EthAnswers What Size Bandsaw Blade to Use? Does Size Really Matter?

[@eniszulufepustampasic2799]

only a few people all around Internet know what is really important when we are talking about band saws... you are one of them... thanks

[@emseyk]

Just got my first band saw and you gave me good advise. Cheers all the way from Ireland

[@ellieprice3396]

Thanks for your excellent review on wood cutting blades. This may be of interest to some. While working as a tool & die maker, cutting many grades of tool steels with tight radii, we standardized on .035 x 1/4 10T Bi-Metal blades on a DOALL 20 inch variable speed band-saw. Materials were A2, D2, CRS, and Aluminum. Blades were purchased in 100 ft. rolls, cut to length and welded on the induction welder mounted on the machine. Blades were cut as necessary, threaded through openings in die sets and re-welded for sawing slug openings through 2 inch thick cast iron die sets.

[@ronaldlloyd9189]

first and best video ive watched on types of band saw blades thank you! (well second but you provided all the information I needed)

[@randywl8925]

You covered a lot of bases, the important ones. 👍 Blade width versus cutting straight..... that's exactly what I was going to ask. Thank you sir 👍 I'm amazed at how few people are commenting. ........one of those people purchased new, the Rikon I just purchased used. I paid $160 for a brand new looking, 10-305 Rikon. It has a 1/2" blade and I'll assume a 3/8 blade came on it new? The blade isn't very sharp but it cuts "OK". Looks to be 4 tpi. I'm thinking of buying a 3/8 6 tpi for general use. I'd prefer a smooth straight cut when using a fence, not a fast cut, because I don't see making long cuts. ....I'm trying to keep this page alive by commenting. Others should add their two cents too. Thanks, you helped a new to me bandsaw owner out. 👍

[@StockroomSupply]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulnye1899]

Ethan, Thanks a million. A very complete explanation of blades. I ordered the 3/8 inch Timber Wolf blade and can't wait to give it a spin.

[@gillescayouette566]

Thank you so much for your help, you just saved me the cost of many new blades while making sure that the cuts I am making are clean and straight, thank you

[@reubenmalandu7490]

This is superb explanation, you really nailed it my friend thank you so much.

[@ytbillybob]

Gave me all the information I need as a 1st time BSer :-) to select blades for the used machine I recently purchased.

[@randywl8925]

Same here.

[@medomfire6506]

Thank you I just bought a band saw and you did a great job explaining the blade

[@ibidesign]

Always good info. Was wondering if you could also cover which blades (sizes and types) correspond with different materials being cut: from soft woods, to hard woods, to aluminum/brass and on to milled steel bar, etc.

[@phillieb30]

I'm researching to purchase my first bandsaw and your content is very helpful to consider multiple aspects of the machine, thank you sir! I enjoy watching your uploads as there is much knowledge to be absorbed before understanding a bandsaws limitations and expectations.

[@phillieb30]

For re-sawing, what are the most important aspects to consider in a vertical bandsaw?

[@StockroomSupply]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video Phillie! There will be more bandsaw videos to come in the future...my personal favorite tool.

[@lindachandler5980]

I'm glad I found your video. It was extremely helpful for a beginner like me. I just purchased a band saw and was thinking that my blade was too narrow (1/4") to cut a piece of rough pine pallet board. I may have been trying to go too fast. The blade seemed to bend too much. I need some instruction on how to tension the blade.

[@jimmiller8389]

You heard the saying: "speed kills". Well it will destroy your cut as well.

[@ellieprice3396]

Linda, if your guides and tension are set correctly 1/4 blades are strong enough for any type of cutting plus the advantage of cutting very tight radii. Slow up a little and let the blade do the work.

[@mikedisimile2478]

Great job explaining everything thank you

[@mikewaugh3932]

What would you use on dried pinewood less than 2” thick, like building pinewood derby cars? Using a Rikon 10-3061.

