Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: Fred Arnold on May 09, 2012, 05:02:13 pm
-
Well I've been selling off a lot of my old bow collection and other items in order to purchase a new band saw and finally have the needed funds.
I've settled on a new Grizzly 14" 1 HP that they just introduced but the big question is, for working on wood bows what is the proper size blade that you guys with experience recommend? How wide and how many tpi? I've decided to order the Band Saw Handbook along with the unit as my only experience has been with smaller hobby type saws and figured the extra $15 would be well spent.
I sure would appreciate your input. Fred
-
Fred, I have the delta 14" which is very similar, I use the 3 and 4 tooth 1/2" blades. Take the extra few minutes to learn proper set up if you don't already know it. Save you a lot of money on blades and will cut much better.
-
Badger, do you have a particular brand of blade that you've found works better than others?
-
On my grizzly i like the timber wolf blades 3 tpi as wide as you can for the grunt work...keeps it from wandering...but what badger has suggested is a great bit of advice ;)
-
I use a 3 TPI 1/2" blade on my Porter Cable 14" w/1.5 hp... works great! Cant stress enough about proper tuning for the saw too. :)
-
3,4 or 6 tpi Timberwolfs for me. 1/2" wide. I have a 14" Grizzly. Tune, tune, tune and keep it tuned. That saw will do just about any bow building task you ask of it. Just take it easy and let it work. I have halved some logs on mine with ease.....and patience.
-
Thanks guys for your input. It comes with a 3/8" blade but they don't state how many tpi. What advantages / disadvantages are there for going with a narrower vs. wider blade? Specs say it will accept 1/8" up to 3/4".
-
Narrower blades can cut tighter radius curves. Wider blades tend to wonder less, cut straighter. I perfer 3/4" blades myself.