It’s no surprise that woodworking tradespeople and hobbyists are often confused: “Which band saw blades should I use for what job? How do I make the right choice?”
By understanding what factors we can pick a saw blade that is suitable for our purposes. Both carpentry businessmen and woodworking amateurs need to understand. Below we will introduce one by one the factors we need to consider when choosing the band saw blades.
When deciding whether to purchase a carbide blade, there are two main factors to consider: cutting material and durability.
Carbide band saw blades can cut virtually any material from asbestos to zirconium, including paper, plastic, rubber, steel, insulation, aluminum and even food, as well as every type of wood and all wood composites in the world. Of course, virtually any one of dozens of blade styles can cut virtually all of these materials, but when you consider accuracy, finish, tool life, and safety, no one blade can do it all.
If you are cutting very hard or abrasive materials, or if high surface finish quality is critical, a carbide saw blade will do the job.
For durability, it’s well known that carbide band saw blades get their durability from tungsten carbide, which is a powder that’s electronically extracted from steel, mixed with a binder material, and exposed to extremely high pressure and extremely high temperatures Melt down. The resulting extremely hard material – carbide – is then brazed to the steel blade.
Carbide band saw blades last up to 10 times longer than regular saw blades before needing to be resharpened. If you are cutting hard hardwood or man-made materials such as particleboard, melamine, MDF (medium density fiberboard) or laminate, then using a carbide blade will be better in the long run.
If you decide you need to purchase carbide band saw blades, choosing the correct blade size for your band saw is critical to ensuring proper tension and tracking. Bandsaw blade dimensions involve the length, width, and thickness of the blade.
Band Saw Blades Length
Determining the correct blade length for your band saw is critical to ensuring proper fit, tension, and optimal cutting performance. The length of a band saw blade is the total measurement of the blade’s circumference.
To determine the appropriate blade length for your band saw, follow these steps:
1- Consult the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s specifications: The easiest way to find the correct blade length for your band saw is to consult the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s specifications. Most band saws have a recommended blade length range specified by the manufacturer. Using blades from this range will ensure compatibility with your machine.
2-Measure your bandsaw: If the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s specifications are not available, you can measure your bandsaw to determine the appropriate blade length. To do this:
Release the tension on the bandsaw blade and remove it from the machine.
Measure the distance from the center of the upper wheel to the center of the lower wheel (also called wheel center distance). Pay attention to this measurement.
3-Measure the diameter of the top and bottom wheels. They should be the same size. Pay attention to this measurement.
Calculate blade length using the following formula:
Blade length = (wheel center distance x 2) + (3.14 x wheel diameter)
This calculation will give you the approximate blade length of your band saw.
Band Saw Blades Width
Blade width determines the minimum radius of the cut that can be made.
Determining the right blade width for your band saw is critical to achieving optimal cutting performance, accuracy, and machine stability. The width of the band saw blades is the distance from the front cutting edge to the rear of the blade.
Wider blades are better for straight cuts, while narrower blades are better for complex cuts and curves. To determine the correct blade width for your specific cutting task and band saw machine, consider the following factors:
1-Bandsaw Machine Specifications: Consult your band saw machine’s user manual or manufacturer’s specifications to determine the minimum and maximum blade width your machine can accommodate. This range will give you a starting point for choosing the right blade width for your needs.
2- Cutting Application: The type of cutting task you plan to perform plays an important role in determining the width of the blade. For general purpose cuts and straight cuts, a wider blade is generally more suitable as it provides greater beam strength and stability, resulting in straighter and more accurate cuts. On the other hand, if you need to perform complex or curved cuts, you will need a narrower blade width as it allows for a smaller cutting radius and increases maneuverability.
3-Blade stability and deflection: Wider blades are less prone to deflection and twisting during cutting operations, resulting in more accurate, consistent cuts. If your cutting tasks require high precision and stability, choose a wider blade within the band saw’s capabilities.
1 1/4″ X 1″ Pitch Wood 1075 High Carbon Steel Blade 10in Saw 13 Inch Tct Bandsaw Blades