Bandsaw Blade Recommendations

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GoodTurns

GoodTurns

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I am thrilled with my Grizzly, many thanks for the guidance. I know I will break or wear out a blade and want to make sure I have a replacement on hand. What brands are best? Which should I avoid?

I will mostly be cutting blanks from slabs or burls, so don't need to turn the pieces; I assume this means stay away from the thinner blades (1/8 - 1/4 inch), will a larger blade provide more stability cutting?

TPI...understand that fewer teeth is more aggressive, what is a good measure for normal wood cutting? I don't expect to cut a lot of terribly brittle stuff, so would think a 6-8 TPI is probably pretty safe.

Thanks for reading and any responses,
Jon
 
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Jon - Give the folks at Suffolk Machinery a call about their Timber Wolf blades - 1-(800)-234-7297. Tell them what you're cutting and they'll give you suggestions on their great blades.
 
John:
For cutting blanks from slabs I would probably look for a 1/2" or 5/8" 3TPI or 4TPI skip-tooth blade. You want an agressive cut. More TPI= smoother=less aggressive=slower.
Timberwolf makes excellent blades. You can get them at many of the woodworking stores, but I by mine from Suffolk Machinery. Good prices and excellent Customer service.

If you are cutting round bowl blanks from green stock, I would use a 3/8" 3TPI skip-tooth. It will give you a good radius to about 3" and not bog down your bandsaw.

Congratulations on your new saw, by the way. Use it well.
 
Another vote for Suffolk/Timberwolf blades. I mostly use 1/2" 3tpi especially green wood and 1/2" 4tpi for everything else. I buy 3:1 of 3tpi vs 4tpi.
 
I understand from the Lee Valley web catalog that the "Timber Wolf" name is changing to "Viking" - same swedish steel.

I have also had good success with metal cutting bandsaw blades with high speed steel teeth welded on spring steel backs. They last longer in abrasive condidtions and heat.

I resharpen the blades - especially the HSS toothed ones. I always have been cheap. Kind of like sharpening a chainsaw.
 
Jon, You are correct in that thinner blades should not be used for ripping/cross-cutting. I would suggest staying 1/4 inch under your Bandsaws max blade size. Remember to release the tension when not in use, just like on your lathe to help the blade last longer.
I have been getting my blades custom made by a local saw company. I have an 18 inch Rikon and use 3/4 inch, skip tooth, 3-4 TPI Bi-Metal blades ($26.00 for 144 inches). Bi-metal is great for hard woods like Burls and they seem to last a good ling time, that is, as long as I don't get too aggressive!
 
Jon, when you got your saw from Grizzly, you could have gotten your Timber Wolf blades then and there. They've been selling them for some time now. Check pages 102 thru 104 of their current catalog. That's where I got mine.
 
I was looking for prices on the Suffolk/Timberwolf web site as I need another couple of blades, and they are currently having a buy 3 get 4th free sale. Can't beat it with a stick.

Ken
 
Originally posted by KP
<br />I was looking for prices on the Suffolk/Timberwolf web site as I need another couple of blades, and they are currently having a buy 3 get 4th free sale. Can't beat it with a stick.

Ken
Click to expand...

They have that almost all the time. Note that it is a one time offer (PER household, length size [;)]). I had my in-laws buy me some too [:D].

If you upgrade your BS to one that will use another size blade (say longer) then you can avail of it again.
 
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