After 5 years of research and tire kicking, I finally made my first "big" tool purchase and picked up a Laguna 14BX (110v) during the 10% off sale. Of course I spent way more than originally budgeted. (Who really needs food and heat anyway?).
This is my first (and last?) band saw and there are a lot of things I'm anxious to try, but I'll likely start with some jigs (which really excite the nerd in me) and eventually move up to laminated curve cutting boards in the near term.
I've read lots of great threads about bandsaw blades here - including Van's excellent 101 back in 2010 and another good discussion in 2017 on recommendations for the the Rikon 10-326. I based my first two blade purchases on that thread since the 10-326 carries similar specs to the 14BX and ordered two proper length Lenox blades from BandSawBladesDirect last night:
- Diemaster 2 Bi-Metal 1/2" x .025" 4TPI
- Lenox Flex Back Carbon 1/4" x .025" 6TPI
I was tempted by the Laguna Resaw King - but thought it best to learn the ropes on a more economical bi-metal and see if my level of use warrants moving up to the 3/4" carbide RK one day.
I've seen people caution that some saws can struggle to tension the maximum width blade claimed by the manufacturer's specs, and I was curious if there are any 3/4" blades that I should be wary of for the 14BX?
I'm also interested to hear any blade recommendations specific to this saw vs. those discussed for the Rikon 10-326.
Any other blades I may want to consider?
Very appreciative of all of your input!