Choosing the Right Blade for the Job

[Fred Wilson]

I think your choice of blade for a particular job really is a personal choice with prior knowledge of your cutting habits.

There are times where I will change sizes or type of blade during the cutting of a piece !  ie: long straight or slight curved lines vs tight inside cuts.

Blade choice also depends on the speed of your saw, the thickness of the wood, and the hardness of the wood.

OK - I don't think there is a hard and fast rule.  Your style of cutting will choose your blade size and type.

[John Morris]

The First tip, thanks Fred!!!!

[Al B]

For cutting band saw boxes I use a 3/16"- 10 TPI or 4 TPI for cutting tight curves The 4 TPI does cut faster, but the 10 TPI produces a smoother cut, requiring less sanding. For the straight cuts, a 1/2" 10 TPI works well.

[DuckSoup]

 Before I start cutting on a pattern line I like to make a couple of cuts in a scrap area of the wood. This helps to get a feel of the pressure I'll use & if I've picked the right blade for the finish cut I'm looking for.

[Fred Wilson]

Great replies, guys - thanks

[hawkeye10]

There is no telling how much money I have spent on blades trying to find blades that I like for what I do. I use the Pegas blades and the reason I like them so much is I can feed my work straight into my work.

 

Pegas Modified Geometry (MGT)

 

Don

[Fred Wilson]

Don, know what you mean.

Most "modified Geometry" style blades are machined instead of stamped.  Both sides of the blade are identical meaning they won't pull one direction or the other.  Good choice.