Band saw blades?

[Scarsman]

I am currently in the process of rebuilding a horizontal/vertical metal band saw. I got it for free several years ago, and am just finaly getting around to cleaning it up. I just put all new bearings on it, and made the first cut. It was cutting great and then it sort of jumped and started cutting very slow and crooked. When I shut it off and looked at it, there are a coouple very large stretches where the teeth are broke off. It is sort of odd, they are not worn off, they are clearly broken off.

So, I need to get a new blade. What would be the best type/tooth count to get? It will mostly be cutting tubing and flat stock, up to 1/2". I will be using it for aluminum down the road, but that is a ways off still.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Chuck U&R]

I'm thinking that I have a 10/14 on my saw that I use for everything thicker than 16g.

If you were doing production runs you would probably want to take the time to change to the optimum blade for whatever you were cutting.

Others will chime in.

[aametalmaster]

http://www.countrysaw.com/ has any blade you could ever need...Bob

[davedarragh]

That's what I'd suggest, 10/14 tooth blade. If you have a 64 1/2" (common) you can get standard blades at Home Depot for around $10. A higher quality "bi-metal" blade goes for around $25 each. I've had the teeth break off of new blades too. I bought my old "PowerCraft" 64 1/2" saw from my neighbor for $25 last year! You can get a belt for the motor at NAPA, check the lube in the gear box, use a good hypoid lube, not grease. Mine doesn't cut perfect, but it suffices until I get a new one. When we all get our "stimulus package" I'll buy a new JET. (LOL)

Dave

[BC Iron works]

grizzly and enco have a lot

[Scarsman]

Thanks. I think I will run down to Harbor freight and see what they have.

[WyoRoy]

Thanks. I think I will run down to Harbor freight and see what they have.

Do yourself a favor and source your blades from some other dealer. If you go with Harbor Freight don't expect much and you won't be too disappointed.

[FusionKing]

I vote bi-metal. I use Lennox from my LWS

[Chuck U&R]

Take it for what it's worth -

I have a belt drive Enco (same as HF) 7x12.

If I want to cut say a 10"x1/4" piece and stand it up in the saw I know it won't be square, just the nature of the machine, cheap.

If I lay it down I know that the cut will load with chips and wreck the blade.

I keep my belt a little loose so that if the blade locks up the motor pulley
will spin inside the belt. It makes a horrible screeching sound but at least I
haven't ruined a $25. blade.

Also pays to keep an eye on a long cut like this and lift the blade occasionally
and clear the chips.

[dudical26]

Take it for what it's worth -

I have a belt drive Enco (same as HF) 7x12.

If I want to cut say a 10"x1/4" piece and stand it up in the saw I know it won't be square, just the nature of the machine, cheap.

If I lay it down I know that the cut will load with chips and wreck the blade.

I keep my belt a little loose so that if the blade locks up the motor pulley
will spin inside the belt. It makes a horrible screeching sound but at least I
haven't ruined a $25. blade.

Also pays to keep an eye on a long cut like this and lift the blade occasionally
and clear the chips.

The blade loads with chips even with cutting fluid?

Do you have any other comments about this saw. I was planning on purchasing it as I thought it would be a better choice than the 4x6 that HF sells but if the quality is the same maybe I am better off just getting a small but high quality machine.

Thanks