Bandsaw blade to cut carbon fiber and G10?

[Jsteele]

Hello all.. I have a NIB Crafstman 3/4hp bandsaw model #22400 collecting dust in the corner of the shop(i do most of my cutting on my portaband or variable speed scroll saw)I would like to set this up to cut G10 and carbon fiber. Can anyone point me in the right direction to find diamond blades? Or recommend another type of blade for this type of cutting? Here is a link to the specs of the Craftsman http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-3-4-hp-12inch-band-saw-22400/p-00922400000P Thanks..

 

[jonnymac44]

I use bi metal blades from Lenox to cut both my steel and G-10/Carbon fiber/Micarta. I use 14/18 TPI blades for the steel at slow speed on my Dayton 3 speed, and I use a larger toothed 10/14 TPI blades on the medium speed for cutting handle materials.

I know some guys use tile saws with diamond blades to cut handle material, but I don't know offhand where to get bandsaw blades with diamonds, if they do make them.

When I was having trouble cutting titanium, I had a conversation with Chuck Bybee from Alpha Knife Supply and he recommended these carbide coated gulleted bandsaw blades. I haven't tried them on G-10 or CF, but they are made to cut through tough and abrasive materials, and they worked wonders on my titanium jobs. Excellent blades. They are quite pricey, but Chuck assured me they are worth it. I haven't used mine enough yet to confirm that though. Here is a link, they are the blades in the bottom row. I use the one on the right, but also check out the carbide tipped blades on the left hand side of the row.

http://www.toolcenter.com/BANDSAW_BLADES.html

 

[12345678910]

Can anyone point me in the right direction to find diamond blades?
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-3-4-hp-12inch-band-saw-22400/p-00922400000P Thanks..

I know some guys use tile saws with diamond blades to cut handle material, but I don't know offhand where to get bandsaw blades with diamonds, if they do make them.

The diamond tile saws are circular saw blades and actually pretty cheap- plus the saws run with water.

The bandsaw blades with diamonds are available, but you're going to pay.

The band length may be unusual and you may have to do a minimum order.
See if you can find anyone besides Starrett that welds up custom blades from starrett stock.

Talk to local gravestone or other shops and see if they use these types of blades in a bandsaw and find their local supplier.



http://www.starrett.com/saws/saws-hand-tool-products/band-saw-blades/carbide-diamond/advanz-cg

http://www.starrett.com/saws/saws-hand-tool-products/band-saw-blades/carbide-diamond/advanz-dg

 

[t_davis925]

I've got a 17" Grizzly, and I use the Lenox bimetal blades as well. Diemaster 2s, they have m42 steel for the teeth, and you can use them on steel as well at the right speeds. I'm using them at 1750 fpm, but I don't know the correct speed for steel cutting with them, so I haven't tried it for fear of chipping off the teeth. They work great, the difference between quality blades and cheaper carbon blades is amazing. You pay for it though, that's for sure.

 

[Brian.Evans]

Maybe I'm the only one, but I've been using my 9" Craftsman with a mostly worn out 18tpi blade from Harbor Freight to cut G10. It works well. It is AKS G10, so I don't know. I've cut a lot of it on that blade and it still works great. It shouldn't, because it's a cheap blade on a really fast underpowered saw rated for nonferrous and wood. Just throwing it out there.

 

[Mark Behnke]

Here is a link ,

http://www.bandsawbladesdirect.com/product_info.php/cPath/21_31/products_id/43

 

[Alfred R]

For your G10 and carbon fiber materials, try using carbon steel or bi-metal saw blade for the tougher materials. Carbon steel blade is recommended for cutting all types of plastics and should work on the G10. Bi-metal saw blades can cut a variety of materials but if you are looking for diamond blades, just GOOGLE to find a vendor or call your local concrete guys. I know that the on-line company I use (www.sawblade.com) doesn't carry diamond tipped blades.

 

[Fellhoelter]

Wet tile saw, wet tile saw, wet tile saw....

 

[jimbo d]

.........request deleted.........

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[LARRYZ10]

Here's what I do that might help you: I draw the profile on the carbon fiber for the scale shape I want then I make straight cuts next to the lines with an angle grinder. You can buy a 4 1/2 inch angle grinder on sale from harbor freight tools for about $30. I used one for a year to cut out steel knife blanks and now have a Dewalt 4 1/2 inch 2.2 hp with cutoff wheel. Then grind scales to shape on a disc grinder table...the top and back of the knife. then use drum sanding drums on a drill press to do the underside profile or use a small wheel attachment on you 2 x 72 belt grinder if you have one. I hate grinding carbon fiber...,wear a resperator and DO NOT BREATHE THE FUMES!!!!!!!!!!! I refuse to make full tang knives with carbon fiber now because it is so dangerous for your lungs. There is no band saw blade that I have tried that will cut carbon fiber without ruining the blade in short order. Try the cutoff wheel method and use a shop vacuum next to your grinder...get a friend to hold the vac nozzle next to the grinding wheel and clean your sho[p afterward. That is my HUMBLE opinion after making only 3 carbon fiber knives with 3/8ths thick scales. Larry

 

[DamienC]

+1 larry said, you can get diamond band saw blades i use them at my work for cutting CF they will out last any other type of blade x5 but they cost a lot, i use a cut off wheel when im at home and its the best way ive found