starrett calls Flex Back. I checked the link, and all the sizes I listed (including the corrected one) are shown. My Dad works at an industrial supply company, and they either weld the blades on site, or more often order them pre welded from a Starrett supply center. Nearly any good sized dealer catering to the machine trades could supply the blades from Starrett. I also, forgot to mention that the one I use for general purpose cutting lasts for an incredibly long time. I use my bandsaw everyday, ( I go weeks without using the table saw) and these blades have lasted me for nearly a year and in one case just over a year. My scroll work blade has lasted 4 years and counting, but I don't use it that much. The resaw blade is not a long lived, but then they take a beating and for the best performance, must be in tip top shape.

   Rob Millard

2. 
   forestgirl | Dec 05, 2005 06:11am | #2

   Did you mean "ripping" or "resawing."  They are 2 very different things.

   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" .... :>) 

1. 
   richardlblack | Dec 05, 2005 06:58am | #3

   o, sorry, actually i did mean resawing. thats how new i am to bandsaws. i dont even have the vernacular down yet.

1. 
   forestgirl | Dec 05, 2005 09:23am | #4

   Cool, I thought that's what you meant.  For a 14" saw, I think the blades you'll see most often recommended are the Timber Wolf, the Wood Slicer and maybe Lenox.  The Timber Wolf blades are "low tension" which makes them very appropriate for the 14" saws.  Since you're just starting out with the bandsaw, and probably need a couple or three different blades, I'd suggest you call the folks at Suffolk Machinery (makers of the Timber Wolf), tell them which saw you have and what types of cutting you anticipate doing, and they will recommend the best blades.  I think they have a special going (or "ongoing") that's a buy three, get one free kinda thing.

   Here's their web site, lists an 800-number:http://www.suffolkmachinery.com

   Enjoy!

   Oh!  Another recommendation for a new band saw owner:  Call and ask for a new Iturra Design catalog.  It's more like a book than a catalog -- has a great deal of info in it, and goodies to spend money on too (in case you didn't have enough on your list).  1-888-722-7078forestgirl -- 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. 
   JoelG | Dec 08, 2005 09:48am | #5

   I have had good results with the "Wood Slicer" from Highland Hardware. Some one told me it is based on a meat cutting blade but I don't know if this is true. It seems to cut easier and run quieter than many other blades.

4. 
   DougF | Dec 10, 2005 06:23pm | #6

   As much as I respect Rob's advise, I disagree that a 14" band saw can not handle a blade appropriate for resawing.  I routinely resaw up to 8" hard maple on a 14" 1-hp band saw using a 3/4 3 tpi Timberwolf.  Of course, were I starting over, I would buy a beefier machine for this purpose.  

   
   

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   Edited 12/10/2005 10:23 am by DougF

1. 
   John_D | Dec 10, 2005 10:34pm | #7

   Laguna also says their 14" can do a good job of resawing, but of course recommend their own Resaw King blades. :)

1. 
   joespehar | Dec 10, 2005 11:39pm | #8

   The Woodslicer worked real well for me for a while on my Grizzly 1019Z 14-inch bandsaw, but it got dull quickly. Then I bought a Lenox 1/2-inch 3 tpi carbide-tooth blade. It leaves a bit rougher cut than the Woodslicer and has a wider kerf, but it cuts well and stays sharp. The Lenox was about $120, but I paid $40-something for the Woodslicer (a custom size), but the Lenox should outlast the Woodslicer by more than three times.

1. 
   John_D | Dec 11, 2005 07:14am | #9

   I'm glad that Lenox is faring well on your 14".  There was a time when Lenox blades had trouble on smaller wheels, due to too much flexing.  Maybe they've changed the band.

2. 
   Agee | Dec 14, 2005 07:49am | #12

   Joe,

            I  noticed you mentioned a custom size blade with your 1019Z. I have the same saw with the Grizzly riser and they recommend a 106" blade but have found that the more standard  Woodslicer 105" blades work just fine FWIW.   Mike

1. 
   joespehar | Dec 14, 2005 04:56pm | #13

   Thanks for the information. That would bring down the cost of future blade purchases a bit.

3. 
   forestgirl | Dec 15, 2005 08:50pm | #16

   "but I paid $40-something for the Woodslicer (a custom size),"  Bandsaw blade sellers make blades to any size.  The stuff you see on the store shelves is a limited selection.  The price of the blade is found in a chart such as that found on this page at Suffolk Machinery.  For instance, my saw takes a 105" blade.  The price of the blade will be based on the 108" row.  A 3/4" blade would be $23.18.  When calling or placing a web order, one simply states 105" for the blade size.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" .... :>) 

1. 
   joespehar | Dec 16, 2005 07:32pm | #17

   I got the Woodslicer by mail from Highland Hardware several years back, before I found out about Suffolk Machinery Since then I have gotten six Timberwolf blades from them when they had their "buy 2, get 1 free" deals. Now I use the Lenox carbide 1/2" for resawing and the Timberwolfs (Timberwolves?) for everything else. They are good blades. And Louis Iturra is a great resource for bandsaw work. I have read his catalog several times and bought a better spring and the tightening crank that he sells. They have made my bandsaw a lot easier to use.

2. 
   forestgirl | Dec 16, 2005 08:27pm | #18

   "Timberwolfs (Timberwolves?) "  Timberwolfies, LOL  I agree about Iturra, great publication! 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" .... :>) 

2. 
   giametti | Dec 18, 2005 03:59am | #19

   What Laguna Tools doesn't tell you when they recommend their Resaw King is that it will work harden on a 14 or 16 inch saw and break within a few months.
   A 1/2" Lenox Tri-Master blade (carbide) lasted about a year with a lot of use on my Laguna 16. Typically, a carbide bandsaw blade will break before it gets dull.
   The Timberwolf blades I ordered did not impress me. The 3/4" resaw blade needed a lot of feed pressure, left a rough cut, and didn't track well. The 1/2" Woodslicer is favorite blade short of the Lenox TriMaster on my machine. According to Louis Iturra, the Woodslicer is a spring steel blade, which makes it very sharp for a shorter time. It will allow itself to be tensioned high, unlike the Timberwolf blades that will break under high tension.
   Iturra Designs sells the Woodslicer blade under the Blade Runner name for less the Highland Hardware sells it for--typically around $10 less. Louis Iturra has been very helpful to me and I have no hesitation recommending or promoting his company. (But likewise, Highland Hardware are one of the "good guys" in the woodworking hardware busniness.)Jim Eddy

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

5. 
   kesac | Dec 19, 2005 04:48am | #20

   Highland Hardware has the best rip  blades for a saw of that size.