bandsaw blade advice

[mrojec]

I have a Jet 14" band saw that I have used very little, but hope to use more soon. I plan on doing mostly resawing up to 6" wide boards (no riser block yet) and basic cutting like circles and profiles. Some examples would be cabriolet legs, curved bottoms of cabinets, etc. I don't plan on doing a lot of scroll work. Any suggestions on a basic set of blades I should have and where to buy them? I've seen Suffolk Machine mentioned on this site before but haven't had time to thoroughly explore the web site yet.
Thanks!
Mark

[Uncle Cracker]

This is gonna sound like a commercial, but for my money, the best value in blades can be found at Iturra Design, in Jacksonville, FL. They make their blades from the very same stock as the high-dollar brands, the lengths are more accurate, and their welds are consistently excellent. They do not have a website at the moment, but they can be reached at 1-888-722-7078. Ask for one of their catalogs. It's like a telephone book, and has more info about bandsaws than I've ever seen in one place. They have knowledgeable people that can help you pick exactly what blades best suit your needs, and you'll get them fast, and at very good prices.

[Popeye]

I'll echo Cracker on Lou Iturra. His knowledgeable staff BTW consists of himself and his very pretty and nice wife. His massive warehouse is a two car garage that you couldn't put a bicycle into.
Lou will probably sell you one of his wood slicer resaw blades and some 1/4" general duty blades. I've found 1/4" to be the best all around blade to keep on the saw. Can make pretty tight cuts and will resaw 3-4" hardwoods well in a pinch. Pat

[Knottscott]

The only decent BS blades I've tried (how's that for an oxymoron! ) were Timberwolves from Suffolk Machinery. When I called to inquire about blades, they asked a bunch of questions about my saw and what I cut, then made suggestions for a set of blades. They had a promo code "443" for first time buyers...4 blades for the price of 3. Have been quite pleased with them.

[drumpriest]

A lot of BS blade discussion lately. I use timberwolf for everything except resaw, and then I use a woodslicer from highland hardware. The Iturra is supposedly the same blade.

I would start with a 1/4" 6tpi and a 1/2" 3 tpi. Use the 1/2" for resaw, and the 1/4" for most other stuff. If you get into bandsaw boxes, consider a 3/16" blade.

[poolhound]

Having spoken with Lou Iturra only a couple of days ago I would definatley consider giving him a call and at least order their catalogue if not get one of his blades.

[John Hunter]

Add me to the Timberwolf fan club, I have been using them for a long time.

[AlanWS]

Definitely call and get the Iturra catalog. It's free, and full of useful bandsaw info as well as being a catalog.

Iturra prefers Lenox bladestock, and sells three grades: carbon steel, bimetal, and carbide. If you are buying a blade to have it on hand, get carbon steel. If you use a particular type enough to frequently wear them out, you are a good candidate for bimetal of that type. Carbide is much more expensive, and is said to last much longer.

Iturra also carries the "bladerunner", which he claims is identical to the woodslicer, but that he sells for about 2/3 the price. I have one, and it looks like my woodslicer, but I've not tried it yet. I restrict these blades to straight cuts that need to be smooth -- resawing.

www.woodcraftbands.com is another place that carries blades made from Lenox bladestock. They are the cheapest I've seen from this bladestock, and the welds are also good.

Timberwolf are fine blades, but IMO are much like the Lenox carbon steel blades. Timberwolf blades tend to be made of thinner steel than average, so they require less force for the same tension. Their biggest advantage IMO is their helpfulness in identifying the best blades for a new user to order. If you know what you want, and get properly welded blades from good stock, the added price of a Timberwolf seems excessive to me. You can get a bimetal blade from woodcraftbands for the same price.