[@ArkRed1]

Just for general cutting from 1/4" to 3" maximum thickness would you recommend the 3/8" blade? I really don't need to cut anything thicker than that. How many TPI would you advise? I make pretty much straight cuts and not fancy curve cuts.

[@Sulkanator]

Well done, Ethan.

[@gailpengelly8581]

Superb info dude, clear and concise... THANK YOU. X

[@gfotinakes316]

Hello, I have a Rikon 14-324. In 6 years I have had to change my bearings once and now after about 18 months, they are stiff and not spinning easily again. Any suggestions for me?

[@jolox.]

Thanks for the great info! I have a Wen bandsaw and am trying to learn how to use it, so this is very helpful! I'm going to thumbs up and subscribe to help your excellent channel!

[@davidosullivan3432]

You give out great info .fair play man

[@StockroomSupply]

Thanks David!

[@dk-bw4gk]

Swedish silicone... I used to have some playing cars that showed some of that. Good info on the Swedish silicon steel though.

[@thedjkay]

What about spring steel? Is it the same as Swedish silicon?

[@prastiihandmademilu38]

Dear, many thanjs for video, nred your help. i need to cut tight curves in 18mm birch multiplex, am looking for entry level bandsaws, most can fit 3-9mm wide blades wich are ok for tight curves, but then i fond metabo bas 261 wich as far as i can tell is far better quality but smaller with of band is 6mm, can i fit smaller width by changing guides in order to do tighter curves? Or could you recomand a compact bandsaw wich is a bit over entry level max 300 usd that can fit 3mm bands?

[@snowdogarcticadventureco.9246]

That was totally useful, thanks for making the effort.

[@CB71SS]

Have a Rikon and it vibrates. The blade looks to running straight, is it too tight or is there something I'm missing. It has the blade that came with it. It's a 10-305 model.

[@marcusmaddox7809]

Any thoughts on why all my blades work great EXCEPT FOR the 1/8"? Will not stay on past two or three revolutions.

[@michaelreed8206]

Hi Ethan I am looking to cut some 1”1/2” x 1”1/2” x 18” long ebony for snooker cue butt,I purchased a small bandsaw which came with a 1/4 6 tip blade, which I think would be to thin, the max blade machine will take is 3/8 I was going to by a 3/8 4tpi blade for re sawing ebony do you think this is an option that will work thanks mike

[@danbarrett6113]

Thank you for your help

[@JoaoRodrigues-di6kh]

Thanks. Very nice. There's also the question of the saw life expectancy, would you like to make a video on that?

[@LuckyEleven1177]

Great information here!

[@StockroomSupply]

Thankyou!

[@johnw3794]

I have a king Canada band saw. With a 14" clearance opening. I guess it's a 105" saw blade? And it has a 7.5 amp motor.. but I can't cut thicker wood it just slows to a crawl or stops. I mostly need to cut red ceder and yellow ceder for the harder wood. I was wondering if I get the 3tpi if that will cut thicker wood without my bandsaw slowing down? With that 7.5amp motor

[@StockroomSupply]

Hey Arian, A more aggressive blade with a heavier set may help! The larger teeth and wider set with help clear the sawdust away from the cut...therefor taking less power away from your saw. Here's the blade I recommend; stockroomsupply.ca/shop/bandsawblades/clearance-bandsaw-blades-misc-sizes-styles.html

[@jaqledesma]

hi ethan I am a beginner and thanks for the information appreciate it. recently ive purchased a bs250 bandsaw. i was thinking if you can fit it with a 4 tpi blade? thanks

[@StockroomSupply]

You definitely could! 4tpi is a good option...still cuts quickly but relatively smooth.

[@gomezadams9900]

My brother had purchased a craftsman bandsaw from Sears and he seemed to be always breaking blades on it. That could have been just the way he was using it. Is there a band saw you would recommend for the hobbyist wood worker, and are the blades you talked about available on all band saw brands?

