What band saw blade?

B

Bermont River

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Dec 22, 2015
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Picking up a Powermatic 143 next week and wanting to get a blade or 2 in preparation. I am told to use a bi-metal blade but when researching them there are only more questions.

I will be using CPM stainless products like CPM154 and the various shop necessities like brass, nickel silver, G10 and wood scales.

Is there a better brand of manufacturer? What is a good starting point for TPI? Need a 94" blade and will probably go with 1/2"

Thanks!!
 
several variables for choosing a band saw blade for cutting metal. First and foremost, what thickness stock? I use mainly stock that is between 5/32 and 3/16. cut using a cheapo HF porta-band. It was recommended I use a 14 TPI bimetal blade. I use Starret from McMaster Carr, but Lenox blades are also good. The guidance I was given is you want between 2-3 teeth in the cut at any given moment. I am currently using quite a bit of CPM S90V and find that the blades I am using aren't "cutting the mustard." and I am stripping teeth quickly.
 
I'll be using .090-.150 mostly. Sounds like 14TPI or more according to that info.

I have some S90V that I will be cutting as well. What would you use for that to improve your situation?

Thanks
 
Couple of things:

I use my bandsaw to cut titanium and stainless up to .250". My bandsaw has adjustable speed so I adjust them for ti and steel differently, usually under 90sfm for the steel or lowest dial. Lennox die master 2 with 18tpi was fantastic and cut like butter. I used other brands and they wore down too fast.

S90v wrecks bandsaw blades... Every time I cut it I ended up having to change out my blades because they wouldn't cut very well after.

Don't cut CF with your bimetal blades, it will ruin them.

So for cutting metal I prefer Lennox bimetal in a diemaster 2, master class or wolf 14-18 tpi, .5" wide. That's just what has worked for me.
 
What he said.... :)

I haven't found anything that can improve the cutting ability with S90V or S110V. Ridiculous stuff. I found that with S90V, the old fashioned "drill perimeter holes then connect the dots" works, clean up on a grinder (I use a disc sander for that).
 
Bermont River said:
I'll be using .090-.150 mostly. Sounds like 14TPI or more according to that info.

I have some S90V that I will be cutting as well. What would you use for that to improve your situation?

Thanks
Click to expand...

I think you'll want more like 18 to 24 TPI, especially for something as thin as .090.

I've used Morse, Starrett, and Lenox, all with relatively good success. Do make sure you break the blade in, as that will extend the life of the blade a fair amount (not necessarily for S90V and similar, but for general use). Start with slow speeds and light cuts.
 
I think the lennox Bimetal work about the best in a 14 TPI for CPM-154 and the other materials you mentioned. Work the blade in some be fore you go full pressure and I keep a old candle and just lick the from of the blade a few times every few minutes of cutting
 
Bermont, Both Lennox and Starrett make a variable pitch bi-metal blade in 14/18 TPI (Teeth per inch). Both of these blade are excellent in my opinion. Most knife makers swear by the Lennox brand but if you find Starrett they are excellent also and sometimes a better price. Nothing beats a new blade and having a spare is wise too. Larry
 
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