bandsaw blades

[Jake Elkins]

The bandsaw is one of my most used tools in this shop. In order of frequency, I use mine (14" Powermatic) to (1) rip; (2) cut to a line for curved pieces and (3) resawing. I usually get my blades from Timberwolf, using a 3/4" blade for both ripping wide lumber and resawing, and a couple smaller blades for curved pieces. After finishing a few major projects, I now need new blades.

While looking one of my favorite tool-porn sites (thebestthings.com), I ran across this commentary [http://thebestthings.com/newtools/bandsaw.htm]:

"There is nothing more frustrating than knowing what band saw blade to use, especially for resawing. Every written source I have seen recommends using as wide a blade as possible for resawing. When I first purchased a band saw, I followed these instructions to a tee and I could not get acceptable results. Finally, I turned to my good friend Bob Baker, the famous restorer. Bob let me in on a secret that has served me well for years and now I am going to tell the world. Bob's advice was simple, use a 1/4" wide skip tooth blade for everything. This did not make sense to me at the time, but it does now. I use a 14" Delta with the riser block and I can accurately resaw 12" wide hardwoods. When I try this with wider blades I get all kinds of barreling effect. The skip tooth blade will not give as smooth a cut as a wider standard tooth blade but the difference is really immaterial as you will plane the work anyway. More importantly is that with a sharp blade and the band saw set properly, you will not get the dreaded barreling. And, you never need to switch between blades. You can use this blade for everything. We offer this blade in just two sizes, for a 14" Delta with and without the riser block, and of course the Asian clones."

My question is: Does this really work? This seems too good to be true, but I have been pleasantly surprised when adopting new WW'ing tricks. It would be really nice to buy a dozen of the same blade, and not have to worry about it for a year or so. Does anyone have any experience with ripping thick lumber and resawing with this blade they would like to share?

Thanks -

[Don Wacker]

I think its pretty sound advice for little bandsaw like the 14". They really don't tension the blade enough nor would you want to on such a small saw. Personally on a 14PM I'd use a Highland woodslicer or any of the other meat blades available. They always seem to cut perfectly. I have a 24" PM and a 1 1/4 Laguna carbide cuts as nice as my tablesaw.

Don

[Bruce Wrenn]

Don't use the skip tooth pattern, but I do use the 1/4", 6 TPI, hook pattern, bii-metal blade on my saw for EVERYTHING. Been doing that for over twelve years now. Main thing with a resaw is the gullet has to have room to store saw dust entire thickness of cut, otherwise it's just saw dust rubbing against unsawn wood.