PDA

View Full Version : bandsaw blades


alan kopan
02-27-2021, 11:48 PM
I am new to using a bandsaw. I recently purchased a Rikon 10-324tg. I have been purchasing Olson All Pro from Rockler, but am looking at Starrett or Timber Wolf. Would either be a good choice? Looking for advice. Cost is an issue.

I also have purchased a 1/4 flex back from Olson that broke. Is buying the cheaper Olson blades a waste of money?

Thanks for any help you could give me.
Brian Deakin
02-28-2021, 4:53 AM
Alan a good start point would be to read this post provided almost a decade ago by Van Huskey

https://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?149862-Lets-talk-bandsaw-blades!&styleid=4
Jim Matthews
02-28-2021, 10:13 AM
I wouldn't use less than 1/2" on a larger saw.
I have a 3/4" 3 tpi mounted that came with my Big Jet.

It came out if a working shop - probably original with the saw - still good.

I have a 1/4" Starret on my smaller saw for detail work.
(I cut curves on an ancient 10" Craftsman.)

It's three years old.

Thinner blades (like the 1/4") must endure stresses (twisting, deflection, high local temps) that larger blades just shrug off.

Unless you're going through lotsa blades every year, it's the expense in time I can scarcely afford from breakage. Changing out a blade and getting it to run straight is fiddly.
Erik Loza
02-28-2021, 12:05 PM
They seem to get mixed reviews but I always had excellent luck with Timberwolf blades. To the OP, I probably wouldn’t go greater than 1/2” on that machine. Hope this helps,

Erik
Mike O'Keefe
02-28-2021, 1:03 PM
I use Lennox blades. Mike O'Keefe
John TenEyck
02-28-2021, 8:12 PM
Starrett Woodpecker Pro bimetal blades are great.

John
Stephen Bandirola
03-01-2021, 10:26 AM
Second the Starrett Woodpecker Pro bimetal blades and Lennox bimetal.

Steve
Osvaldo Cristo
03-01-2021, 4:06 PM
I am not a bans saw heavy user but for me Starrett and Lennox are the best performers for the price as per my own research as well experience.

I use them with no complaints.
Donald G. Burns
03-02-2021, 7:34 AM
They seem to get mixed reviews but I always had excellent luck with Timberwolf blades. To the OP, I probably wouldn’t go greater than 1/2” on that machine. Hope this helps,

Erik

Yes, I believe 1/2" is still the largest suggested for that saw. I have the older 10-305 and that's the max.