Curves on a Band Saw

[Bigdog72]

What is the best choice for a blade (size, tooth count) to cut gentle curves in hardwood (3/4") on a 14" band saw?

 

[Mike Davis]

What material?

What radius curve?

How thick is the material?

 

[Tarhead]

From:
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/upload/contents/290/Band Saw Tool School.pdf

 

[JackLeg]

BD, I find a 3/8" blade serves me well for just about everything I do.:icon_thum I don't do much "tight radius" cutting. :nah: A 1/2" blade can be a bit large for some things, and a 1/4" is too small for me. T&E is the way I've learned.:confused_

 

[ehpoole]

You might also find Rikon's Blade Selection Guide helpful.

I often use either a 1/2" or 1/4" blade on my 18" (really 18-3/4") bandsaw for most curves. I also have the Carter aftermarket 'Stabilizer' which allows even tighter curves with a 1/4" blade. I haven't gotten around to ordering any custom blades smaller than 1/4" (my saw uses 142" blades, which you don't usually find readily available in blades under 1/4").

For extremely tight curves I use an 18" scroll saw.

 

[sushinutnc]

Suffolk Machinery's guide is very useful:
http://suffolkmachinery.com/silicon_steel_selection.asp