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1. Econdron

   Plastic

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   May 2013

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   Illinois

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   Band saw blade thickness - pros and cons?

   I'm using a band saw with a 120" x 1" blade. My biggest question is what are the pros and cons of the thickness of the blade? From what I can gather, a thinner blade is more flexible so less susceptable to stress cracking and cuts faster. And a thicker blade will just last longer? I should also say I only use Lenox bi-metal saw blades and can get them custom made for my saw for about $30.

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2. 12-05-2013, 08:11 AM #2

   DMF_TomB

   Stainless

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   Dec 2008

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   NY, USA

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   blade thickness

   Originally Posted by Econdron

   I'm using a band saw with a 120" x 1" blade. My biggest question is what are the pros and cons of the thickness of the blade? From what I can gather, a thinner blade is more flexible so less susceptable to stress cracking and cuts faster. And a thicker blade will just last longer? I should also say I only use Lenox bi-metal saw blades and can get them custom made for my saw for about $30.

   .
   its been my experience a thinner blade handles a smaller bandsaw wheel better without cracking as if too thick blade will crack more easy going over a small wheel or the limit to bend a smaller diameter
   .
   thicker blade will stay straighter in general while cutting, might cost more $, puts more pressure on stock cutting the wider kurf, sometimes blade will last longer

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3. 12-05-2013, 09:26 AM #3

   

   JRIowa

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   May 2003

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   Marshalltown, Iowa, USA

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   I have never seen a 1" blade in anything but 0.035" thickness. Same goes for 3/4 and 1 1/4" wide blades, all 0.035" thick.
   
   Now, are you talking about width? Is this a vertical or horizontal saw? What are you cutting?
   JR

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4. 12-05-2013, 02:15 PM #4

   Fabitfast

   Aluminum

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   May 2012

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   There's actually 1" 0.42 thick blade but it's triple chip carbide blade not bi metal. He's right, 1" blade normally goes with 0.35" thick. Thickness of the blade required depends upon the diameter of the wheel and work to be done.