Good morning guys, I need to get some new blades for my band saw. I have been using Olson blades for the past few times and am not disappointed with them, but was wondering if there were any others you might like? 

Most of the time I keep a 1/4" blade installed but I'm starting to lean towards maybe something a little larger as it does a good job cutting curves but not great for straight cuts.

What is your everyday preferred blade size and tooth combo? Thanks Pat

Edited October 12, 20196 yr by Pat Meeuwissen
grammar

I have a lot of Timberwolf blades, from Woodcraft,  and they do what I need. I do have a Woodslicer, from Highland Woodworking, for resawing. I kinda tend towards a 3/8" blade for general work.

Good morning Pat, what are you cutting, or going to cut, what would be the thickest lumber approx and do you cut mainly hardwoods or soft?

I'm curious about this too. All the years of working cabinet shops somebody else usually did the purchasing and we just moved on. The blades i got for my band saw are all still good and came with the band saw at the auction,but I'm concerned if I want to buy new or dedicated blades I'm lost.. Same for buying scroll saw blades..

 

It would be nice to have a listing on the forum for best to worst bandsaw and scroll saw blades. It would same me a headache..

I think it was Matt Seiler that suggested the Lenox Diemaster blades once, I tried a couple and they are very good. Better yet, since they are bi-metal they have a very long life and are rated for non ferrous metals.

Another question, I've discovered that if you're using one of the 3 wheeled bandsaws they require the use of a thinner blade due to the flex issue going across the smaller diameter wheels. Has anyone tried using these blades on a 2 wheeler?

The reason I'm asking is my old 2 wheeler requires a 66 1/2" blade, and the closest I can find in an off the shelf blade is a 67" that is made for the 3 wheelers. 

3 minutes ago, Larry Buskirk said:

Another question, I've discovered that if you're using one of the 3 wheeled bandsaws they require the use of a thinner blade due to the flex issue going across the smaller diameter wheels. Has anyone tried using these blades on a 2 wheeler?

The reason I'm asking is my old 2 wheeler requires a 66 1/2" blade, and the closest I can find in an off the shelf blade is a 67" that is made for the 3 wheelers. 

Larry, all the more reason to acquire more toys, you now need the necessary tools to custom make your own bandsaw lengths, this is right up your alley!

1 minute ago, John Morris said:

Larry, all the more reason to acquire more toys, you now need the necessary tools to custom make your own bandsaw lengths, this is right up your alley!

......

Not so sure that would help, I'm in the process of combining machines on benches to fit 10 lbs. into a 5 lb. bag.

My bandsaw is actually more of a scrolling bandsaw, and was wondering if the thinner blades would be of any benefit for that type of work.

I would bet the 67" blades would work just fine, usually the tensioning adjustment will easily take up the that small amount. If you have a tension scale it would probably be off, but most folks don't seem to trust them anyway.

21 minutes ago, Larry Buskirk said:

Another question, I've discovered that if you're using one of the 3 wheeled bandsaws they require the use of a thinner blade due to the flex issue going across the smaller diameter wheels. Has anyone tried using these blades on a 2 wheeler?

The reason I'm asking is my old 2 wheeler requires a 66 1/2" blade, and the closest I can find in an off the shelf blade is a 67" that is made for the 3 wheelers. 

I don't have that saw but my Taiwanese band saw takes 92.5" blades. I found I can use 93". It does run the adjustments almost to the end but it works. Not too may sources for ready made 92.5" blades any more.

1 minute ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

I would bet the 67" blades would work just fine, usually the tensioning adjustment will easily take up the that small amount. If you have a tension scale it would probably be off, but most folks don't seem to trust them anyway.

That's true, if you think about it, and if my brain is working right today, if it's a half inch long, that's only a quarter inch slack at each wheel, a tensioner should be able to take that up.

That being said, Timber Wolf used to cut lengths custom, and when I ordered mine about 8 years ago, I don't remember there even being an extra charge, or if there was it was negligible.

2 minutes ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

I would bet the 67" blades would work just fine, usually the tensioning adjustment will easily take up the that small amount. If you have a tension scale it would probably be off, but most folks don't seem to trust them anyway.

I'm sure I've got plenty of adjustment to use the 67" blade, with a 66 1/2" blade on it has about 3/4" of adjustment left.

The saw predates having a tension scale.

15 minutes ago, Larry Buskirk said:

The saw predates having a tension scale.

Oh ya, that's right, you're one of those people.

Just now, John Morris said:

Oh ya, that's right, you're one of those people.

It's the saw you packaged and shipped! 

Just now, Larry Buskirk said:

It's the saw you packaged and shipped! 

Oh ya!!!!! Hey, I still got another Delta ready to go for ya Larry. Just say the word.

I think Suffolk Machinery will make up any length you need. They sell Timberwolf blades. Also, these guys will make custom blades. 

1 minute ago, John Morris said:

Oh ya!!!!! Hey, I still got another Delta ready to go for ya Larry. Just say the word.

I'm trying to save up for the shipping John, still getting the wife's hospital bills that insurance didn't cover.

So far about $39K....

OUCH!

1 minute ago, Larry Buskirk said:

I'm trying to save up for the shipping John, still getting the wife's hospital bills that insurance didn't cover.

So far about $39K....

It's the least of your worries, I can hold onto it indefinitely, I like it in my shop, adds class and character!

2 minutes ago, Larry Buskirk said:

I'm trying to save up for the shipping John, still getting the wife's hospital bills that insurance didn't cover.

So far about $39K....

Don't feel bad mine was over 100k and still growing...