Bandsaw blades

[poolhound]

Had my new BS for a week now and I have done a few test cuts and also resawed a 5" piece of 10/4 maple with ease. this was all with the stock PM 3/8 105 blade that came with it.

I am now looking to get a couple of extra blades. One specifically for resawing the other as a general purpose blade. Timberwolf seems to be the brand of choice but what would you folks reccomend for size & teeth for these 2 blades. while TW always seems to get the thumbs up from most people should I consider other brands or specific blades?

As always I look forward to hearing from your experiences.

[Pappy]

Unless they have changed, if you buy 3 they add a 4th blade free. Give them a call and let the experts advise you on the right blades for what you plan to do.

[final_t]

If you call Timberwolf, they can actually help you out in choosing the right blade, plus if I remember correctly, they either had or still have a deal where you buy like three blades and get the fourth free, or something like that.
On preview
Generally, I get either the TW or Olsen blades at woodcraft when they are on sale.
Otherwise, it's a 1/2", 3 tooth blade for resawing for the unit size you have, but if you've got a bigger than usual motor, you can run 3/4"

[drumpriest]

I don't particularly care for Timberwolf's blades for resawing. They make great blades, don't get me wrong, but specifically for resawing I don't think you can beat the wood slicer from highland hardware. I think there is a knock off of them as well from Iturra... I've had both a 3 tpi 1/2" Timberwolf and the 1/2" 3 tpi wood slicer, and the wood slicer easily outperformed the Timberwolf.

I use Timberwolf blades for all of my other sizes and needs though, great blade at a great price. I have a 1/4" 6tpi that gets a lot of use, and a 3/16" for bandsaw box work.

[DonHo]

"but specifically for resawing I don't think you can beat the wood slicer from highland hardware. I think there is a knock off of them as well from Iturra..."

I have the resaw blade from Iturra and I also have Timberwolf blades, I use Timberwolf blades for everthing else but I use the Iturra blade for resawing. It is a better resaw blade, they claim it's the same blade but they can't use the trade name because they sell it cheaper. Iturra doesn't have a webpage but you can find more information and a phone number in this post

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=29253&highlight=Resaw+blades

DonHo

[LCHIEN]

i have the highland wood slicer in a 1/2" and all i can say is wow, its heads above the Delta blade in 1/2" made for my bandsaw.
I've not used the timberwolf so can't compare it to the WS.

[poolhound]

Otherwise, it's a 1/2", 3 tooth blade for resawing for the unit size you have, but if you've got a bigger than usual motor, you can run 3/4"

I guess it depends on what is "usual." The motor is 1 1/2 HP.

[poolhound]

Hmmm sounds like a call to Ittura may be in order. I wonder if anybody answers the phone on a saturday?

[LCHIEN]

I guess it depends on what is "usual." The motor is 1 1/2 HP.

I think the choice of 3/4" vs 1/2" depends not so much on the motor as the frame?

Bigger-motor helps in handling bigger resaw depth.
Bigger/stronger frame helps in tensioning 3/4" vs. tensioning 1/2"
The "C" of the frame must be strong enough to tension the blade. The tension is measured in pounds but the objective is to attain a certain tensile load in the blade measured in # pounds per square inch (based on the cross section of the blade). A 3/4" blade requires 50% more pounds of tension to achieve the same tensile loading.

A thicker blade e.g. 3/4" vs. 1/2" will cut a cleaner, straighter hence smoother cut.

[jackellis]

There's also BC Saw and Tool. Highly recommended in a FWW article. I've tried the Iturra and the BC Saw blades and both seem to be pretty good.

[Pappy]

I couldn't remember the name of the WoodSlicer when I posted, or I would have mentioned it. I missed the thread on Ittura.

[poolhound]

"but specifically for resawing I don't think you can beat the wood slicer from highland hardware. I think there is a knock off of them as well from Iturra..."

I have the resaw blade from Iturra and I also have Timberwolf blades, I use Timberwolf blades for everthing else but I use the Iturra blade for resawing. It is a better resaw blade, they claim it's the same blade but they can't use the trade name because they sell it cheaper. Iturra doesn't have a webpage but you can find more information and a phone number in this post

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=29253&highlight=Resaw+blades

DonHo

I called Iturra and spoke with Lou (very informative) and I have his version of the "woodslicer" and a GP 1/4 6tpi blade on the way. Will let you know about my resaw results when I get the blade and have had a chance to play.

[drumpriest]

The 1/2" vs 3/4" is about wheel size and spring strength mostly, I think. I've read and heard a lot of conflicting info when it comes to this topic. Some say that 1/2" is the perfect size for resaw, regardless of the bandsaw. Some say that a 14" wheel is just too small to properly tension a 3/4" blade....

I've had good luck with 1/2" on my old bandsaw, but have yet to try resaw on my new one until I get around to rewiring it for 220v. It'll just blow the breaker if I try it the way it is now.

I like timberwolf, but when I compared their 1/2" 3 tpi to the woodslicer, well, no comparison.

Good luck with your new blades, and post your thoughts on them!

[poolhound]

After a fairly lengthy discussion with Lou Iturra he explained that while you are correct about the 1/2 vs. 3/4 debate the issue is more to do with the thickness of the blade not the size. A conventional 3/4 blade is .032-.035" thick and generally you need a big band say 17" or greater to be able to tension this properly.

A regular 1/2" blade is only .025" thick hence the ablity to tension more easily. His blade (and the Woodslicer) is only .022" thick in both 1/2 and 3/4" versions. In general the larger the blade the straighter and smoother the cut so he said my 14" powermatic would be just fine with his 3/4" blade and the only downside is the fact that I would not be able to cut much of a curve with it. I was fine with that as I wanted to get one really good resaw blade anyway. With the 3/8 blade I already have and the 1/4" thats on its way I should be good for most things I want to do.

[poolhound]

Blades arrived today, only ordered on Friday so thats a great turnaround. The catalogue has a real "thud" factor and its a real mine of bandsaw information.

Not sure if I will have time to fit and use the new blades till the weekend but will keep you posted.