Which size bandsaw blade do I need?

Bandsaw blades vary in thickness, width, length, and tooth configuration. The length you require should be included on the specification label on your bandsaw machine, or in the instruction manual. If you have neither, call Kendal Tools for advice. Something else you’ll need to consider when buying bandsaw blades is the width. Blade width is measured from the tips of the teeth to the back edge of the blade. We advise that you always use the widest blade possible, as this will be stronger and can withstand greater feed pressures without flexing.

How long does a bandsaw blade last?

A bandsaw is considered one of the most essential tools for making irregular or difficult cuts. But something we are frequently asked is, how long does a bandsaw blade last? Well, that all depends on the type of blade and the user. Not all bandsaw blades are made equal, and they aren’t always used for the same task. Some bandsaw blades are used explicitly for wood, while others come in useful for metalwork and lumbering. Likewise, some blades are manufactured to last a couple of months, and others can last years! Using a band saw blade for woodcutting? Great – but harder woods can reduce the lifespan of your blade, meaning you’ll need a replacement blade sooner than if you were cutting less dense materials. While cutting a piece of wood, if you run into anything, like a nail, this too could shorten the life of your bandsaw blade. Our best advice? Select a high-quality bandsaw blade, like the ones we supply at Kendal Tools. Although they may cost you more upfront, they generally last longer.

When should I change my bandsaw blade?

We know it’s a pain when all you want to do is get something done…but if your blade is on its last legs, then it’s less likely to perform at its best, and if that’s the case, it can make things difficult for you. Here are three signs that it’s time to change your bandsaw blades: Teeth are starting to strip after long periods of use Is your bandsaw cutting slower than usual? Perhaps you’ve noticed a slowdown of feed rate or an increase in the feed pressure? These are clear indications that your bandsaw blade’s teeth are starting to strip, which, in turn, causes it to heat up faster. When this happens, we highly advise you to purchase a replacement bandsaw blade before the excess heat and stress cause other issues. The blade becomes noisy After using your bandsaw for a significant amount of time, you’ll more than likely be familiar with the sound it makes – not to mention its feel and the speed at which it operates. If it gets louder, starts squeaking, or cutting slower than you’re used to, it’s time to consider changing the blade before it gets worse. The blade doesn’t move consistently This, amongst other things, such as odd burning smells and burn marks in the wood, indicates that your bandsaw blade is fatigued and not turning on its wheels as it should. A blade that’s old and fatigued certainly won’t thank you for extra stress and tension, meaning you should think about switching it for a new one. Here at Kendal Tools, we have a comprehensive range of bandsaw blades to choose from, so if there ever comes a time where your blade is underperforming or showing signs of wear and tear, you’re in the right place.

How much do bandsaw blades cost?

The price you’ll pay for bandsaw blades can vary depending on the thickness, width, length, and tooth configuration. However, here at Kendal Tools, we provide bandsaw blades from as little as £9.99 (including VAT). For a better idea of how much you can expect to pay for British-manufactured bandsaw blades that fit your bandsaw machine perfectly, browse our range in full and choose your required width and teeth per inch (TPI) from the dropdown menu. This will then update the overall price. If you have any questions or would like to know more about our competitive prices, feel free to contact us. Either call 01539 733 774 or drop us an email at info@kendaltools.co.uk, and we’ll be in touch shortly.

Why should I purchase bandsaw blades from Kendal Tools?

When it comes to buying bandsaw blades, it pays to go to a reputable supplier – like Kendal Tools. As bandsaw blade specialists, we provide a wide range of top-quality products for clients across the UK, so we’re confident we can provide you with a suitable solution for your application and budget. Aside from purchasing genuine products that are compatible with your bandsaw machine, you can trust that you’ll receive excellent value for your money when you buy bandsaw blades from us. After all, our team is always on hand to offer expert advice whenever you need it. This can be over the phone, via email, or by filling out our online enquiry form. Another great reason to shop with us is that we accept payment via PayPal – making it easier for you to pay while giving you the peace of mind that your bank or credit card details are encrypted and kept safe. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to spread the cost of bandsaw blades with interest-free payments, you can do this with PayPal Pay Later!

