How to find the right Band Saw Blades AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Band Saw Blades
- Blade length
- Must match the exact length listed in your saw's manual. Band saw tensioning has very little adjustment range.
- Width vs curve radius
- Approximate minimum radius: 1/8 in wide for about 1/8 in, 1/4 in for about 5/8 in, 3/8 in for about 1-1/4 in, 1/2 in for about 2-1/2 in. Never exceed your saw's maximum width. A blade too wide for the curve binds and twists.
- TPI and tooth form
- Resawing: 2-3 TPI hook or variable tooth. General wood: 3-6 TPI skip or hook. Metal: bi-metal with at least 3 teeth in the cut. Too many teeth pack with sawdust and burn in thick stock.
- Blade material
- Carbon steel for general woodworking. Bi-metal for metal and long life. Carbide-tipped for heavy resawing. Material decides what the blade can cut and how long it stays sharp.
Brands that matter
- Timber Wolf: Low-tension silicon steel blades, popular for resawing.
- Olson: Wide range of affordable carbon-steel blades.
- Lenox: Bi-metal blades for metal cutting.
- Starrett: Bi-metal blades for metal cutting.
- Laguna: Carbide resaw blades for heavy use.
What to avoid
- Buying by nominal saw size instead of exact blade length
- Fine-tooth blades for resawing thick hardwood
- Poorly welded blades that thump at the weld
Questions
Why does my resaw cut drift?
It is usually a dull blade, too few teeth set correctly, or too little tension, not the fence.