Band Saw Blade Speed

[Dave Beran]

Hello everyone. Before I ask my question I would like to thank everyone for the knowledge I have gained from reading your posts and responses.

My question is this. I am shopping for a larger band saw and noticed blade speed in the specs. Most 14 and 17 inch saws list a blade speed of 3500 or so feet per minute. Some list a speed around 4600 fpm. My uses will be to re-saw and rough out wet wood bowl blanks as well as flat work curves. Does it matter and do I care I am current torn between the Grizzly G0514X2B and G0566B.

Thanks.

[Andrew Hughes]

Yes it does so get the saw with a the most Fpm and the bigger table.

Aj

[Van Huskey]

IN all honestly if you are hand feeding, with proper blade selection, you will likely not notice a difference between 3500 and 4600 fpm. That said the larger table and more horsepower will likely be noticed. The only thing I don't like about those saws is the motor brake, a good foot brake is a much better option, Grizzly offers them on the 514 and on their 24" saw but not their 21" saw.

[David Kumm]

The faster the speed, the better the saw needs to be. All saws will vibrate at some speeds. The best can handle 7-9,000 fpm but 4000 on up is a good resaw speed. I've got saws that run 4000 to 6750 and you get used to whatever you have. I like a little more speed into the cut but it is more about the saw and the tension than the speed. Dave