How To Choose A Bandsaw Blade

A bandsaw machine can be used to make many cuts quickly and precisely – providing you’ve got the right blade for the task!

Knowing which bandsaw blade is best can be tricky. Especially as they come in a range of materials, widths, tooth designs and configurations, and are suitable for different applications.

To ensure you make an informed decision when choosing bandsaw blades, there are a few basic factors you’ll need to consider first.

Read on to learn more about choosing and using bandsaw blades effectively.

What are the 3 main types of bandsaw blades?

There are typically 3 types of tooth configurations for bandsaw blades:

Regular – this type of bandsaw blade has evenly spaced teeth. It’s a must-have for cutting thin materials, offering a smooth finish, as well as general-purpose cutting and contour sawing.

Skip – with widely spaced teeth, usually at a 0-degree angle, skip tooth blades prevent clogging when cutting soft wood, non-ferrous metals and plastics.

Hook – these bandsaw blades are recognised for their deeper gullet (larger teeth and steeper rake angle) which helps the blade to cut more aggressively. They provide faster cutting rates, making them ideal for long cuts in thicker materials.

How is a bandsaw blade measured?

Choosing and using the correct size bandsaw blade is key to the performance of your machine and the quality of the end result.

For the most part, the length of blade your bandsaw requires will be included in the user’s manual or marked somewhere on your machine. If it’s not, you can calculate the blade length using the following formula: (R1 x 3.1416) + (R2 x 3.1416) + (2 x C).

3 simple steps to measure bandsaw blade length

Set the pulleys or wheels in a working position.
Measure the distance between the centres on the drive wheels. This will be “C”.
Determine the radius of the upper and lower wheels by measuring from the centre to the outside of the wheel. These values will be “R1” and “R2”.

How many teeth per inch should a bandsaw blade have?

The trick to determining how many teeth per inch (TPI) a bandsaw blade should have is finding the balance between the finish and feed rate.

Blades with more teeth tend to cut slow and smooth whilst blades with fewer teeth cut faster and offer a rougher finish.

If you’re cutting thicker materials or resawing, opt for a coarse bandsaw blade with 2 or 3 TPI.

For general woodcutting tasks, where coarse, fast-cutting is desirable, you can’t go wrong with a 4 TPI blade. And if you require slower and smoother cuts, choose a 14 TPI blade.

Regardless of how many teeth your bandsaw blade has, keep at least 3 teeth in the material at all times for any type of precision cutting. This will ensure stability and accuracy when cutting lumber and metal.

How long will a bandsaw blade last?

Bandsaw blades can last anywhere between 6 months and several years, depending on what you’re cutting, how often they’re used and how well you look after them.

It’s worth noting that not all blades are created equal, and not everyone uses them in the same way. Some bandsaw blades are explicitly used for woodwork, whilst others can be used in metalwork too.

If you’re using bandsaw blades for woodcutting, and you regularly cut hard woods, this can significantly reduce their lifespan – calling upon the need for a replacement sooner. And if you run into a nail or something similar, this could damage your blade.

How do you sharpen a bandsaw blade?

Most people will replace a dull bandsaw blade. However, you should be able to sharpen the blade at least twice before it needs changing completely.

You can either sharpen bandsaw blades manually or mechanically.

Sharpening blades manually is the most cost-effective method if you don’t plan on sharpening them often – and all you need is:

safety glasses
gloves
a sharpening stone with a flat surface
a hand file or pencil grinder
a bandsaw or jig

However, using a mechanical bandsaw blade sharpener is a sure-fire way to save time and energy. These specialist machines make the process much simpler and allow you to invest your precious time and effort elsewhere.

Find the best bandsaw blades at Kendal Tools

You should now have a better idea of what to look for when choosing a bandsaw blade.

Here at Kendal Tools, we’re proud to stock bandsaw blades in a choice of widths and lengths and guarantee some of the most competitive prices around.

Simply browse our online range and click on the different products available to find out more. Once you’ve found the most suitable products for your bandsaw machine, add them to your basket and check out.

If you have any questions or need an expert opinion, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01539 733 774 and we’ll gladly assist.