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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...)

TIA....

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....

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

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?

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

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.

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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.

I agree...my 1/4" x 6tpi (Viking) band is always on, unless there's good reason to switch.

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Dave
Milton, ON

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

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

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).

_________________
Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

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 " I give people what they ask for . LOL

I still wanna meet the fella who stated " A Blades a Blade "

_________________
The Shallower the depth of the stream , The Louder the Babble !
The Taking Of Offense Is the Life Course Of The Stupid One !
Wanna Leave a Better Planet for our Kids? How about Working on BETTER KIDS for our Planet !
Forgiveness is the ability to accept an apology that you will probably NEVER GET
The truth will set you free , But FIRST, it will probably Piss you Off !
Creativity is allowing yourself to make Mistakes, Art is knowing which ones to Keep !
The Saddest thing anyone can do , is push a Loyal Person to the point that they Dont Care Anymore
Never met a STRONG person who had an EASY past !
http://wiksnwudwerks.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/GatewayA ... rAssembly/

Ok I am really getting confused now..... 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

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

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

3/8", 6 skip.

Colin

_________________
I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

Hesh.....

You have paralysis through analysis....

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

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

_________________
There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

You mean like this one SKIN.....



This was in the cabinet under my saw and I forgot that I had it..... 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

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

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

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.

_________________
Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.