Official Luthiers Forum!

First...I know the topic of Bandsaw blades was recently just beat slam to death...so my question...at the end of this...will be short and sweet.

I have the Grizzly G0555 and am considering buying the riser block. The riser block changes the blade length to 105". Does anyone have this setup?...have you had any problems with it?

I currently run either 3/16" 10 tpi timberwolf blade or a 1/2 inch 4tpi timberwolf blade...depending on what I am doing. With this extra length should I consider something other than the low tension blades?

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

I don't have a Grizzly, but I do have a 14" w/6" Riser, Carter Bearing Guides, High rate spring and such. You need to tune it up well, if you are going to be stepping up your resawing to wider pieces. I would stick with blades that are .025" thick stock. That still allows for a wide selection of very nice resaw blades. Width of the blade 1/2",5/8" or 3/4"(avoid anything wider, bearing guides, wheels and such just are a poor match and there is little advantage with wider blades. Especially when the guides and so forth are not a good match). For resawing wide boards, fewer TPI is better (3/4 TPI is workable but has more clearing trouble from my experience, 3, 2/3, <2 just gets better for clearing). I keep a couple 3/4" woodslicers(there are other brands that are comperable, possibly better- for extreamly smooth low loss cutting) on hand. These blades only take about .038" kerf if memory serves, so the tooth set is pretty tight. Timberwolfs if memory serves ran closer to .048" kerf, allowing for a wider tooth set(closer about twice what an extream low loss blade offers) for stability. Lenox offers a trimaster carbide tipped 1/2" blade w/.025" thickness. These will take about the same kerf as a Timber wolf. Many of these blades offer variable set patterns, variable pitch, and such which can afford smoother cutting and finish. These features will slow the cutting rate a bit, but that is not such a bad thing, as very agressive higher feed rate blades will leave a ruffer surface and will require more surfacing(higher loss). Personally, I recommend a blade with a reasonable kerf, variable set pattern, low TPI, variable pitch is nice for your workhorse (carbide tipped, is a good investment for super long wear on extreamly hard woods, given you don't hit nails frequently). Get a good wire brush, and cleaner of your choice to keep the blade clean(super important). Be sure your fence is set parallel to your blade. Don't allow your guides to become too built up with muck(this will turn your blade).

Go look at Timberwolf and Lenox online dealers for your bread and butter blades, look into maybe Bladerunners, Woodslicers, and such for extreamly low loss occasional use blades. You will have great options(buying at your local woodworkers shop may limit your selection, so be sure you get the blade you prefer, all options are available on line).

Rich

I recommend getting Lou Iturra's catalog. Iturra Designs. No web site, but well worth dealing with, and the catalog is very educational. I just ordered some Lenox blades and a couple other things from him for my Jet 14" with riser block. I've also made a lot of upgrades to the saw with parts I got from Lou. Great guy to deal with and very knowledgeable.

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Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/

Call Lou Iturra at 866-883-8064 and request a catalog. You'll be glad you did.

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Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/

I'll call him today....and thanks a bunch

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.