Originally Posted by
Bruce Darrow
Lots of recommendations leading to lots of searching. My head is starting to spin. If I stay hung up on 1/2" 3 TPI skip carbon, which I find myself doing (for whatever reason - mostly Fortune's K-I-S-S principle, I guess, that configuration being general purpose and inexpensive) it eliminates a lot of recommendations........should I remain so? My brain wants to tell me an extra TPI or two or a hook configuration can't make THAT big a difference, can it? I just dunno. I think it's time to stop overthinking this and just make a purchase. I'm intrigued by supercut (thanks Curt) and reviews seem mostly positive - anyone here have negative experience with them? I do wish I could order online, though - don't really want to do this via phone on a 10 min. break......BUT - all this will change at the end of this year when I will start collecting MY money from the gummint.........can't wait.
First, I would never consider a single bandsaw blade, but then I would never consider a single bandsaw or even just 3. If I was forced to choose one blade it would not be a 1/2" blade, it is too limiting in cutting diameter. I would always choose a 1/4" blade if I was locked into one, a 1/2" is too limiting. If I used one blade it would never be a carbon blade, they dull too quickly and are not cost effective long-term especially if just using one blade. Get a bi-metal blade and you won't regret it, the one caveat is if you trash blades consistently. I probably have a dozen different blades I use regularly and another 5-6 that I use for certain cuts.
I have used just about ever companies blades I am aware of, I always come back to Lenox except for 3 specific blades that Lenox doesn't produce. They have a large catalog and are simply the best IMO. If I was stuck with one manufacturer it would be Lenox, if I was stuck with one blade it would be a 1/4" x 6tpi Hook in the Lenox Diemaster 2. It is not ideal for a lot of cuts but there aren't many it won't accomplish. Personally, I think 3 blades is a minimum to get wide use out of a bandsaw.
Some info on bandsaw blades: https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread....andsaw-blades!
If you buy from a supplier long enough you will get a bad weld, some places are more notorious than others. CT saw in Connecticut is the one I mentioned because they have very consistent welds over the years and they are close to you. Spectrum Supply is my goto source for Lenox and the Atalanta Sharptech stock they sell as the Kerfmaster, but they are better for larger orders. There are plenty of good blades out there, my recommendation is based on long-term consistency, availability and a large catalog of various configurations.
Of all the laws Brandolini's may be the most universally true.
Deep thought for the day:
Your bandsaw weighs more when you leave the spring compressed instead of relieving the tension.