Metal cutting bandsaw....finally got one

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
20,978
I finally broke down and got the HF metal-cutting bandsaw. Problem is, I don't know where to go to get a good bi-metal blade.

I used to go to carbide.com but have had problems with Paul in the past, so I'm burnt out on it.

Anybody got any other recommendations?

This is what I'm looking for:
(length is 64 1/2")


Bi-metal, 14 tpi, 1/4" x 0.025 for metals (I don't cut thick pieces)

Std., 8 tpi, 1/4" x 0.025 for handle materials


I don't really care what the tooth pattern is. I just want a thin kerf and a somewhat flexible blade (I spend more time cutting arcs than I do straight lines).

Any direct links would be appreciated. MSC and Grizzly are too expensive for my blood at around ~$30 ea. Other options out there?

Thanks for the help!
 
dan i think thats about an average price for a bi-metal blade for that size saw. most of the guys herewill tell you they've probably been using them for a year and they still cut good.
 
Dan,

Call aound to local tool or saw suppliers. I got my blades made here in town at 18 dollars each (I hink) the wood cutting lades for it were 8 dollars. Dont pay the 30 buck.....

Glad you got the saw! Make a nice base for it. I can give you a easy trick for screwing it down to a flat surface......email me when your ready for that part....
 
Dan, a good blade is what really brings those little saws to life. Don't get cheap on us now. Buy the Starrett blades out of McMaster or MSC, tighten the tension as tight as you can by hand, and you'll have a blade that will last a really long time. I use mine every day, and have had it on my saw over two years now with little sign of wear.
 
yeah i went with the starret too. and that thing shows no wear. and i use it a lot, all those mistakes i make means i have to cut out a lot of blanks
 
Glad to hear you got one. I got a floor model earlier this year, man what a big help they are. I'm glad you started this thread so when I'm ready for a new blade I'll know where to get one. Good luck with it Dan.
Scott
 
I have the same piece of gear. Got it about a 1 1/2 years ago. Upon advice from people in this forum, I never used the blade that came with the bandsaw, but took it right off and replaced it with a good one. The one I used came from Texas Knifemakers Supply, and was cryogenically treated. It seems to just last and last. It was a good buy (both the HF bandsaw, AND the cryo treated blade from TKS).
 
can't find a link for the cryo-ed bandsaw blade at TKS....:confused:
 
I have used the starrett blades and they are ok. In my opinion the lennox diemaster bi-metal blades that you order through MSC are the best out there. I run my saw on the slowest speed that way I don't have to adjust it depending on the material I am cutting. You might also conside making a new table for the saw so you have a larger surface area to cut on.
 
I use Lennox on mine also...I went higher on the DPI...believe I have 18 or so...but I cut titanium sheets so anything coarser and the teeth gets striped of...considering what i trow at it I don´t complain about how long they last ......sawed 20 frames and blades before it was toast...in 1/8" titanium for most the frames...
 
I have spent the last two years using about 5 cheap blades on my saw. I always dreaded having to use it. I bought a lennox blade from TKS a few months ago, I finally put it on my saw last night. IT was like night and day. The lennox blade cut at least 5 times faster and easier than the other blades. I think I actually might like using my saw now. I wish I had bought a good blade two years ago, I probably would have saved a lot of belts.
Kyle Fuglesten
 
i got a used bandsaw a while back, but unfortuanately it is a wood bandsaw only. Do any of you have pics and part numbers of the harbor freight saws you are using? also any pics and advice on making it a verticle? :D
 
blade runner said:
Terry,
Here's the link:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=37151

I caught mine on one of their "free shipping" deals, which saved me some coins right there :p . It's both vertical and horizontal.
Click to expand...

HF picks up the freight on any order of $50.00, and over. They always have. It's a considerable savings when you buy something heavy.


The bimetal bandsaw blades that K&G sells(link above), are Lennox!!:eek:
 
Well Dan, you're in it now! :D You'll find yourself making stuff you would never have considered before. I think the $150 I spent on mine was the best money I've ever spent. I've said it over and over, that's the third tool any knife shop should acquire. You'll say so too, and soon. ;)

There's enough info on blades here I don't need to add anything, except this: Lennox blades get dull too. My first one lasted about a year and a half; when I finally changed it I was amazed how much better a sharp one cut! That's me: Penney wise and pound foolish. I wonder how hard I'd been working for how long before I finally put the new one on. It's the same old practice of using belts far beyond their practical life...

One tip: When cutting thin stock it helps to back it with plywood or plexiglass to help reduce chipping teeth off the blade.

Get ready to search out all those threads on keeping the blade from popping off... :D :D :D

Congratulations and have fun Dan,
 
hehehe...my last Lennox lasted about 4-5 days....but it was used heavily....titanium really eats these blades for breakfast....steel doesnt do much to them...
 
While we're on the subject of bandsaws, I bought mine used. It's a older floor model but in very good shape. It's a vertical-horizontal, but I don't have the work table for cutting vertically. It's similar to the 64 1/2x 1/2 that harbor freight sells. Is there a place I can purchase one that would work on mine? Thanks
Scott
 
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