Craftsman 10" Bandsaw Blade Advice

[buckeye95]

All,

I recently picked up the venerable Craftsman 21400 10" bandsaw on Craigslist for some projects ($60 - is that a gloat?). I tried using the included 1/4" blade for some cuts, but it did not seem to make the cuts tight enough for what I needed for some of the tighter curves (doll bed - see below). I see that Craftsman also offers a 1/8" blade for this saw - will that 1/8" blade allow for the tighter kinds of cuts I need, or should I relegate that work to a scroll saw? I don't have any problem spending the extra money on a good 1/8" blade, but don't want to do it if the difference is only marginal compared ot the 1/4" blade. If it is a good fit, is Timberwolf still the blade of choice?

I know this is a pretty basic question, but I would appreciate any advice as I am trying to come up to speed with my first bandsaw

Pete

[jonmulzer]

A 1/4" blade should cut those curves easily. Are you sure it is not a dull blade? Is it just that you cannot get it to follow the radius? I would try a new blade on it of the same size and NOT a blade you get from Sears. Timberwolf, Olson, Lennox and Woodslicer all make good blades. I had some issues with a Ryobi 10" that I got rid of that were all solved with a new blade.

And yes, $60 for that would be gloat worthy. That is a good price for the Rikon built bandsaw for sure.

[Uncle Cracker]

Thinner blade definitely will allow tighter curves, but I'm with Jon. Your 1/4" blade should have done those if it was sharp.

[sweensdv]

Definitely replace the blade with a quality blade. It's money well spent and your results will show it. The saw is only part of the equation, it's the blade that actually saws the wood. If this is your first bandsaw then take some time to learn how to properly setup and align your saw. There is nothing so frustrating as a bandsaw that is not properly setup.

[pbui3057]

I bought blades from Iturra Design. Great blades and very knowledgeable person. Also check this site out to make sure the saw is setup accurately.

http://blog.woodscrub.info/2008/01/t...-band-saw.html

Best site I have found for the 21400. I have mine still and love it.

[Bill in Buena Park]

Pete,
For tight curves on my BS, I use either a 3/16 or 1/8 blade. They won't really get you scroll-saw tight, but will get you what you need. I once had a chart of the radius for each size blade, but can't find it - only found this:

1/8" Woodcutting Blade - 7.5 teeth per inch, 1/4" minimum turning radius

(assume 3/16in blade will be 1/2in min turning radius)

1/4" Combination Blade - 6 teeth per inch, 3/4" minimum turning radius

(I also have a 3/8in blade, but can't find radius)

1/2" Combination Blade - 4 teeth per inch, 2" minimum turning radius

5/8" Woodcutting Blade - 3 teeth per inch

I like Timberwolf blades, among others - should be better than a stock Craftsman blade.

[buckeye95]

Thanks for all the great information.

Pete