bandsaw blades - what type for what?

[Pete Martin]

Just starting to look at bandsaws. There's a variety of blades available. Which blade does one use for what purpose? Is there an FAQ somewhere? pete

[WD]

Go to Lee Valley, they offer Viking. Good and reasonable price blades. You really can't go wrong with their blades.

[patrick conroy]

There are a variety of blades that you chose based on the material you cut - e.g. wood, plastic, non-ferrous metals, etc. Assuming you're a woodworker and you'll be cutting wood - there are still some subcategories based on:

- what kind of cuts you'll be making (resawing)

- the ability of your bandsaw to handle a blade (i.e. 14" hobbiest bandsaws usually can't tension some blades)

- your desire to cut tight curves (more of a blade width issue, granted)

- your budget

- your personal beliefs in the low-tension/high-tension debate

Not that I know of.

There's great reading at the Suffolk Saw website - and some nice suggestions on how to start. I called them and said: "Hi! I'm a weekend idiot who wastes a lot of wood. I just bought a 14" bandsaw and would like your suggestions on 2 or 3 blades to start with."

He rattled them off.

[mike]

Get hold of the book, Bandsaw Handbook by Mark Duginske.This book will give you all the information you need to know. mike

[Al]

Pete Martin wrote in news:3I- [e-mail]:

The following is from Delta Handbook for 14" bandsaw (vintage 1947). Teeth and FPM

Material Under 1/16" 1/16 -1/4" ¼ - 1" Over 1"

Aluminum 18 2200 14 2200 6 340 6 340 Asbestos Sheets 24 2200 14 340 14 340 10 340 Babbit-Lead 14 2200 14 2200 6 340 6 340 Brass 18 2200 14 340 14 340 8 250 Bronze (Soft) 18 340 14 340 10 250 8 175 Bronze (Hard) 18 340 14 250 14 175 10 125 Brake Lining 14 2200 14 340 10 340 8 250 Builders Board 14 2200 10 2200 3-7 2200 3-7 2200 Copper 18 340 14 340 10 250 8 175 Fiber 18 2200 14 2200 14 340 10 340 Hose 24 2200 18 2200 18 2200 10 340 Iron (Cast) 18 250 14 175 14 125 10 125 Iron Sheets 24 340 18 175 14 125 10 125 Magnesium 18 2200 14 2200 6 2200 6 340 Plymetal 24 340 24 340 18 340 14 340 Pipe 18 340 18 340 18 175 14 125 Plastics 24 2200 14 2200 10 2200 8 2200 Plastics 18 2200 10 2200 8 2200 6 2200 Radiator Cores . 18 340 Rubber 18 2200 14 2200 14 340 10 340 Slate 32 340 24 250 18 175 14 125 Steel (Free Mach) 18 250 18 250 14 175 10 125 Steel (Carbon) 24 175 18 175 14 175 10 125 Steel (Alloy) 18 175 14 175 14 125 14 125 Thinwall Tubing 32 250 18 125 Wood 4-7 2200 4-7 2200 3-7 2200 2-6 2200

.

[Pete Martin]

Thank you! I'm also looking at some demos and classes on woodworking and will ask some questions there too.

FWIW, I'm looking to try some laminating projects, simple ones to be sure!

patrick c>

[Pete Martin]

Looks very handy!! Thank you!

Al wrote: