Filter
Top Products
25
The Hook type blade has larger teeth and gullets
and a positive rake angle for more aggressive,
faster cutting when resawing or ripping thick stock,
especially hardwoods.
Variable-tooth blades combine features of the other
shapes, with tooth style and spacing varying on the
same blade. This produces smooth cuts while
dampening vibration.
Figure 47 – Blade Tooth Shape
Set
The term “set” refers to the way in which the saw
teeth are bent or positioned. Bending the teeth
creates a kerf that is wider than the back of the
blade. This helps the operator more easily pivot a
workpiece through curve cuts, and decreases
friction between blade and workpiece on straight
cuts.
Set patterns are usually selected depending upon
the type of material that needs to be cut. Three
common set patterns are shown in Figure 48.
Generally, the Raker set is used for cutting metal
workpieces; the Wavy set, when the thickness of
the workpiece changes, such as cutting hollow
tubing or structurals. The Straight, or Alternate, set
is the one most used for woodworking blades, and
is also used to cut plastics.
Figure 48 – Blade Set
Material
Band saw blades can be made from different types
of metals. The most common include spring steel,
carbon steel, bimetal (alloy steel equipped with a
high speed cobalt steel edge welded to it), or
carbide tips.
Because of the importance of blade selection, it is
recommended that you use the blade selection
guide (section 13.0). Also, listening to experienced
band saw users will produce valuable information
as to blade types currently on the market along
with their pros and cons.
Blade Breakage
Band saw blades are subject to high stresses and
breakage may sometimes be unavoidable.
However, many factors can be controlled to help
prevent most blade breakage. Here are some
common causes for breakage:
1. Misalignment of blade guides.
2. Feeding workpiece too quickly.
3. Using a wide blade to cut a tight radius curve.
4. Excessive tension.
5. Teeth are dull or improperly set.
6. Upper guides set too high off workpiece.
7. Faulty weld on blade.
Although not essential, some users round or
“stone” the back edge of their blade. This is done
by placing a sharpening stone on the table and in
light contact with the back corners of the blade as
the blade is running. Rounding can help the back
blade edge move more smoothly through the kerf,
smooths the weld, and helps prevent cracks from
starting at the back corners.