Shopsmith Forums

What is your opinion on the above question?

Highly personal choice, but just today I stopped by Woodcraft and got a spare, 1/2", 4 tpi, skip tooth Olson, which is what I've been using for a few years. My thought is I want to be able to resaw tall pieces first and foremost. Other tasks it can do OK, as long as I'm prepare for detail curve refinement with subsequent sander tools or rasps, etc.

I did read that James Krenov liked a 3/8" blade all-around. I tried that for one spell but then gravitated back to my usual 1/2".

General work I prefer a 1/4" 6 TPI hook tooth which I think is the standard that Shopsmith ships with new bandsaws.
Bill V

Bandsaw blades are not one type fits all projects. It really depends on what you are wanting to do.

I have what I refer as my junk blade. I use that for cutting just about anything that I don't care that much about. I get a cheaper blade for that and when it is dull I replace it.

I also buy blade with applications in mind. For resawing I like the woodslicer, I been using them for sometime now and am perfectly happy with them for the purpose. I get a blade for cutting green wood, it is a 3/8" with big teeth and big gullets. For my other blades I like timberwolf, either the 1/4x10RK or the 3/8x10RK for more general cutting.'

From there you will need to start looking at things like the minimum radius it will cut, an 1/8" blade will cut like a 3/16" radius but a 5/8" blade needs about 4". Even going to say a 3/8" blade will require about an 1-1/2"

There are various tooth and sets that also come into play, and how many teeth per inch. Blades can have 32 tpi or down to just 3 or 4 tpi. More teeth means slower cutting and nicer cuts but the wood thickness needs to be taken in to consideration.

Decisions decisions. I'd say I would like to have about 6 or 7 blades on hand and then if I can't get the cut I want I start looking at what might work better.

When I plan projects I like to think about which tool I want to use and if I have what it takes to accomplish the task. I'm expecting to cut some wet wood this summer and I want to use the shopsmth bandsaw for the project so I'm already planning to purchase the blade. I already have one for my other bandsaw but that is not much help when I want to use the shopsmith.

Food for thoughts??

Ed

wa2crk wrote:General work I prefer a 1/4" 6 TPI hook tooth which I think is the standard that Shopsmith ships with new bandsaws.
Bill V

+1 Bill. the 1/4" blade is by far the most used blade. I don't do a lot of resawing but have the blades for it if needed.

Jack

Found a local tool shop that makes high quality blades along with sharpening all type of cutters. Bought a couple 1/4 inch, standard grind, alternate set blades for craft projects I'm cutting for my wife. Cuts fast and smooth and cost about $13 each. Also bought a couple other size and styles.