What band saw blade for micarta & kydex ?

S

steelerfan88

Joined
Feb 16, 2015
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Guys, I just bought a new RIKON 10" vertical band saw to sit on my work bench.
I ordered it specifically to trim up my kydex sheaths and cut 3/8" thick micarta sheet for handle/scales. What would be the best all-around blade to run ? I am thinking a 1/4" x 14TPI carbon steel raker blade would be a solid choice but would like some experienced advice on this. I already have a DeWalt porta-band and table to handle my steel blanks....I got the little 10" RIKON to be a dedicated kydex/micarta cutter. I won't be cutting anything thicker than 3/8" micarta with this saw FYI. Thanks in advance for your suggestions :thumbup:
 
For kydex if you cut squares there is no need to use a bandsaw, just use a sharp knife to score the square and then bend until it snaps. I use a kiridashi style cutter with a wide edge.


Pablo
 
I know about cutting the kydex with a razor knife.....I will use the band saw for final trimming of my sheaths before final edge finish but am really more concerned about cutting/profiling scales made from micarta. That's what I really need some insight.
 
I have a small tabletop bandsaw and I just use whatever blade is on it for both materials. Micarta is tough on it (but nowhere near as bad as g10) but it works fine. On micarta just keep your feed pressure reasonable.
 
J W Bensinger said:
I have a small tabletop bandsaw and I just use whatever blade is on it for both materials. Micarta is tough on it (but nowhere near as bad as g10) but it works fine. On micarta just keep your feed pressure reasonable.
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Would you say that a bi-metal in place of "what ever happens to be on it" (given the choice) might be the right blade ? or........a higher tooth count
wood blade ?
 
I use bi-metal Starrets--they cut anything I'd ever need to(steel, brass, copper, hardwood, micarta, etc) and last a good long time if you run them slow and use light pressure. I believe they are 24TPI.
 
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JBC69 said:
I use bi-metal Starrets--they cut anything I'd ever need to(steel, brass, copper, hardwood, micarta, etc) and last a good long time if you run them slow and use light pressure. I believe they are 24TPI.
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Bingo ! Here's an answer I can take something from.....I'll order the Starrets and give it a try :)
 
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