Band Saw/Blade Newb Questions

[alclark2]

I bought a junk foreign blade and I feel that it ... well, sucks. It's dull after only cutting a few blanks

First, What kind of life expectancy do you get out of a band saw blade. I know that will depend on what you're cutting obviously. I've been cutting 1095 5/32 and 1/8 annealed.

Second, how do you get the most life out of your blade? I'm wondering if I neglected to take care of the blade in some way.

I ordered 3 Lenox blades today. I'm expecting better results with them.

 

[Drew Riley]

With bandsaw blades you do often get what you pay for, but with any blade you will want to "break it in". Start with light cuts and slow speeds for the first several cuts. This will round the points of each tooth every so slighty and your blades will cut smoother for longer.

http://www.starrett.com/docs/saw-resources/recommendations.pdf?sfvrsn=2

The above link gives a little more explanation of what and how.

 

[Matt Rochester]

I use lennox diemaster 2 blades. 14-18 tpi I believe. Ive never heard of breaking in a blade but will try it.

 

[Sosa]

Never heard of breaking em in either. No wonder they only lasted a few cuts on hastelloy haha.