Band Saw Blades

[CaroleMeckes]

My favorite band saw blade for cutting bamboo beads is the Vermont American brand (http://www.vermontamerican.com/Products/productdetail.htm?G=190889&GRP=190889&I=70472).
59 1/2" blade 3/8" width and 18 Teeth per Inch

Yesterday, the blade was 'waddling' and I played with the tension... and the blade broke. I knew that sooner or later, I would have to change the blade. (Mark always did that for me).

After studying the manual and an hour and half later, playing with the blade tracking knob and the blade tension, I finally figured it out and got the new blade working.

Problem was - I installed a different brand blade and I had a frustrating time working with it today, as some of the bamboo cut fine but sometimes it would rip and 'shred' the bamboo creating unacceptable results.

So after dark, I took a trip to Lowes and got another Vermont American Blade.

The strange thing is that they no longer have 59 1/2 inch blades but the same stock #31152 is now 59 1/8 inch, so I got that and assume it will work ok.

I will change the blade at my next opportunity....

Carole

[Bamabamboo]

Heck, I need a bandsaw first....:-)

I'm in the market for one as we speak if you have any recomendations....

[CaroleMeckes]

Here is the Delta Bandsaw that I use:
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/510/thumbs/1031214-523F.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=474)
Carole

[CaroleMeckes]

I installed the new Vermont American Blade (http://www.vermontamerican.com/Products/productdetail.htm?G=190889&GRP=190889&I=70472) and it works like a charm...

The different size (59 1/8" as opposed to 59 1/2" did not matter - it still fit fine) and it did not take me nearly as long this time to get it in correctly. :)
Carole

[greg kono]

Hi Carole,
Was the other blade a Delta brand?
I've been having a hard time getting my bandsaw to cut straight. I use it mostly for wood and haven't cut much bamboo with it yet. A friend sent me a review with tips on how to tune the saw properly. One of the tips said to get rid of the factory blade and get a high quality blade (Timberwolf).
http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B00006JZZT/ref=cm_cr_pr_redirect

I replaced the throatplate with a homemade one and it helped some. A new blade and maybe new guideblocks is next on my list.
Thanks for the tip.

[CaroleMeckes]

The blade that I removed was a Ridgit Brand.

Here are some tips from the tiny print on the back of the package of the Vermont American Brand Blade and the Ridgit blade has the same tips:
Properly tension the blade on the machine according to the directions supplied with the band saw. Tension is only necessary to keep the blade from slipping on the wheels. Narrow blades require less tension than wider blades. The band speed should be decreased as the material thickness increases. Feed the material though the blade at a consistent rate and allow the blade to do the cutting. Do not force the material through the blade. Light pressure when guiding the material through the blade will produce a cleaner cut and reduce overheating of the blade due to friction.

In general, narrow blades are for cutting smaller radii curves while wider blades are for straight rip type cuts. Do not force or twist a wide blade around a curve or a short radius. If cutting a curve is necessary, cut several relief cuts along the desired curve and turn the material slowly, to avoid twisting the blade....

Release blade tension when band saw is not in use. 'Overstraining' of the band is a common cause of blade breakage. Do not overtension blade - blade should just be taut.

Carole