Official Luthiers Forum!

Hey everyone. I searched through the electric archives and didn't find anything on this, so here's a question I could use some advice on.

What bandsaw blade(s) do you use? I'm thinking in particular for cutting body blanks. Any favorite brands, suggested width, TPI, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Anyone? Bueller?

http://www.spectrumsupply.com/band-saw-blades.aspx

I bought two 1" Woodmaster CT - 1.3 tpi for resawing. The first one is still cutting through stuff like butter. I couldn't be happier with this blade.

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I read Emerson on the can. A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds...true...but a consistent reading of Emerson has its uses nevertheless.

StuMusic

For cutting out electric bodies I would say 1/4" to 3/8" width, 4 to 10 tpi, with 6 being my favorite for such things.
I like Lennox brand bi-metal blades, which I get from Hastings saw in Santa Rosa CA. They ship anywhere, and their welds are the best I have ever seen.
-C

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Freeborn Guitars
and home of BeauGuard©

Yeah lenox makes a good product, but I justgo to Home Depot pay 15.00 for a Rigid 1/2" 5 teeth to the inch and call it a day. They last me quite a while.

Hmmm.....you said "body blanks" so I got the impression you'd be doing resawing and straight cuts. If you mean to make curved cuts you'll definitely need a shallower blade than 1". But I'd still recommend the Lennox. The guys at Spectrum were particularly helpful when it came to giving advice, btw.

_________________
I read Emerson on the can. A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds...true...but a consistent reading of Emerson has its uses nevertheless.

StuMusic

Stuart, I should've been more clear with my language. I'm looking for (and just ordered) a blade for cutting out the body shape. The resaw blade I have (prepare for terrible pun) is cutting it fine. But needless to say, trying to cut out the horn on the Tele build I was just commissioned for has been an exercise in futility.

Since I got a riser block for my bandsaw, I've only been using the resaw blade, so it was definitely time to get some new inventory in the blade department. Ideally, I'd love a better bandsaw. I have a 14" Grizzly with 4" riser block. 1HP, nothing special, but it's a bit slow for me. Sounds like it's working too hard when it shouldn't be.

Anyway, I went with a Timber Wolf blade from Woodcraft.com. 1/4" 6 tpi. Thanks for that, Chas. I wanted a 3/8" but they don't seem to exist with the other specs.