AWGB Woodturning Forum
General Category => Tool tips & reviews => Topic started by: vyvsdad on October 22, 2012, 09:30:44 AM
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I'm about to order some new bandsaw blades, and my question is a simple one:
Are bi-metal blades really worth the extra outlay?
I will be odering 3 TPI, and using them to process green timber, if that makes a difference.
Dan
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I have been using them for about a year now for cutting up logs up to 12" thick and yes they are most definitely well worth the extra they do last a lot longer than the ordinary blades I also use mine to cut sheet metal
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That's great, thanks.
But about cutting metal, I've been idly thinking about that recently. I've always wanted to try but have never had the nerve. What metal can you cut, and how thick? And I assume you use a cutting lubricant of some sort?
Dan.
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They will cut any soft metal I have cut brass plate up to 3mm thick without any lubricant but Ideally you should use it but bare in mind it will shorten the life of the blade compared to just cutting wood ordinary blades will cut soft metel but thay wont last very long and you should always run the blade on a slower speed
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Ah, I was thinking more of cutting quite thick tool steel, and seeing as my band saw is old and only has one speed, I think I'll stick to the angle grinder.
Thanks for the help.
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Are bi-metal blades really worth the extra outlay?
Definitely, as your getting a soft back and hard teeth is HSS teeth. The soft back allows some degree of flex and so gives your blade longer life
I will be ordering 3 TPI, and using them to process green timber, if that makes a difference.
Fine for ripping green timber. But not so good one tool steel, you might want to look at higher TPI plus you will need a slow speed to cut steel especially tool steel.
Dan
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Give Ian at www.tuffsaws.co.uk a call. He is a mine of information and
excellent service and prices.
Fred
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+1 for Tuff saws
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+2 for Tuffsaw's