A bandsaw will make many cuts with precision and speed-when equipped with the right blade for the application. Bandsaw blades differ in thickness, width, length, and tooth configuration. Every time you change from one bandsaw blade width to another, you have to reset the saw’s tracking, tension, and blade guides.
To achieve a smoother, more refined cut choose a blade that has more TPI. High TPI configurations should be used on thinner materials and may require a reduced material feed rate through the blade. Thicker materials require a low TPI blade, but may be fed through the blade at a higher feed rate. A regular tooth blade is available in higher TPI blades and produces smoother cuts in all woods.
Bandsaw blades come in a variety of widths, tooth designs, materials, and configurations. Or keep reading to learn more about choosing and using bandsaw blades. Never use water as a lubricant on bandsaw blades -or any other blades, for that matter.
Generally, a skip tooth blade is used for rip cutting, whereas a regular or triangular tooth blade is for cross cutting. “Now you have made the three basic choices, we will guide you through the types of blades that we offer. Depending on the length of blade required, it can be an easy choice or a little more complex. For machines with a blade length up to 70 1/12”, we supply high carbon blades only. For woodturners, we have a unique blade concept, the Back Tooth bandsaw blade.
With all of these things to consider, it is no surprise that you’re looking for an essential guide to bandsaw blades! The blade width determines how much your bandsaw will cut and the minimum number you want to cut. How many teeth you need for your bandsaw blade is another factor to consider when choosing your blade.
The wider blades are stiffer overall and tend to track better on the band wheels than narrow blades. Thicker blades are also wider blades and more tension means straighter cuts. Thicker blades are also more difficult to bend around the band wheels, so most bandsaw manufacturers will specify a thickness or thickness range.
how to pick bandsaw blades Related Question:
Is a wider bandsaw blade better?
The wider blades are stiffer overall (more metal) and tend to track better on the band wheels than narrow blades. When cutting thicker material, the wider blade has less ability to deviate because the back end, when in the cut, helps steer the front of the blade, especially if the side clearance is not excessive.
How tight should my bandsaw blade be?
The blade should deflect no more than 1/4 in. A good place to begin is to tension the blade until the meter reads proper tension for the next wider blade. For example, if you’re tensioning a 3/8-in.
What type of blade should you use for straight cuts?
Therefore, when cutting laminates, or any material where you want minimal damage, a “Clean for Wood” blade like the T101B should be your choice. It’ll give you that clean, straight cut you’re looking for. A Jigsaw Blade for Straight Cuts Won’t Cut Curves!
What is 14 TPI for cutting?
8-14 TPI blades are capable of cutting wood and the occasional nail. Demo blades fall into this category. 14-24 TPI is the range of metal cutting, PVC cutting and finish cut blades. The blades cut slowly, but leave being a very smooth edge.
What is the best TPI for cutting metal?
Cutting thinner metals, including sheet metal, requires a finer cut. Use 18-24 TPI bi-metal blades. For thicker metals such as steel pipe, angle irons, or tubing, use 14-18 TPI bi-metal blades. For aluminum, an 8-10 TPI blade is best.
What is the difference between a wood and metal band saw?
A metal cutting bandsaw is typically built more solidly than a saw designed for cutting wood, so there are no issues with the machine itself. As for the blade, the wood fibers could clog the metal blade’s teeth more quickly, and the blade will probably cut through the wood more slowly.
How long is a 14 inch bandsaw blade?
Olson® All Pro&trade band saw blades 93-1/2″ length fits most 14″ band saws (Delta, Jet, etc.), hard back and exclusive material, in skip, hook, or regular teeth.
What size blade does a 9 inch bandsaw take?
9″ Ryobi, 9″ B&D, 9″ Craftsman, 9″ Tradesman, 9″ Pro-Tech, 9″ Collins, B&D 3 Wheel. 0.50 (1/2 in.)
What is a 3h bandsaw blade?
Description. These are excellent-quality steel bandsaw blades that excel at ripping thick stock and resawing, and are also suitable for roughing blanks for carving or turning. The coarse 3 tpi hooked teeth power through hard woods and difficult grain, and have deep gullets for clearing sawdust.
Can a band saw cut curves?
Whether it’s a tight curve or a closed opening, you can cut it on your band saw with a couple of easy tricks. Cutting on the band saw can be the same thing. The narrower the blade, the tighter the spots you can cut; in fact, some band saw blades rival a scroll saw for cutting tight curves.
How thick of wood can a bandsaw cut?
Band saws are the undisputed champ when it comes to cutting curves and slicing through thick material. Many small band saws can slice though lumber a full four inches thick, and bigger saws handle six-inch cuts.
Why won’t my bandsaw cut straight?
Band Saw: Why won’t my band saw cut straight? When the band saw cuts crooked, a dull blade, improper feeding, loose blade tension or not using a work piece guide could be the cause. Use the rip fence or miter gauge to guide the work piece uniformly through the cutting blade to make straight cuts.
What is the purpose of the gullet on a saw blade?
The gullet is the rounded gap, cut into the blade plate, between the teeth. This gap is intended to bring waste, such as sawdust and chips, away from clogging the blade. On the saw blade, the size of the gullets is closely related to the feed-rate factor.
What is a 24-tooth blade used for?
For most construction work, a 24-tooth general use blade is sufficient. That blade is very aggressive and will help you rip and cross-cut lumber and sheet goods quickly and with a high degree of accuracy. With a 24-tooth demo blade, you’re getting work done quickly, but you won’t get a near-finished edge.
Is more teeth on a saw blade better?
The number of teeth on the blade helps determine the speed, type and finish of the cut. Blades with fewer teeth cut faster, but those with more teeth create a finer finish.