Bandsaw blade question

[itrade]

Finally picked up a band saw - 64 1/2". The cheap blade is gone already and I need a new bi-metal one.

MSC has Lenox and Starrett. Question is if I have one blade for all my metal cutting should it be:

* 18 or 24 tooth (with 1/8" steel 18 doesn't get 3 teeth on there, but is that ok?)

* .020 or .025 thick?

What's best for curves and long lasting?

I'm leaning towards 18 tooth and .025 thick.

Thanks

Steve

 

[Mike Hull]

.025 is the right thickness. If you cut a lot of 1/8", maybe the 24 tooth would be best. I use a 14 tooth, and cut 1/4, 3/16, and 1/8". It just works for me.
The Lennox blades hold up very well, and K&G sells them also. Make sure to get a "bi metal" blade.
Here's a couple of sites to help you tune that bandsaw.
http://www.mini-lathe.com/Bandsaw/Bandsaw.htm

http://www.tinyisland.com/4x6bsFAQ.html

Good luck.

 

[itrade]

Thanks Mike,

As always a very helpful response (love the second link!).

I couldn't decide so I bought the vari-tooth 14-18. I like the idea of using a 14, like you, but worried about thinner stock. So this looked like the answer - we'll see.

I bought a cheap carbon 24 tooth with the saw. When the original wore out this weekend I put that on. Wouldn't cut the 1095. So I took out the old high tension hacksaw. That thing does cut very fast with bi-metal blades.

Thanks again,

Steve

 

[B . Buxton]

I use a 10/14 lennox bia metal, I cut everything with it. It cuts 1/8" low carbon and high carbon just fine. But I don't cut much 1/16" stuff . I cut quite a bit of 1" square damascus billets and it does a great job on it. Probably 18 or 24 teeth would be best for 1/16".

Hope this helps a little,

Bill