Blades for turning saws - help

[xy mosian]

Hi all. The old bandsaw blade in my turning saw is very much passed it's best.

To replace it I am considering the purchase of a short bandsaw blade from Tuffsaws. Of course which one? My jigsaw will happily cope with stock to 1", the turning saw being used for thicker stock. I cannot easily decide between 3tpi, 4tpi or 6tpi.

Do any of you have any experience you would like to share that could help?

Thanks in anticipation.
xy

 

[Cheshirechappie]

Depends a bit on the duty expected of the saw, of course, but my 12" turning saw has a blade 1/4" wide and 8tpi, and that seems about right most of the time.

By the way, it might be worth a shot at sharpening the existing blade. You'll need something like an engineer's vice to hold it, but as long as it's not HSS tipped it should file OK.

 

[xy mosian]

Hi CC,
My existing blade, 1/4" 6tpi, has been sharpened several times. The gullet depth is now very close to breaking through the back. The last time I sharpened it subsequent setting was abandoned when the blade began tearing.

Thanks for the advice about using 8tpi, I must admit to leaning towards 6 or even 4 for the thicker stock. How does your blade fare on say 2" stuff?

xy

 

[Cheshirechappie]

Hi XY,

To be honest, it's not often I have to tackle 2" stuff with the turning saw, but on the very few occasions I have had to, it's been a bit of a patience job! It gets there in the end, but larger teeth would be better. Most of my turning saw work is in 1" stock, and it copes with that nicely - not too aggressive, so you can keep to a line, but makes fair progress through the cut.

 

[xy mosian]

Hi CC,

I have just been through Tuffsaws blade choice guide, does it apply here, anyway it would seem that 3/8" 4 tpi should do the trick.
I'll let you know.

If I can achieve "... it copes with that nicely - not too aggressive, so you can keep to a line, but makes fair progress through the cut." I'll be pleased.

Thanks for your comments and for being there to bounce ideas off.

xy