Bandsaw Blades

[TLCObsession]

Since the thread came up Band vs Chop saws, I thought it would be worthwhile to have a quick discussion of blades.

I am using a bi-metal blade I got from Enco with a variable pitch 14 tpi blade -I am happy with it, but need to re-order before an upcoming project.http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=INLMKD&PMPXNO=16308659&PMAKA=MG371-0404

What are others using?

Jim

[Grimjaw]

I just bought two blades for my Jet 5x6. They are 64 1/2", .5 wide, 24 tpi bi-metal blades. They were $13.50 + shipping.

http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPRES.exe?PARTNUM=101-984

[StinkBug]

I've tried 2 blades on my HF saw so far, a morse 14tpi bi metal which worked quite well and a morse 10-14 variable that worked much less well. it keeps snagging on the bigger teeth and jamming up, plus it wont cut straight top to bottom.

Dallas

[frankenfab]

I was running a 14 tooth bi-metal which worked great. When it broke, I bought a 10/14 variable pitch bi-metal blade. I have seen posts around the net where people raved about how great variable pitch blades are. If you look close at a variable pitch, you will notice an inch of blade has 10 teeth, the next inch has 14 teeth, then 10 teeth, and so on. I am not impressed. I think the 14 tooth blade made a better cut. I noticed Home Depot stocks the 24 tooth blades. I did not look to see if they are bi-metal. I haven't tried them either.

[xjmark]

I'm using a 3/4" 10-14 cobalt bimetal blade, .035 thickness.
The same blade has been in there for the past year, and it's still cutting well.
The saw gets used almost every day, so the blade has seen a lot of use.

The first week I got the saw, a 20' piece of 2x6x1/4 slipped off of the support and put a tweek in the blade. The slight kink is still there, but it's been cutting true from day one up until now.

The place I get them from is an old-school fella that does nothing but make custom saw blades, and he knows his business. No website, but here's the address if you're looking for a source.

Constitution Saw Company
310 Nutmeg Road South
South Windsor, CT 06074
Local: 860-289-7696
1-800-444-8041

[Gummi Bear]

The Ridgid blades from Home Depot don't suck. My buddy uses them all the time on his saw at home, and we use them here at work too.

[CCF]

I second the good words on the Ridgid blades from Home Depot. They are all I ever use. Last a long time, make super clean cuts, and for $9, you cant beat them.
Kyle

[DpSyChO]

I'll have to try the Rigid blades for that price. I run Starrett Powerband Matrix II, only problem with them is the price, there high ($) but worth it after running some cheap blades. I have had awsome results with them.

[TLCObsession]

I assume the Ridgid blades from HD are carbon steel not Bi-Metal? If you use bi-metal in your sawzall and holesaws, why not the badsaw blades too?