silly newbie question

D

dmarx

Joined
Sep 17, 2006
Messages
59
Just brought home my first wood cutting bandsaw. What's the proper type and tooth count for cutting micarta, hardwoods, etc.?

PS - I've updated my profile.:foot:
 
Get a carbide blade. The "Woodmaster CT" blade is variable pitch something like .7/1.Other carbide blades vary between 2 and 3 TPI. The woodmaster and woodslicer blades are superb,and if treated right will outlast other blades 6 or 10 to one.They are not cheap,but worth it.Get the widest blade your machine will handle 3/4" for most saws.The next improvement you can add to your bandsaw is to make it variable speed. Either change the motor (costly) or put on a set of step pulleys.The pulley option will only cost $20-30 and will give you a whole new realm of cutting ability.
Stacy
 
A lesson I just learned the hard way. G10 will kill a good blade in VERY short order. :(

As for wood, it depends on what you are doing. Ripping takes a wide blade with a raker set for best results. Close radius curves take a narrower blade. Less TPI for ripping or rough cuts - more TPI for fine work and slow going.

Get some help on tuning your saw - way more important than the blade used.

My (hard earned) 2 cents. :rolleyes:

Rob!
 
Thanks guys. I'll try those. Not sure I can add a step pulley, it's a Craftsman 10".

Dave
 
Rob! said:
A lesson I just learned the hard way. G10 will kill a good blade in VERY short order. :(

As for wood, it depends on what you are doing. Ripping takes a wide blade with a raker set for best results. Close radius curves take a narrower blade. Less TPI for ripping or rough cuts - more TPI for fine work and slow going.

Get some help on tuning your saw - way more important than the blade used.

My (hard earned) 2 cents. :rolleyes:

Rob!
Click to expand...

Aint that the truth! That stuff will kill a regular blade in a few minutes.
 
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