BAnd Saw Blade Width

[bbpanel]

Band Saw Blade Width

I've got an old gold Craftsman band saw (don't have model no. offhand) that takes 1/4" blades. Looks like I could use a 3/8" blade - would there be anything to gain from the larger blade? Thanks. -Bob

 

[The Cobbler]

wider blades are suited to straighter cuts .

 

[turbowoodworker]

I don’t know that particular band saw but in general, a band saw’s blade is determined by it’s length or rather circumference, ie 96 inches.
The width, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 inch can be interchanged on any saw, provided the tires are wide enough. You choose the width, and the teeth per inch, based on your need for a specific task.
A narrow blade makes tighter turns, a wider blade cuts straighter.

 

[RTM]

Many of the small bench top saws can’t use wide blades, check your model number before you buy.

As noted, better straight cuts, but also good for resawing, cutting a 2x4 into 2 1x4 (in theory), that might be more than the little saw can handle.

 

[brainypencil]

wider blades are suited to straighter cuts .

Yes, I agree with this one. Larger with few teeth can cut very fast but produce a rough and splintered surface.

 

[MushCreek]

To get the benefit of a wider blade, you'd have to adjust the rear guides so the blade sits deeper in the side guides.

 

[exmaxima1]

Many smaller bandsaws do not have the rigidity to tension a wider blade. A quality 1/4" blade, tensioned correctly, will cut straighter and smoother than a wider blade at inadequate tension.

 

[RTM]

Yes, I agree with this one. Larger with few teeth can cut very fast but produce a rough and splintered surface.

You've got to buy quality blades. My 1/2 - 3/4" blades (3 & 4TPI) on my 14" bandsaw can resaw to smoothing plane ready finish. But they aren't cheap.

 

[bbpanel]

To get the benefit of a wider blade, you'd have to adjust the rear guides so the blade sits deeper in the side guides.

The tires are certainly wide enough to accommodate the 3/8" blade but if the guides can't be adjusted will the blade not center itself on the tire?

 

[Git]

I use the 'Alex Snodgrass' method to align bandsaws blades - You make a mark on the center of the tire/wheel and then the deepest part of the gullet aligns with the mark.

exmaxima1 brings up a very good point. If you can't tension the blade properly (wider blades) your better off not using it. So don't go too wide.


This is well worth watching

 

[MushCreek]

The guides help keep the blade from twisting. If you only have 1/8" of support on a 3/8" blade, it will twist more. On most saws they can be adjusted. My old cheap 12" Craftsman is adjustable. The guides only support the smooth part of the blade, not the teeth!

 

[jerrymoz]

If you don’t have a manual and there are no markings on your machine, follow these steps to determine blade length:

Set the pulleys or wheels in a working position.
Measure the distance between centers on the drive wheels. (C)
Measure the radius of the upper and lower drive wheels. (R1 & R2)
Calculate blade length with this formula:

Blade Length = (R1 X 3.146) + (R2 X 3.146) + (2 X C)