[Ron_J]

So to this point I've just been buying cheap bandsaw blades from the blue box store. Mainly because I'm still unsure of what tooth configuration I like for different applications. But, I'm less than impressed with how long they seem to be lasting. Espessially the small blades.

At $10 per blade, am I better off to just stockpile a few of each size, or is it worth it to spring for the more expensive blades? At 3 to 4 times the cost, will I get 3 to 4 times the life with say a Timber Wolf blade?

 

[Echo415]

The short answer is yes...they will last longer than box store junk but that depends on what you are using the bandsaw for and what type of material you are cutting. Pretty obvious that resawing sugar maple is going to kill a blade far far quicker than resawing poplar. My bandsaw is only used for resawing with a 1/2" 4TPI blade. I really can't remember the last time I replaced it and it still makes clean cuts...I think it's an olson.

I say this a lot but...how much is your time worth? How much time do you spend changing burnt up blades or going to the store for another? I don't shell out for the best of the best but it's pretty accurate to say that you get what you pay for.

 

[Ron_J]

How much is my time worth? Nothing really. It's a hobby. I don't put any more value in the couple minutes it takes to swap out a blade as I do to do any other task.

This is strictly a cost based question...apples to apples. Will the $30 blade cut 3 times as long as the $10 blade. Maybe it's not that easy? As in, the cheap blades will last as long as the expensive in soft wood, but not when cutting hard wood?

Guess I'm looking for opinions on best blade for the buck.

 

[Toolman50]

A higher price does not guarantee higher quality. Before you load up on expensive blades, do your own evaluation and comparison. If your bandsaw is out of adjustment it can knock the set out of a brand new blade. If the saw is set up correctly a blade can last a very long time.
I prefer a skip tooth blade for woodwork.

 

[woodnthings]

I use Timberwolf 3/4" 3TPI

I use that blade for resawing only and find it lasts fairly well. I just started keeping a cut per foot log on the side of the saw also with the thickness. I weld up all my other blades from Starrett roll stock in 3/8" wide X 6 TPI, and 1/2 wide X 4 TPI.

Olson blades were not the most respected while back, but their reputation has improved. WoodSlicer blades get good reviews on You Tube and their sites. Lenox also has a good reputation.

 

[Ron_J]

Thanks all.

 

[BattleRidge]

I chose the bi-metal Lenox Diemaster 2 bandsaw blades - 1/2" 4tpi and 1/4" 6tpi and am quite satisfied with each. My choice was based on a desire for good cut quality as well as a much longer life over many cheaper blades. (Purchased from bandsawbladesdirect.com )

My other blade is the 1" Laguna Resaw King which provides a superb cut. My choice was for the cut quality as well as the ability to have it resharpened several times. (Purchased from Laguna)

While each of the blades are initially somewhat more expensive, the overall longer blade life, particularly when cut quality is taken into consideration, should be as economical (if not more economical) than a variety of other choices I could have made. So far I am quite happy with how things are going.

At some point soon I am planning on purchasing a less expensive 3/4" or 1" blade to resaw questionable wood (I am planning on dismantling a former one-room schoolhouse and while I will be checking the wood for nails both visually and with a detector, I don't want to risk ruining the RK should there be the possibility of striking metal), and possibly a different blade to tinker with resawing a few smaller log pieces from my 103 acre tree farm. I would also like to add a smaller blade with a higher tooth count to fill the gap between my scroll saw and what I presently do on the bandsaw.

My saw is a Laguna 18BX.

 

[hawkeye10]

I have a 14" Grizzly bandsaw and I use Timber Wolf blades. I have a 1/2" blade with 3 teeth per inch that I use for resawing and a 3/16" blade that I use for curves. I don't know how many teeth it has per inch. That is the only two blades I have and so far it's all I have needed.

 

[Shop_Rat]

I use both Timber Wolf and Olson blades. I use the heck out of my bandsaw to cut everything from soft pine to red oak, and from 1" UHMW to 1" aluminum. Both brands have served me well. The Timber Wolf blades are significantly more expensive, so if I have a lot to do in materials other than wood like, say, aluminum, I have been known to change to an Olson or a used blade. But single cuts in just about anything will be done with what's in the machine at the time.

https://www.amazon.com/14-Inch-Rock...pID=51ZPde98K4L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

https://www.amazon.com/Timber-Wolf-...pID=41qL9udj3aL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch