Hi all,
I knew there was a reason that I did all that flying around – American Express Membership Miles! (This is not an endorsement – it’s just the source of my good luck). While I can’t justify the cash to get a bandsaw and planer, Amex just re-instated over 100,000 points in my membership rewards account. And do ya know what that means? Two, count ’em, two, $500 HD Gift Cards. Now, I wish it were cash I could use anywhere, but I also know better than to look a gift horse in the mouth. So, here’s what I’m gettin’:
- A Ridgid BS1400 14″ BS with a 6″ riser block for a 12″ resaw capacity – It’s the best HD has to offer (there’s a PC/Delta 14″ for $439, but this seems better in terms of features), and the vast majority of comments I’ve seen on Ridgid products have been positive;
- Delta’s 22-580 2-speed planer with the optional dust hood.
That’ll leave me about $100 for blades and maybe a mobile base. So, to my question: How many BS blades should I count on having, and what type? I’m very interested in resawing, but also want to be able to do curved work, not necessarily very tight curves.
I’ve seen a lot of hemming and hawing in the various prior BS threads about all of the adjustments one needs to make when changing blades, and I guess I’ll have to get used to that. Hopefully I’ll become more proficient over time. What would you recommend? Is there such a thing as a blade that excels at both resawing and curved work? I doubt it, but thought I’d ask. Based on what I’ve read here, I expect most responses will be to throw away the blade that comes with the saw (which I’ll have to do anyway since I’m getting the riser block – don’t know if the riser kit comes with a blade), and get a 1/4″ and a 1/2″ or 3/4″ blade. Keeping in mind a limited budget and the need to buy from HD, what say you?
Thanks a lot in advance for your help.
Best regards,
Mitch
“I’m always humbled by how much I DON’T know…”
Replies
Hi Mitch,
Search on "Timber wolf" and you will see my post from yesterday on what a difference this blade made on my Delta 14" saw for resawing.
OK, you can't get that blade rom HD, so get their top of the line 3/4" wide 2 teeth per inch or 3 teeth per inch blade. It should work fine for resawing.
The only other blade I use is a 1/4" wide 10 TPI for curved work. Switching between these two is infrequent and easy.
Chris
Chris,
Thanks. Funny you should mention Timber Wolf - I was just on their site after reading someone else's favorable (raving) review. They don't seem all that expensive - unless I misread the prices - somewhere in the $18-$25 range. I might just spring for that if Timber Wolf is as good as you and the other fellow say it is.
Thanks again,Mitch
"I'm always humbled by how much I DON'T know..."
mvac,
I used timberwolf a few times and while it was good, I didn't notice it being dramatically superior to other blades I've used.. I found a major differance in how used a blade is though..
For example, If I saw four or five white oak timbers with a timberwolf it saws no better than the worst cheapest blade I've ever bought when that blade is new.. I did notice that the timberwolf will last in that semi dull range for two or three timbers longer than the cheapies and I can usually get at least a few more cuts with a timberwolf than the cheapies..
My Jet changes blades easily so It's a real toss up to pay more money and get more cuts before changing or buy more cheap blades and constantly have sharp ones on..
To be fair I buy the $10, $12 dollar blades and never the $6,$7 dollar blades
Frenchy,
I saw your post on the Timber Wolf thread. I think the only difference between your situation and mine could be (I haven't gotten the saw yet) that blade-changing isn't the snap with mine that it is with yours. I can't remember if you recommended BC blades or if that was someone else. So do you remember the brand(s) of blades you buy? Also, if you only had two blades, which would they be?
Thanks,Mitch
"I'm always humbled by how much I DON'T know..."
Hi Mitch... Yes, Timberwolf blades are ABOVE average and will do nice work. My local WW supply store (Armor Crafts) has Olsen blades and I'm very happy with them. I don't do resawing. Most of my work is making small toys and medium sized projects. The four blades I use most often are: 3/16" - 10 TPI (regular tooth), 3/16" - 4TPI (Skip tooth), 3/8" - 4 TPI (Skip), 1/2" - 6TPI. Home Despot carries the Delta blades, but I am not really happy with their quality. One friend swears by Starrett blades but I can't see any difference between them and my Olsens. If you're new to band-sawing, I suggest you get the Bandsaw catalog from Iturra. As far as I'm concerned, it's the best refference book on BS's. If you do a lot of work in pine and the blades pick up a coating of pitch and gum, I recommend taking the blade off the saw, spray it with 'Simple Green', let it soak for a few minutes and wipe off with an old 'scotch-brite' pad. It works wonders and is very NON-toxic.
SawdustSteve Long Island, NY
Thanks, Steve. I appreciate the advice. It doesn't look like HD has anything of quality, and for the price it's worth getting them elsewhere. Would you agree that for resawing 2 or 3 TPI, as has been recommended, is a good choice? I'll look at the Iturra catalog. Also, pardon my ignorance, but what's the diff between a skip tooth and a regular tooth?
Finally, where on the Island are you from? I have relatives in Lindenhurst, Babylon, Ronconcama (sp?), and Dix Hills.
Thanks again,Mitch
"I'm always humbled by how much I DON'T know..."
Hi Mitch... There are three different common blade types for woodworking bandsaws...
Regular Tooth, Usually fine, equally spaced teeth with a face angle of 0 degrees.
Skip Tooth, very wide gullets (space between teeth). It looks like someone broke off every other tooth. Again 0 degree face angle. It is good for cutting thick wood, but tends to leave a rough surface.
Hook Tooth, again, wide gullets with a positive face angle. (Tip of tooth does all the cutting). This is the preferred tooth shape for resawing and is the most agressive. I believe the timberwolf site goes into more detail. I'm not sure of their website but I THINK it's http://www.suffolkmachinery.com.And... I'm in East Northport, the next town North-East of Dix Hills. I Hope this info helps you. Again, Have a Happy & Safe 4th
SawdustSteve
Get a Timberwolf and tension it using Suffolk's "6 Rules Of Sawing" I got one for my Jet 14in. and felt like I had a brand new bandsaw.
I recommend the "Woodslicer" from Highland Hardware for resawing. They're a bit pricey at 29.95 but cut wonderfully and seem to last longer than other blades. I have a small INCA bandsaw and haven't found anything near as good. FWW reviewed them very favorably a while ago.
Joel
Thanks, Joel! I'll take a look.
Best regards,Mitch
"I'm always humbled by how much I DON'T know..."
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled