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.
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.
When talking about bandsaw blade design for sawing dry wood, there are probably as many opinions as there are bandsaw manufacturers. The width of a blade is the measurement from the top of the tooth to the back edge of the blade. A ¾-inch- wide blade can cut a 5-1/2-inch radius while a 3/16-inch blade can cut a 5/16-inch radius.
Choosing the right bandsaw blade depends on many factors; including type of bandsaw, condition of bandsaw, what material is to be cut, and how the material will be cut. If you are sawing in a production setting, your saw is in good repair and adjusted correctly, and want the longest life blade available, then you should use Bimetal bandsaw blades. The challenge with these saws is that the wheels are so small that a standard thickness blade exes beyond proper tolerances when it travels around these small wheels, thereby shortening blade life.
how pick bandsaw blade Related Question:
How do I choose a metal cutting bandsaw blade?
In general the following rule applies to choosing the speed of your bandsaw blade: The harder the material, the slower the speed; conversely, the softer the material, the faster the speed. The faster the speed, the finer the finish produced on the cut surface.
What’s the difference between bandsaw blades?
Bandsaw blades differ in thickness, width, length, and tooth configuration. Length varies by machine, but the size of your saw’s wheels typically determines thickness and width: Smaller machines (9–12″ wheels) need thinner blades to prevent breaking the welds. They also accept only narrow blades, often 1⁄ 2 ” or less.
Is more TPI better?
Woodworkers quickly learn that the number of teeth-per-inch (TPI) on the blade has a big impact on the quality of a cut. The general rule of thumb is “the more TPI, the smoother the cut.” The true answer, however, is just a little more complicated than that, as you’ll learn once you understand how saw teeth work.
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.
What size blade does a 12 inch bandsaw take?
The Craftsman 12″ Bandsaw-Sander takes an 80″ blade or an 80″, 1/2″ wide sanding belt. There is a Vacuum port on the back of the saw. Hook the shop vac to the port during operations.
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 long should a metal bandsaw blade last?
On average your bandsaw blade should last 6 months to as long as a few years depending on what your cutting with it. Make sure to match your blade strength and quality to the project and material your cutting.
How much tension should a bandsaw blade be?
For carbon steel toothed blades (cutting blades) this is typically 15,000 to 25,000 PSI. Slitting type blades typically are tensioned in the range of 12,000 to 20,000 PSI. In general bandsaw blades are never tensioned past 35,000 psi.
How many teeth does a bandsaw blade have?
The general rule of thumb is: For wood and soft materials aim for 3 – 6 teeth in the workpiece. For metals and harder materials aim for 6 – 24 teeth in the workpiece.
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.
What does 32 TPI mean?
Blades are also described by the number of teeth per inch (TPI). Blades have 14, 18, 24, 32 teeth per 25mm (inch). A blade with 14 TPI is coarse whilst a blade with 32 TPI is very fine.
How many teeth should my saw blade have?
TPI is the number of teeth the blade has per inch. If you’re looking to cut wood or other soft materials, you’ll need a blade with a TPI of 6 up to 20. For harder materials like metal, a TPI between 14 up to 36 is more suitable. The number of teeth can be found on the blade.