Going to buy one. Tired of getting crappy blades for my Laguna. Could anyone make a recommendation as to differnt types. I think that the Lenox are a little cheaper than the Lagunas but please let me know you’r thoughts. I’m going to purchase one so there are no need for arguements against them. Just want some feedback as to what types to look for, and where to purchase. Thanks.
Mad Hunky Workshop
Replies
I have a MiniMax 16 and installed a 1" Lenox Tri Master a couple of months ago. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Was using Timberwolves (not good) and Olsons (pretty good ) before that.
The 1" blade's metal is different from other 1" blades and prior to a material change Lenox recommend the 1" be used only on 24" wheels and above. Lenox has since changed the blade material to a softer material and I believe (?) their new recommendation is for wheel sizes down to 16". In any case, you need to be able to put about 25K# PSI on the band and smaller band saws can not get the tension required.
If your BS is smaller than a 16" then I would recommend using a 1/2" Lenox Tri Master. The 1/2" Tri Master has a .025" thickness making the bend around a 14" wheel that much easier, and the required tension should be able to be met with a typical 14" band saw.
The price difference between carbide and regular band will be overcome rapidily. The carbide band will last about 10 times longer than a standard band and you can sharpen the carbides often allowing for a long tool life.
I believe Iturra carries both the 1" and 1/2" Tri Masters.
_________________________________
Michael in San Jose
"In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted." Bertrand Russell
Edited 1/28/2005 8:09 pm ET by MICHAELP
I too put a 1" Lenox carbide blade on my 16" Minimax several months ago. I have used it for ripping and resawing and think its performance is outstanding.
Dale
yep, i've got a lennox CT blade on my 18" BS.... it's either 3/4 or 1"
i cut up a lot of thick cherry into almost veneer thicknesses for making shaker oval boxes and teaching classes.
if you do a search, you'll find where i have posted pics of me in my tiny shop cutting cherry for an upcoming shaker box class.
The Laguna blades do look pretty good, and based on what I was seeing the per foot price to be I would bet they are priced close to the Lenox.
At any rate, I have a 1.25" Lenox carbide on my MM20" and love it. Someday I will buy another one just like it to replace the one I have...
>> Someday I will buy another one just like it to replace the one I have...Better do it now. If you really like it, they'll quit making it before you're ready to buy another one.
I'm pretty sure the Laguna resaw master is different from the Lenox carbide. I'd ask Iturra (888-722-7078) what he thinks before buying the Laguna blade. If you don't have one of his catalogs yet, be sure to ask for one. It has all kind of good info about bandsaws.
http://www.carbide.com has good prices on saw blades too.
based on what I was seeing the per foot price to be I would bet they are priced close to the Lenox.
I didn't suggest that it was the same, or even similar blade, I said it looked to be priced in the same range. It's actually more $$ than the Lenox on a per inch basis but the way I look at it is if you are already spending $200 on a bandsaw blade, then an extra $25-50 is in the margins.
As MichaelP has suggested Louis Iturra at Iturra design is a great person to talk with as well as a supplier for 1/2, 3/4, & 1" lenox carbide blades. No website, phone # in FWW ad. Expect to pay approx. $1 p/ft, Great investment, I like my 1/2", may step up to 3/4" as well.
Bill
Bill
I think you meant to say a $1+/ INCH ;>)
_________________________________
Michael in San Jose
"In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted." Bertrand Russell
Edited 1/29/2005 3:13 pm ET by MICHAELP
Michael, WHOOPS!! Yes you are absolutely correct, I did mean $1 p/inch not p/ft, Thank you for that correction.
Bill
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled