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General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
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Author:  Hesh [ Mon Feb 01, 2010 7:15 pm ]
Post subject:  General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
I have learned a great deal about some of the recommended resaw blades for my new Rikon 14" bandsaw and thanks to all for this info.

What I really need though is a blade for how I want to use my new saw most of the time. Today I cut out some sides and although the blade that came with the machine is ok I would prefer a finer cut (more TPI?) and smaller blade (this one is 5/8th") that can handle curves better....

So if my needs are cutting a 3-4" adi brace billet, cutting out backs, sides with thicknesses of .150 or less, and maybe making a mold or two for some new shapes can/may I get away with a 1/4 or 3/8" blade and if so what blade would you recommend for good durability, performance, etc. I would prefer a longer lasting blade and I am not price sensitive within reason and if the value is there.

My resaw blades will be different blades so this one can be general, lutherie purpose.

TIA (not this is Africa...)
Author:  Chris aka Sniggly [ Mon Feb 01, 2010 7:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
TIA.... laughing6-hehe

Hesh you are going to get sooooo many recommendations here.

My preference for general shop use is 1/4 inch with the fewest amount of teeth I can find. Keeping in mind I am not looking for finished surfaces off of a bandsaw. Why the fewest teeth? Cuz when I take that 4 inch thick block of whatever to the bandsaw I don't have to change out the 14 tooth blade to get it done. That's not to say that the 14 tooth blade won't do it....it will...but it'll take longer. Remember I'm not looking for a finished product...just get me close. A really low tooth count should translate into faster feed rates, whether you are talking about bandsaws or tablesaws. A 1/4 inch 6 tpi (like the M-42 HSS Bi-Metal blade in Iturra's catalog) will do all your radii and all your thick stuff.

Just me though....
Author:  Howard Klepper [ Mon Feb 01, 2010 7:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
I find a 1/4" 6tpi to be the most useful. Timberwolf cuts better when new, but Starrett or Lenox will last longer.

But you work with David Collins. Why are you asking us?
Author:  WudWerkr [ Tue Feb 02, 2010 8:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
Hesh , The Blade I would recommend and that I sell to alot of wood workers is 1/4" or 3/8" 6T Hook or 4T Hook blade . It will chew through wood well , However it will leave a rougher finish . Its also refered to as a Tri-Temp , Or Flex Back Blade . Made By Sterling Saw Works.

If you want a finer finish cut you will need a skip tooth blade with a 6 or 8 TPI nicer cut but cuts slower and wont last as long.

These are good all purpose blades.
Author:  Mark Groza [ Tue Feb 02, 2010 10:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
Hesh, For general purpose i use my smaller bandsaw with 1/4" 6 tpi timberwolf blades.I use the larger bandsaw for resawing only.That way is easier for me as i don't have to swap out blades as often. When i need a smoother cut i use the scroll saw. ;)
Author:  Dave Stewart [ Tue Feb 02, 2010 10:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
I agree...my 1/4" x 6tpi (Viking) band is always on, unless there's good reason to switch.
Author:  windsurfer [ Tue Feb 02, 2010 10:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
Since I rarely cut tight radius corners, my utility blade is a Lenox Flex Back 3/8 x 4 Raker Hook

Works good in thicker stock and lasts me longer than the Timberwolf/Viking bands I used to use.

-jd
Author:  ChuckG [ Tue Feb 02, 2010 11:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
I do a lot of resawing so I use a 1/2" Wood Slicer 3 tpi skip tooth from Highland Hardware. They resaw 9" wide Mahogany quite well when new and last a reasonably long time. The 1/2" blade is good enough for the curves I cut most of the time and if not, I just use more relief cuts. A little more waste, but not worth the hassle of blade changes.

Chuck
Author:  Howard Klepper [ Tue Feb 02, 2010 12:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
WudWerkr wrote:
Hesh , The Blade I would recommend and that I sell to alot of wood workers is 1/4" or 3/8" 6T Hook or 4T Hook blade . It will chew through wood well , However it will leave a rougher finish . Its also refered to as a Tri-Temp , Or Flex Back Blade . Made By Sterling Saw Works.

If you want a finer finish cut you will need a skip tooth blade with a 6 or 8 TPI nicer cut but cuts slower and wont last as long.

These are good all purpose blades.


My experience over many blades is that the skip tooth (which is what I get with Starrett and lenox) lasts longer than hook (which I get with Timberwolf).
Author:  WudWerkr [ Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
Howard Klepper wrote:
WudWerkr wrote:
Hesh , The Blade I would recommend and that I sell to alot of wood workers is 1/4" or 3/8" 6T Hook or 4T Hook blade . It will chew through wood well , However it will leave a rougher finish . Its also refered to as a Tri-Temp , Or Flex Back Blade . Made By Sterling Saw Works.

If you want a finer finish cut you will need a skip tooth blade with a 6 or 8 TPI nicer cut but cuts slower and wont last as long.

These are good all purpose blades.


My experience over many blades is that the skip tooth (which is what I get with Starrett and lenox) lasts longer than hook (which I get with Timberwolf).


What tooth Configuration are you using , usally people use a finer tooth on skip or raker for a cleaner cut . If your using a coarser tooth yes the life can be very comperable . As I mentioned , The Hook tooth I sell to people who wanna chew through alot of wood, and are not concerned with the "quality " of the cut as much .
Also Remember i am the dreaded " SalesMan " :twisted: I give people what they ask for . LOL

I still wanna meet the fella who stated " A Blades a Blade " laughing6-hehe
Author:  Hesh [ Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
Ok I am really getting confused now..... idunno and I have been looking up a lot of the recommendations here credit card in hand just wanting to purchase a couple of something and get back to work....

When I go to Woodcraft to look at Timberwolf in 111" they only have 4 TPI available. The blade that came on my stinkin Rikon is 4 TPI and I was hoping for a smoother cut. I am not going to be resawing anything at least for a while so how I plan on using the saw, and how I have been using the saw needs a 1/4" blade, maybe 3/8" if I can do curves with that. Remember that I am a bandsaw moron....

Would someone please just tell me where to go.... and purchase... a couple blades. Please specify type, brand, TPI, know that the blade comes in my size and a link to where to purchase them would also be greatly appreciated...


TIA :)
Author:  James W B [ Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
The Woodcraft here in Nashville sell OLson all pro 1/4 6 TPI regular tooth.Cuts real nice.I`d check with your Woodcraft they may sell this also.I`ve also used theTimber Wolf but like the Olson better.A smoother cut.
SKIN
Author:  Colin S [ Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
3/8", 6 skip.

Colin
Author:  Chris aka Sniggly [ Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
Hesh.....

You have paralysis through analysis.... beehive

Just send me your credit card information and you can sit back and watch the flowers grow.. laughing6-hehe

Some thoughts:
-You won't find any blades at woodcraft with variable tooth counts (pretty sure about this). I mention it because your smoothest cuts (AS A GENERAL RULE) will come from variable tooth count blades. Louis Iturra sells them 904-642-2802. He cuts and welds the blades to your specific length and guarantees the weld.

HOWEVER:
If you just have to make a trip to woodcraft they have the following on sale. http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/208022 ... -Hook.aspx
That will get you through the mud and get you up and running a little better than the blade that's on the saw now. Then later on if you want to go to custom cut blades with super duper special tooth patterns and such...well you know...
Chris
Author:  Hesh [ Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
duh idunno wow7-eyes You mean like this one SKIN..... :D

Attachment:
DSC02783.jpg


This was in the cabinet under my saw and I forgot that I had it..... duh My Woodcraft gives you 50% off on blades when you pick-up a saw from them and knowing nothing about blades I picked up this one.

I'm still looking for a source, type etc to get some others to try and of course I always keep spares here too.

Thanks
Author:  James W B [ Tue Feb 02, 2010 6:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
Yeah man ,that one works real good for guitar building people.Give it a try.I hate it when you are confused,Stay Focused.
SKIN laughing6-hehe
Author:  Howard Klepper [ Tue Feb 02, 2010 8:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: General Purpose 14" Bandsaw Blade Recomendations Please?
You're overthinking, Hesh. But OK, here's what to do: call Suffolk Machinery and order the 1/4" 6tpi hook tooth Timberwolf. Get two. What a lot of people don't get (or don't want to get) is that blades for a small bandsaw are a supply item, not a capital investment. They aren't worth sharpening. Use them for a while and then throw them away.
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