Shopsmith Forums

Due to life getting in the way it’s been quite a while since I’ve been able to get in shop. I need to get some new bandsaw blades what are my best options for general use. I have many resaw blades also what are the length of the blades as I may get them made locally. Thanks, I’m relegated to small projects due to some medical problems and only being able to work in shop for short periods of time.

Bandsaw blades are 72". Slightly shorter or longer blades will work also. For wood I have recently used Olsen, Supercut, and Timber Wolf blades, the last one being recommended here on the forum. Harbor Freight has Supercut blades. Their 1/8" blade has worked well for me but the wider blades were nothing special. For metal I have an aluminum cutting blade from Machinist. In the past I've used blades from Premium and Carbon Steel blades from Shopsmith. Nothing special about them either, and more expensive than other brands.

I use Timberwolf almost exclusively. I have not bought any recently but when I was buying them they were cheaper directly from Timberwolf than resellers. 1/4" should do just fine for most things since you said you had re-saw blades (I assume 1/2 or 5/8 inch). 1/8" blades might work but have seen things that say they are problematic on a band saw. I don't own one so I don't know for sure. Depending on how small your projects are a scroll saw may be a better choice for the really small things.

1/4” is what I think I used mostly, what # teeth you think best and how long is blade in case I decide to get them made locally

Thx Ed for length info my memory was way off for that

jsburger wrote: ↑Mon Jul 29, 2024 8:20 pm I use Timberwolf almost exclusively. I have not bought any recently but when I was buying them they were cheaper directly from Timberwolf than resellers. 1/4" should do just fine for most things since you said you had re-saw blades (I assume 1/2 or 5/8 inch). 1/8" blades might work but have seen things that say they are problematic on a band saw. I don't own one so I don't know for sure. Depending on how small your projects are a scroll saw may be a better choice for the really small things.

Thanks for sharing this about Timberwolf.

Thx gang went to a local co I have dealt with in the past and picked up a couple they made for me. Once again thx.

I completly understand how life can get in the way sometimes. For general use bandsaw blades, I'd recommend going for a 3/8" or 1/2" width with a variable TPI (teeth per inch), arond 4-6 TPI is versatile. The length of the blade depends on your bandsaw model, check your manual or the current blades exact measurements. It’s great that you have resaw blade already those are perfect cutting thicker wood. Wishing you the best with your projects and hope your time in the shop brings you some relief and joy.
Regards Jennifer

"The length of the blade depends on your bandsaw model"

Yep we all assumed he had a SS bandsaw.

Yep have my original bandsaw from my 500 with some upgrades. Bought it back in late 70s or early 80s