which bandsaw blade

Other than Timberwolf, I have a couple of Carter Accuright blades….they seem to perform well

-- Measure "at least" twice and cut once

Timberwolf is an excellent blade. Check review’s on band saw blades for more info

-- Norman

I have a 9in skil right now, so I am new to the big bandsaw world. What would be a good universal size to start out with?

and TPI…

Depends on what you want to do with it. Looking to cut curves, rip lumber, resaw?

I have a 5/8” 3 tpi blade that works for ripping and resawing. I have a 1/4” blade for cutting curves. They are Olsen blades available at Woodcraft.

-- Mike

There is no single blade that will do all ya need. 3/8” 8tpi, 1/4” 6 tpi, 1/2” 3 tpi ( or skip tooth), will do about all ya need. Don’t be caught up in the “wide blade marvel”. You’re gonna wanna be able to cut different woods, curves, and resaw, so don’t overtax the saw. Take your time with sawing speed-the time thru the blade.
Be sure that ya have the saw tuned up properly.
Some will have ya think that saw tuning is an exotic science. Watch the Alex Snodgrass vid. Very basic and logical.
Bill

-- bill@magraphics.us

Woodslicer blades from Woodcraft are outstanding blades. there are many blade options depending on what you plan to use your bandsaw for such as resawing, bandsaw boxes or general easy flowing curves. there are many informative books about the bandsaw and it would be a good idea to get one…They provide a wealth of information. I have “the Bandsaw Book” by Lonnie Bird & The new Complete Guide To The Bandsaw by Mark Duginske.

-- Every step of any project should be considered your masterpiece if you want the finished product to reflect the quality of your work. http://www.FineArtBoxes.com

Thanks:) I just ordered a 1/4in timberwolf from amazon. I would like to get a resaw blade soon also, but I think I will wait until the saw arives!

In addition to the Timberwolf blade you just ordered, your saw will probably arrive with maybe a 5/8 or 1” blade that will be super useful for months until you need better or sharper.

I also suggest watching Alex Snograss’s video. I’ve owned a Craftsman 12” since 1978. And, just this past year I watched this presentation and for the first time aligned the balde’s teeth up as he directsl WOW! what a difference that has made. There is NO drift when ripping or cutting straight lines. My saw has never performed so well.

-- Russell Pitner Hixson, TN 37343 bassboy40@msn.com

Good blades cut down on the amount of bad things said in the shop.

-- Mother Nature created it, I just assemble it. - It's not ability that we often lack, but the patience to use our ability

Good idea on the video handtooler, I didn’t even know you had to line up the teeth, let alone how lol. I thought I knew most of the basics…but maybe not!

Shelly, I bought and read the Duginsky book Greg cited while waiting for my saw to arrive. A very worthwhile investment of time and money! I added a Carter Stabilizer to my 17” Grizz and it is very handy with the narrower blades. Both Timberwolf and Woodslicers have performed well for me but I’m going to try a Diamond Sterling from Hal Taylor as all the reviews are excellent (and you can resaw/do curves with the same blade!)

-- " I'll try to be nicer, if you'll try to be smarter" gfadvm

I watched the Alex Snograss video and it was a huge help! He made it all seem so much easier than all the other ways I have seen. He was actually at the woodworking show I went to a couple weeks ago, but I didn’t have time to sit and watch since I only had one day to go. Thanks gfadvm, I will look into that. I don’t have much time for reading these days, but I still like to collect woodworking books thinking I will have time someday:) Timberwolf has a nice 3 blade package I may try. I really like the looks of the stabilizer. I watched Alex us it in his presentation and it was amazing how fast and accurate he could cut curves!

I decided to cancel the amazon one and go with the 3pack. They actually seem to be cheaper from the tw website than amazon.

Google Alex Snograss like Handtooler suggests. His approach to the blade placement on the upper wheel not only makes perfect sense but it works in practice. I have had Timberwolf 1/2” and Woodslicer and IMO the woodslicer was superior. I have since purchased a Laguna but have not tried it yet. Get some smaller blades as well. Tight curves should not be tried with your resaw blade. It will perform poorly and will screw up your blade.
I love my band saw.

-- Made in America, with American made tools....Shopsmith