Bandsaw blades

[Walt2]

Even though two bandsaw blades may be made by the same company, they are not always the same quality.
I started to cut out some new blanks and changed the bandsaw blade before starting. The old blade had cut 23 1/8" CPMD2 blanks that were 8 1/2" OAL. and 7 1/8" CPM S35VN blades that were 8 1/2" OAL. The new blade started off fine but before I finished cutting the first D2 blank, I could tell a difference in the cutting speed. I cut a total of 2 1/8" CPMD2 blanks 8 1/2" OAL and two 3/16" CPMS35VN 11" OAL but was not able to finish cutting the last 35VN with the new blade. I had to switch and put the old blade back on to complete the last one. The blade that was new was bought from a supplier that I had never bought from before and will not again. They were supposed to both be Lennox blades.

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

Did you break the blade in according to Lenox recommendations? I broke in a junk India made blade from HF and it cut great. I failed to do so with a starrett blade and it only cut about half as long.

 

[Patrickknives]

Breaking in the blade is important, I do believe I have seen a real difference in blade life. However, I also feel that I have had the same non-performance with questionable lennox blades. I bought a couple for what seemed a good source but really got very little use out of them, I have another Lennox bi-metal and been using it for a long time, another hanging on the wall waiting for this one to wear out. I have also decreased my speed to the lowest setting which I think has helped with blade life. With the current blade I am guessing that I have cut 30 or more blanks, mostly 1/8 thick stainless.

I keep a bar or 1/4 low carbon steel that I make cuts in to bread in the blade before doing any blades.

 

[Walt2]

I have never been able to tell the difference between breaking in the bi-metal blades and just using them.