I’m currently running a 1 1/4″ Lennox Tri-Master carbide blade on my bandsaw, primarily using it for resawing but in all honesty I’m too darn lazy to change the blade so I end up using it for a lot of tasks. Anyways it’s managed to get a kink in it somewhere so I need to replace the blade, but I have about 3 years on it so I’m not too disappointed. Given that these blades are $200 I thought I’d do a little checking to see what else is available.
The Laguna Resaw King looks like an interesting blade, and I think I can run their 1 3/8″ blade. However, at $250 it is considerably more expensive than the Lennox, which has been an exceptional blade in my opinion. Anyone using this and if so what are your comments, I’m particularly interested in how it holds up over time.
While I’m on Laguna, the ceramic guides they offer look really solid but at $240 they are pretty expensive. Are they really that much of an improvement over the Carter guides that come stock on my Minimax?
Replies
Only comment I can provide on the subject is that I love my Lenox 1" tri-master (have an MM16 and have resawn a couple thousand feet on it).
The Laguna has quite a reputation for breaking prematurely and being tough to tune. No need to take my word for it though, head over and look through the Laguna forums and you'll find enough evidence. I'm not sure if they've addressed this issue, but as of about 6 months ago it was still very prone to breaking. (I can't tell you exactly why though I'm afraid, fatigue, tensioning, ??)
The Lenox is still the best for a carbide blade, but depending on what materials you saw or what you use it for you might find a good bi-metal will work just as well. I'm sure that others can offer insights also, but Olsen, Highland Hardware (woodslicer), Lenox Bi-Metals, and several others provide very high quality blades that work good on non-silica woods.
If you resaw a bunch of exotics though, you'll probably want to stick with a carbide, as those woods will dull the normal metal blades pretty quick.
G'luck
michael
Thanks Michael, I hadn't even thought of checking the forums on the Laguna site. I'll probably just get another Tri-Master, like yourself I have been really pleased with the one I have.
One other consideration. Since you're running a 1.25" blade, I assume you have the MM20 or 24. You could run a smaller tri master if you wanted and satisfy a broader range of needs without having to change out. I'm considering getting a 1/2" (which is the smallest it comes in I understand) to put in the saw for the times when I'm just doing tenon work, curves, or ripping. I think 1/2" will cut around a 3.5" radius curve which is enough for my needs.
I stand corrected, they have a 3/8" version also, but it isn't as thin a kerf as the 1/2" (which is .025).
G'luck.
Michael
For resawing veneers I really like the wider blade, I just need to be more disciplined about changing the blade when the circumstances call for it. The smaller blades do provide outstanding performance when tensioned right, but the 1.25" is a little more forgiving.
Michael,<!----><!----><!---->
How long have you used the Tri-Master 1" on MM16? Reason why I was asking is I have heard such conflicting information on the blade fatiguing and breaking when installed on a 'small bandsaw' such as the MM16.
I have been using Timberwolf's which seem to work pretty good, but have heard that the Tri-Masters are in a league of there own.
I've had mine on for 8-9 months. I detension when I'm done w/ a bunch of wood though as I don't get as much shop time as I wish.
I've heard that Lenox reformulated the steel (might be an urban legend, but lots seem to think so) to assist w/ smaller wheel saws.
So far, I've had absolutely no issue. I use an Ittura tension meter to hit the 25k psi mark and get stunning results every time.
Even if this one were to break, I'd buy another one w/o thinking twice due to the performance and satisfaction I've had.
michael
Michael,
Thanks for your comments. Your situation sounds just like mine, I have a MM16 and detension blades after use and only install the resaw blade when I am doing any significate resawing or ripping. My 1" Timberwolf needs to be replaced and think that it's replacement will be a 1" Tri-Master, everyone says once you try a Tri-Master you will be spoiled for life..
Edited 1/13/2006 10:45 am ET by BOBABEUI
I'm afraid it's true. The performance and cut I've received with mine is really hard to believe. Once everything in the saw is in tune, I can cut 1/32" veneers with almost no variance edge to edge over a 12-13" board.
Granted, $200 for a saw blade is a lot of money, but considering these blades last a long time (1-3yrs) it's a small investment for a high quality product.
The only thing I am considering for the backup / next purchase is the 1/2" due to Kerf considerations. As I mentioned above, the 1/2 is the smallest kerf blade they make (.025) and when resawing burl, figured woods, or other valuable lumber into *more* valuable lumber doing bookmatch of slip matching... I try to preserve as much material as possible.
Cheers :)
michael
I had a tri master 1/2" n my old Jet 18", and it did work pretty well. I now have a Laguna 16" and use a 1" Resaw King, and I must say that the finish that that blade leaves is impressive.
I have had it on my saw for over a year, and use it for everything--except cutting curves. I have resawed, ripped, cut plywood, mdf, melamine, even 2x4's, and after 15 or so months of use, it has held up well, although I do think It is ready for a sharpening. I believe Laguna sharpens them for around 25$. True they are expensive blades, but they do perform. I have resawn veneer that I didn't even have to sand before gluing.
BTW, I never detension my saw, or use my gauge to set up, and have good results. As for the ceramic guides, I find that they work very well once they are set, but they are more of a hassle to dial in that the carter guides. This is not a big deal if you don't change blades often...
Peter
jpswoodworking.com
Peter,
thanks for the feedback. Regarding the guides, they do look like they could be a chore to setup.
Carbide blade
Try http://www.abetterblade.com
they make a cool carbide blade and have free shipping and i called in to order mine and they gave me a 10% discount the blade cost me 210 so no too bad and they put a ton of carbide on their blades so i can resharpen them a bunch of times
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