I have been having hit or miss. one blade will cut many cuts in many types of metal and other blades while they still feel sharp just stop cutting. Looking to see what feed back there is from the community.
To avoid the miss's I try and make sure the steel is under the blade otherwise the cut misses entirely...
Bob Bryenton
Solar Storm Group Ltd.
Phone: (780) 953-0016
Email: [email protected]
https://www.solarstorm.ca
“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible" -- Arthur C. Clarke
There are a lot of good blades out there. Right now I am using an Olson bi-metal blade that is performing as well as any blade I've used in 25 years.
Do not expect the inexpensive 10 dollar carbon steel blades to do anything well.
I use a 14-18 tooth variable pitch blade that runs about 35 bucks. Those usually last me about a year. In that same time I could burn up 3X the amount of the cheap blades - and have really horrible performance.
And look up how to break in a new band saw blade. You don't just put a new one on and start heavy cutting operations.
What Karl said and I will add that after using many different porta-band sized blades, I now stick with Lennox bi-metal. I buy the 10 TPI and the 14 TPI.
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”
One of the best recommendations from other smiths was to make sure and use good cutting oil during your cuts as well. You might know this, but I didn't when I got started.
Respectfully
Michael