[@speake7777777]

I was looking at making a band saw since I had a extra 3 speed motor, and thought it'd be better(cleaner cuts, quieter, easier strait lines, etc.) for sheet metals, thin plate metal(less than 1/2in) and bar stock, as apposed to cutting everything with a angle grinder. The internet seems to suggest that some band saws can use blades of multiple lengths, which seems odd. I was hoping you were going to discuss the choice of band saw blade length in regards to versatility and purpose, and types of blades for different purposes or materials. I cut much more metal and plastics than wood.

[@hankvana2149]

Hi Ethan, I recently purchased a 10-326 as an upgrade (more power and vertical capacity) to my Rigid 14". I do a lot of re-sawing and ripping of hardwood logs into lumber - been using a 1/2" 3 or 4 tpi .025 hook tooth blade. Was thinking about a wider blade but shied away because they are .032 thick. The manual specs a maximum width of 3/4"... what is your experience? What would blade would you recommend? Thanks, Hank - Perth, Ontario

[@jamesgallagher3317]

Hank Vana2 you seem to know what your on about so I need to ask you a question if that’s ok. So recently me and my wife had troubles with our marriage and we decided to hire a divorce attorney so she got hers I I got mine out of the garden shed ( if you know what I mean ) so my attorney went to town on that bitch now I need to ask which is the best bandsaw blade to cut through bone. The divorce isn’t related to the question wink wink

[@davidosullivan3432]

What about the length if my bandsaw for example says a 60”blade can I put say a 58” on or a 62 “ on because the top wheel moves up and down if you get me ? Or do you have to stick to manufacture spec

[@Wiggysmooth23]

This is what I came for. Did you ever find that answer?

[@davidosullivan3432]

Kelli'Anne Larrieu hi yeah you can get a blade a inch or two shorter or longer but the shorter one could snap while tensions and if your bandsaw hasn’t enough tension you will get a bad cut if you can at all possible get a blade as close as possible 😐

[@Wiggysmooth23]

Thank you so much.

[@Wiggysmooth23]

Ok. So let me make sure I’m getting this after running to menards Home Depot and around the world for this answer. My band saw a ryobi bs1001sv says 67 1/4 67 3/8 etc according to the cut desired. Now if my menards has a 70’ or 62’ band saw blade, I can use one of those just making sure my tension lever is right? The adjust that can lengthen or shorten the blade choice, it’s ok to use a smaller band like 59.5 .25 blade? If it fits and secure ? I hope I didn’t confuse you

[@tomjoseph1444]

Tried to use the link you have. It is telling me that a 116" 3/4 Swedish blade is 23 cents. It will not come up with a price.

[@vickychard8649]

My Laguna band saw is leaving a rough finish on the wood I am cutting even with a new blade? not one video speaks of this.

[@kirriekiwi]

Can you use meat cutting blades for wood

[@Hawk95969]

Why are blades made with the teeth off-center and what is raking?

[@davidfriedman3962]

I am looking to purchase a new band saw, reading about 14” Rikon. I have a 10” Rikon but want to resaw some wood and make my first bandsaw box. Can you recommend a bandsaw? Thank you.

[@StockroomSupply]

Hey David, Try watching this video as it may help you in making a decision: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqu1dHWCi9qohJo Thanks!!

[@lamperist]

Yeah I want a blade for cutting steel

[@robertspina4503]

What blade do you recommend for bandsaw boxes

[@andyboybennett]

Silicone? The rubbery stuff? Is there a special form from Sweden that is hard enough to be used to make saw blades? I'm wondering if you meant to say "silicon".

[@thatguythatdoesstuff7448]

As soon as I heard him, I knew for sure the comments section would be full of pedants.

[@robertspina4503]

Good information

[@vickychard8649]

MY BANDSAW LEAVES A ROUGH FINISH ON THE WOOD AND THAT IS WITH A BRAND NEW BLADE ANY IDEAS AS TO WHAT WOULD CAUSE THIS.

