Tried a TC tipped bandsaw blade?

[ivan]

Has anyone tried a TC tipped narrow bandsaw blade? They feature in US based literature, usually from Lennox, who apparently make them from 3/8" up.

 

[Alan Holtham]

Yes, I had one of these made up at great expense a few years ago to try and extend the cutting life when dealing with very abrasive exotic timbers.

What I found, which is obvious now, but I overlooked at the time, is that the edge holding of the TCT teethis extended greatly beyond the life of the blade material. The standard steel backing was fatiguing with the constant flexing just as it does with a standard blade and was eventually breaking well before the carbide had reached the end of its useful life. Although it did last longer, at the time the cost benefit didn't come anywhere near the initial cost of the blade.

To be fair this was perhaps 20 years ago :lol: , I am not sure of the current relative costs, which might be more favourable now.

Alan

 

[ivan]

Thanks for that, Alan. Did it actually cut any better?

I have a sister in the US who gets me stuff now and than, she says a blade will cost me about a $ per inch.

 

[Alan Holtham]

Ivan, No it didn't cut any better, in fact you cannot get tungsten as sharp as HSS, but the edge did last longer. The kerf was also considerably wider.

However at $ per inch a blade is going to cost you around $80- 120 depending on your saw type. For this amount I reckon you could get at least 6 conventional blades, so I still don't think the figures stack up IMHO.

Will be interesting to see if anyone else has any experience with this type of blade.

Alan

 

[ivan]

In the context of sawing, it's easy to have TCT v steel circular sawbaldes in the back of your mind. Looks as if the same degree of difference does not apply to bandsaw blades! HSS is looking a better bet for hard hardwoods.

ps $152