Bandsaw blade suppliers (again!)

[dickm]

Needing a blade urgently, I phoned round all the obvious places near Aberdeen (not many!).They either don't supply anything as small/large (depending who you asked!) as 112 inches for the Startrite or could order, taking some time. But there's a guy in Banchory who buys them in from Dakin and something in Sheffield, who make them up for him. Anyone know anything about this outfit? (the Sheffield one, not Banchory)

In the meantime, I've ordered a couple from Dragon, and added a Hakansson to an order from Tilgear to get it over the free postage limit. So that should keep me going till I hit the next nail

 

[jasonB]

They are a very well known maker, Scrit used to speak highly of them


http://www.dakin-flathers.com/bandsaw/i ... ub=Bandsaw

Jason

 

[ByronBlack]

Dragon are a superb company with fantastic blades, I don't think you can do any better than use them IMO

 

[LarryS.]

Dragon are a superb company with fantastic blades, I don't think you can do any better than use them IMO

100% agree with byron

 

[Mr Ed]

What make of blades are Dragon actually selling? I assume they are not a manufacturer of blade stock, just buying it and welding to required lengths?

Be intersting to know where they buy from.

Cheers, Ed

 

[iajon69]

What make of blades are Dragon actually selling? I assume they are not a manufacturer of blade stock, just buying it and welding to required lengths?

Be intersting to know where they buy from.

Cheers, Ed

Hi Ed

We actually use a few different manufacturers because we've found that different manufacturers are better at producing certain types of blades.
We purchase material from America, Germany and the UK and we only purchase quality material.

Obviously I don't want to name the actual manufacturers that we use but all of them have been producing bandsaw blades for a long time.
We get sent samples from other manufacturers all the time but we won't stock anything unless the quality is right!

Many thanks for the recommendations as well - the support from the forum members is greatly appreciated.

Ian (Dragon Saws)

 

[Philly]

****
I've been using Dragon blades for a while, too, and they really are good stuff! The M42 blades are my favourite,
Philly

 

[Shakespeare]

Must admit, as a new turner, and using a bandsaw for about the first time, I followed Byron's advice and used Dragon's blades,and all I can say is Brilliant. I shall of course be staying with Dragon as I can't see any reason to change if I'm totally satisfied eh.

 

[devonwoody]

****
I've been using Dragon blades for a while, too, and they really are good stuff! The M42 blades are my favourite,
Philly

And who told you about that one Philly.

The problem for Dragon Saws is that my M42 is now nearly three years old and I haven't had to replace it.

 

[Waka]

I'm with Dragon as well, won't use anything else.

 

[seanybaby]

When a blade is blunt do you lot throw it out or get it sharpened?

 

[devonwoody]

I think the Yorkshire boys get them resharpened.

 

[dickm]

Thanks for the information, folks. I will be interested to see if the Dragon blades live up to the recommendations that everyone gives. As a pensioner, the extra cost per blade from them (about £16 compared to about £10 from the Banchory guy for my size) has to be a consideration. But if they give 50% more good cutting, then it's a no-brainer.

BTW, have Dure Edge now finally disappeared? Couldn't find them on the web anywhere.

 

[Chris Knight]

But if they give 50% more good cutting, then it's a no-brainer.

Less easy to measure but even more important is how accurate a cut they make. I have no experience of the Dragon blades but I do use a premium blade (Wood Slicer from Highland Hardware in the USA) for resawing and it is miles better than run of the mill blades, using the same setup of fence, etc.

The premium is soon paid for in time saved (eg for thicknessing etc.) and money saved when sawing expensive woods without having to leave excessive allowances for blade wander.

 

[maltrout512]

I ordered 2 Dragon blades from Ian, and have used one only at the moment, don't know why I hadn't got them sooner. I also sharpen my own blades using a jig (designed by farther and made by myself) and angle grinder. Must be because both parents come from over the border that I sharpen mine. It's in the blood they say.

 

[joiner_sim]

Dragon Saws are great!
dickm..... instead of ordering just the one blade..... order more than you need and then when your down to your last one or two re-order before you have to stop work. Plus, I'm sure dragon saws give a discount on 5 blades ordered at once :wink:

 

[Shedman]

From reading this I get the impression Dragon seems to be the blade of choice!! Next question is what size? I have a small Delta saw and a larger EB (the green one). I need blades for both, for general cutting and resawing. I was going to buy a Woodslicer blade for the EB, but have become completely confused by the sizing. What would you recommend for general cutting in terms of width for each? It seems as if the cutting radius is 1/2 the blade width. Can anybody help, or guide me here please. Highland quote $100 minimum charge for their blades. Is anyone interested in combining for an order? Many thanks

 

[devonwoody]

The reason Dragon blades has become popular here is that you can telephone them and ask for Ian. Ian will advise you in my opinion the best type of blade to purchase without obligation and gives a discount on orders of 5 blades and over.
Plus the last order I placed was postage free.

 

[Shedman]

Thank you for that. I will try to call him tomorrow (Monday). As Christmas approaches I need all the help I can get to complete the project I have underway!

 

[joesoap]

I ordered 2 Dragon blades from Ian, and have used one only at the moment, don't know why I hadn't got them sooner. I also sharpen my own blades using a jig (designed by farther and made by myself) and angle grinder. Must be because both parents come from over the border that I sharpen mine. It's in the blood they say.

No doubt that will be the Welsh border Mal , yeh !