[@stevenvachon9745]

No need to yell.... Lol It is all in the blade design and how many tpi it has. Sometimes a tooth can get bent however.

[@ecowomble1781]

Hi. A quick question if I may. I’m new to band saws only had mine a month. I’m having trouble with what I think is called blade wobble. The final cut is sort of ridged, a bit like Corduroy fabric. I have tried changing blade tension, tracking and bearing position but nothing had changed much. I notice that when turning the wheel by hand slowly and looking at how the blade moves it does have this slight wandering. No idea how to correct it. I have a record power bs 250. Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

[@StockroomSupply]

My best guess is the blade you are using has been improperly welded. If it has a visible wobble two different things may be happening. Either it was welding at a slight angle cause the blade to wobble at the weld and cut deep ridges(most likely) or there is a burr on the back of the blade that is hitting the thrust bearing and making the blade "bounce". A simple solution may be to source a new blade. Hope that helps! Ethan

[@Benevolentbasses]

thank you!

[@nicstr28]

I have a 9" band saw that calls for a 59 1/4" blade. When trying to install it it's so short that the bottom of the top wheel has to be lower than the housing or case? (whatever it's called). When I try to tighten it I have to adjust it up as far as it possibly can go just to clear the top wheel from rubbing on the case/housing. Then when the wheel clears the housing it's so tight the wheels won't turn. I watch videos and ever see anyone struggling to install the blade. Should I disregard the manufacturer that calls for a 59 1/4" blade and just get a 59 1/2" blade. I can't imagine it should be like this just to install the darn thing. I'm about to trash the bandsaw instead of wasting more money on a saw I haven't even been able to use.

[@Frankowillo]

Yes, go with the 59 1/2" blade. You probably have quite a fair bit of adjustment from minimum to maximum (no blade on the bandsaw), so an extra 1/4" length is fine.

[@claytonlemieux4090]

Where is your store located I would like to visit if close by

[@StockroomSupply]

Hey Clayton, We are located in Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada which is about 45mins out of Niagara Falls. We are open form 9am-4pm Mon-Fri. Feel free to stop by if you are in the area!

[@brucetraudt1571]

i wish the volume was turned up more my computer stinks........

[@williamfalberg8702]

How can you talk about bandsaw blades without even mentioning "set angle? Can you explain how I cut a 1" diameter hole in 18" of Doug Fir with a 3/8" blade or 1-1/2" with a 1/2" through the same timber? Can you explain why blade manufacturers don't state their blades' set angle along with the other stats? Set angle determines how tight a blade will turn or follow a misaligned fence, yet no one will even talk about it. I don't understand how people can talk about bandsaws at all without describing the blade it's meant to run first.

[@StockroomSupply]

William, Honestly I am a bit puzzled how you cut a 1" hole through a 18" piece of Fir. Did you predill a smaller hole, cut a bandsaw blade, reweld it inside the hole, make your cut and then cut the bandsaw blade off? This video did not get into the depths of bandsaw blade info. It was just meant to talk about the main points like width, TPI, kerf and material. In the future I may make another video that delves into different tooth geometry and some of less used blade materials. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@williamfalberg8702]

See my Radius Plug video from either my William Falberg KZbin channel or the Titan videos on my website www.falbergsaws.com My latest video is taken from my book and teaches what set angle is, and how to calculate it. Google "calculate bandsaw blade set angle" you'll find it . It's really ALL about set angles.

[@juanparragaleal7419]

No vemos que esta máquina corte nada de nada.

[@rendel5024]

You've said the thinner the blade the smoother the result, and the wider the blade the rougher the cut. Pal, that is crap, give me Alex Snodgrass any day, come back when you get your facts straight.

[@StockroomSupply]

I think you may have mixed up what I was saying...A thinner kerf(not width) will always cut smoother than a wider kerf blade. If you compared a bandsaw sawmill(generally uses a 0.037" kerf blade) it will cut much rougher than the 0.022" kerf blade we would use for scroll work. I hope that makes sense!