How many bandsaw blades do I need?

[Uncle Hook]

I am an inexperienced ower of a new Craftsman 14" bandsaw and I want to purchase a selection of blades to cover a broad range of woodworking tasks. Other posts on this web site suggest getting 3 different sizes of blades. 1/8" - 1/4' for fine work, 3/8" for medium work and 1/2" - 5/8" for resawing.

My questions are:

How many blades of each size should I purchase to keep on hand?
Do bandsaw break very often?
Is breakage more a problem with the smaller blades?
Do beginners tend to break several blades until they get experience?
Do blades stay sharp for a reasonable amount of time?
Would you recommend getting 1, 2 or 3 of each different size?

[Tom Miller]

You need 4

Mostly because you can get 4 for the price of 3 from Suffolk. These are low-tension blades -- you'll need to "treat" them differently than standard blades.

One option is to give them a call and tell them what kind of saw you have, and what you want to do. They'll do a good job of hooking you up.

Otherwise, here's what I like:

1/4" 6tpi -- stays on the saw 95% of the time, sometimes when it shouldn't (a quick 2 ft long 10" thick resaw -- why change the blade for that? )

1/2" 3tpi -- for when I realize I should change the blade for that resaw.

1/8" 14tpi (or so) for really fine stuff.

1/2" 14tpi (or so) for joinery. The wider blade is good here because when you pull your stock back out from a cut, the blade won't come with.

Regards,
Tom
(p.s. Expect to pay only ~$15 - $17 per blade including shipping.)

[cwsmith]

I'm relatively new to using a bandsaw. I have the little Ryobi BS902 9" saw which works well with light projects and is a good learning tool in my opinion. From this limited experience, I will echo Tom's advice.

Regarding breakage, I haven't had a blade break on my yet. But then I'm not doing any real heavy-duty work either. I would think you'd really have to do some twisting or have a major bind to snap a blade.

CWS

[scmhogg]

I agree with Tom about Suffolk. They actually have real people to talk to, who know what they are doing.

I have the first three that Tom suggested. Over two years, no breakage, and they are still pretty sharp. Suffolk ships so quickly, I have never considered stocking blades.

Be sure to get a "HOOK" blade.

Steve

[drumpriest]

Suffolk blades seem good. Olsen blades are also pretty good. I have a 3/16" for bandsaw box work, a 1/4" for general purpose, and a 1/2" 3tpi for resawing using my 14" bandsaw. Olsen does make a 5/8" for resaw, which is cool, as many 14" saws can tension it, but can't quite tension a 3/4".