Official Luthiers Forum!

It got a new bandsaw blade from Suffolk Machinery recently. It is the 1"
carbide tipped blade. I have used a number of blades before this one.
Several non-carbide Timberwolf blades and a 1/2" Woodslicer. The
Woodslicer leaves a very nice cut but because it is such a thin band, the
blade can easily wander no matter how good your bandsaw is setup.

This is my first experience with a carbide blade and this particular one is
absolutely amazing. It is an expensive band but you can resharpen it a
couple of times before you throw it away. I haven't done any resawing yet
but have sliced thru some wenge that was about 5" thick. The results are
incredible. Absolutely flawless cuts. The surface quality that this blade
leaves behind has to be seen to believed. I am not sure if other carbide
blades perform equally but the surfaces I am getting look like they have
been planed. You could easily sand away surface irregularities with 320
grit sandpaper.

I think you need a 20" bandsaw or bigger to use the blade. It is
specifically designed for the luthier. Evidently Taylor guitars use this
blade exclusively.

If you are in the market for a new blade and your machine is big enough
to use the blade, I highly recommend getting this band.

Peace Out,
Simon

What did it cost, in what length? Suffolk's site does not give pricing. They do say 18" or larger for the saw size.

_________________
Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Hi Howard,
The band I ordered was 175" long and the cost was approximately $230.
You can resharpen the blade a couple times; however, don't know how
much that costs.

I haven't used a Resaw King or Lenox carbide blade so I can't compare.
But this is a wonderful blade and I can see no room for improvement.
The kerf is thick but the straightness and surface quality of the cut is
exceptional.

--
Simon

Thanks, Simon.

_________________
Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Simon, that impressive smooth kerf surface is the result of proper high quality weld. Given same tooth configuration, all carbide bands cut pretty much alike. The difference is in the expertise of the person making the band welds. I find more important information to be who is the current best shop making welds and it does change. Aligned welds on carbide teeth are way more critical than carbon set tooth bands. That same band welded on a bad day will not perform as well.

Thanks, Larry. I didn't know that.