Thread: blade size??

what size blade are you using at the moment and how tight is the curve you are trying to cut?

i use 2 different blade sizes for cutting bandsaw boxes. i use a 3/4" to cut the outsize shape and to resaw the body and drawers and i use a 1/8" blade to cut the inside shapes out. a 1/8" blade and cut a pretty tight curve. if your design incorporates very tight curves you may need to get a 1/16" blade.

if you order a 1/8" or 1/16" blade, order a couple. they have a tendancy to snap.

post some pics when your done. im curious on how you turn a chicken into a bandsaw box...

I've been using a 3/16" 10 TPI blade by Olsen.

Try the 1/8 14 tpi or 10tpi you should get at least two hours cutting total out of them and a very fine cut down to about 4mm radius circles through material up to 100mm thick in hardwood and 150mm thick in softwood. The 14 tpi is slightly finer and the 10 tpi is slightly faster. I use the same blade both inside and outside. The 1/16th blade is like trying to cut with a horsehair. Fantastic, but even with a perfectly set-up saw (imagine setting the guides on a 1/16" blade) and nice clean stock they will only run for ten to fifteen minutes. It will really have to be worth it at $20+ per blade, if you can find a supplier.