Small bandsaw blade advice sought

[scsmith42]

I snapped the band on my 17" Grizzly bandsaw recently and need to replace it. I use this saw for everything but resawing, and the band that I snapped was 1/4" deep, around .028 thick, and 10 tpi. I really like the general purpose nature of this band.

The Grizzly band worked well, but before ordering a replacement I thought that I would query the NCWW "Brain Trust" to see if anybody had any advice concerning high quality narrow bands.

I don't need any type of carbide tipped resaw bands - I'm well covered there with my horizontal resaw. In this instance, I just need a great band for general purpose work that will let me make tight cuts.

Suggestions?

Thx.

Scott

 

[Bigdog72]

I am no where near an expert but I have had good success with the blades from Highland Hardware.

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/146tpibandsawblades.aspx

 

[EricS]

Scott I get my blades from Suffolk Machinery great prices and will weld up any length band you need. heres the link www.[B]suffolkmachinery[/B].com
eric

 

[bobby g]

Scott,

Several people on this site have had good things to say about Woodcraft Bands. http://www.woodcraftbands.com/

bobby g

 

[MarkE]

I have been using SuperCut carbide impregnated blades on my 14" band saw. They last a long time and don't cost an arm and a leg.

http://www.amazon.com/SuperCut-B131...UE/ref=sr_1_96?ie=UTF8&qid=1318718792&sr=8-96

 

[Sanders Fine Woodworking]

Scott,
I too use Wodcraft Bands. I usually buy 3-5 blades of each size for my Rikon 18". Seems like the 1/4" and 3/8" are around $15 each in those qtys.

 

[JackLeg]

I've found that at 3/8" 10 TPI blade does well for about everything I do. I'm buying Lennox blades made to order from Precision Saw Works in Polkton, NC. Good prices and great service. They also do planer blades, new and reground. Nice folks. :wsmile:

 

[MarkE]

FYI. I just got the Woodmaster CT carbide tipped resaw blade for my Grizzly 19" from Spectrum Supply. They have a very large selection of all kinds of bandsaw blades. Worth a look.

http://www.spectrumsupply.com/

 

[Truefire]

Scott i have also picked up some decent blades in this sizing from Home Depot in the past, which i am certain you thought of that being the big box store that it is. But heck, just my two cents worth.

Chris

 

[Ben325e]

It cracks me up that you ask this, Scott

If we have questions about needing a 30" planer or a bandsaw capable of 40" resaws or a shop drill press that could easily substitute as an oil drilling rig, you would probably post pictures of your own equipment to match, but when it comes to something small, you have to ask around!

It just further cements your reputation as a guy who believes in the phrase "Go big, or go home!"

:gar-La;

 

[scsmith42]

Thanks all for the feedback. I'm leaning towards the Timber Wolf bands from Suffolk Machinery, but I may get some bands from other suppliers (such as Woodcraft) and compare them.

Ben - you crack me up!

Mark, it appears that Spectrum sells Lennox bands. I use their carbide tipped Tri-master's on my resaw, and they truly do an excellent job! I just wish that I could find someone that could sharpen carbide tipped bandsaw bands (Laguna won't touch other bands), as they are quite expensive to replace ($200.00 each - ouch!).

 

[MarkE]

Thanks all for the feedback. I'm leaning towards the Timber Wolf bands from Suffolk Machinery, but I may get some bands from other suppliers (such as Woodcraft) and compare them.

Ben - you crack me up!

Mark, it appears that Spectrum sells Lennox bands. I use their carbide tipped Tri-master's on my resaw, and they truly do an excellent job! I just wish that I could find someone that could sharpen carbide tipped bandsaw bands (Laguna won't touch other bands), as they are quite expensive to replace ($200.00 each - ouch!).

I looked at the Tri-Masters. Big bucks. For your smaller saw you could try the Woodmaster CT. The 143" blade for my 19" saw was ~$110. But, they only sell them in 1" and 2" widths.

 

[JackLeg]

Thanks all for the feedback. I'm leaning towards the Timber Wolf bands from Suffolk Machinery, but I may get some bands from other suppliers (such as Woodcraft) and compare them.

Ben - you crack me up!

Mark, it appears that Spectrum sells Lennox bands. I use their carbide tipped Tri-master's on my resaw, and they truly do an excellent job! I just wish that I could find someone that could sharpen carbide tipped bandsaw bands (Laguna won't touch other bands), as they are quite expensive to replace ($200.00 each - ouch!).

I think Precision can sharpen those carbide blades. Look here:
http://www.csaw.com/csawenews/Precision_Saw_Spotlight_web.pdf

 

[scsmith42]

I think Precision can sharpen those carbide blades. Look here:
http://www.csaw.com/csawenews/Precision_Saw_Spotlight_web.pdf

Reggie, thanks for the info - I just sent them an enquiry. It would be great if they could resharpen them!

 

[Pop Golden]

I have had very good luck with Farris Belt & Saw here in Charlotte. They custom weld any size from stock blade. They can most likely sharpen your carbide blades.

Bill "Pop" Golden

 

[eyekode]

I like woodcraft bands a lot too. That guy knows his stuff. And his welds are impeccable. I am about to order some more bands for my 18" as well and he will get my money. He is about 1/2 the price of timberwolf bands and they do not seem inferior to me. In fact the resaw blade I bought from him was < 1/2 the price and is really a stand out.
Salem