Bandsaw blades for cutting metal

[63spyder]

I have a 14 inch delta metal/ wood bandsaw that I cut metal with. I've been using a supercut bimetal bandsaw blade on it, around here they run around 37 dollars apiece. Is there a cheaper blade out there that cuts as good or better ?



thanks

 

[zkling]

That is steep to me, assuming you don't have the riser on the saw. I use a local company that cuts them from spool stock and welds per order right around $17 each for the Lenox in common sizes. Use it on vertical and horizontal saws. Every once in a while they will have some Swedish made stock come in that is very nice.

Shop around, see if you have a local factory supply place that cuts and welds to order. If you really use that many blades and don't have a local source a blade welder and roll of blade stock might be a good investment.

Which version of the delta wood/metal saw do you have?

 

[rsanter]

Some of the bimetal blades can be expensive. Depending on what you need there are cheaper blades out there but the bimetal ones sure are nice.

Do you have a TIG. You know you can TIG weld blades together. Some people MIG weld them but the welded zone is brittle. You would need to anneal it but that softens the teeth at the sane time. Good in an emergency though

Bob

 

[McLean]

purchased one of these recently and haven't noticed much difference between it and the Starrett Intenss

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMFYTS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[McLean]

Some of the bimetal blades can be expensive. Depending on what you need there are cheaper blades out there but the bimetal ones sure are nice.

Do you have a TIG. You know you can TIG weld blades together. Some people MIG weld them but the welded zone is brittle. You would need to anneal it but that softens the teeth at the sane time. Good in an emergency though

Bob

How would TIG welding not create issues with the heat affected zone?

 

[zkling]

How would TIG welding not create issues with the heat affected zone?

It doesn't have the large temperature swing that is inherent with the mig process. You can even braze or silver solder them, most difficult part is building a jig to keep them straight at the joint. Only time I do it is when I need to make a inside only contour cut. Otherwise I just find it easier to buy my blades pre made at the local shop prices. IF I ever happen across a cheap blade welder I might pick it up, but since I only use 3 different common sizes and don't go thorough that many blades the upfront cost and hassle for a roll is a bit much for my needs.

 

[ttpete]

At work, we bought rolls of blade stock and used the welder on the Grob or DoAll saw. They make a resistance **** weld, and then the blade is reclamped and annealed. After grinding down the weld bead, it's ready to go. I have a similar welder at home that I use.

 

[63spyder]

Thanks, gives me some ideas to work with