How to Choose the Correct Bandsaw Blades

With the vast number of options available in your average hardware store, you may find the task of choosing a new bandsaw blade daunting. Using the wrong blade for a particular bandsaw or material may lead to injury from the blade snapping under tension or other malfunction. By taking the time to learn a little about the criteria to use when shopping for a new bandsaw blade, you will be able to avoid woodworking disasters.

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the type of bandsaw. Check to see if the tabletop saw sports two or three wheels. Use a special, flexible "three wheeler" blade for these saws.
- 2
  Select a carbide or carbon steel blade for wood-cutting saws. Purchase a bi-metal or carbon steel blade for a metal-cutting saw.
- 3
  Consider the types of cuts you will need to make. Select a blade width based on the sizes of any circles you may need to cut.
- 4
  Determine the amount of teeth per blade required, based on the material to be cut and the cutting speed desired.
- 5
  Use a blade with fewer teeth for a fast cut on wood, or use a blade with more teeth for a slower, smoother cut.
- 6
  Select blade-tooth patterns for metal cutting based on the thickness of the material. Use more teeth for a thicker slab of metal, and less for a thin one.

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