Mark J Posted March 11, 2019 Report Share Posted March 11, 2019 So I want to cut moderate curves (1 or 2" radius) in very thick (>4") stock on the bandsaw. I am looking to buy a 1/4" blade as I think that is thin enough to negotiate any curves I plan to be cutting. Most makers sell a 1/4" with 6 TPI which seems a bit much for 4 to 6" stock. Do you think I should be going for a smaller pitch blade? There are a few with 4 TPI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted March 11, 2019 Report Share Posted March 11, 2019 6tpi in 6" is like 3TPI in 12" (I know it's not exactly the same but it's similar) So you could probably get away with 6 tpi. 4tpi would cut faster with less feed pressure at the cost of more cleanup. Personally I've done the 6tpi with less cleanup, as i hate sanding with the spindle sander. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted March 11, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 11, 2019 I think your reasoning is sound, only the charts I've seen tell you that for 4 inches of thickness or more you should already be at 3 TPI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted March 11, 2019 Report Share Posted March 11, 2019 Yeah probably, charts are often created by nerds with pocket protectors that like to live in theoretical environments, i know this because I'm that guy from time to time. I'm sure the charts say i should be using a 1 tpi blade for a 12" resaw but the reality is that blade doesn't exist in 1/2" for a 14" saw. I know that 3 TPI works for my thick 10-12" resaws so i extrapolate. Keep in mind most of that information is for resawing when you want the blade to track perfectly strait. When you are curve cutting a lot of that goes out the window because you generally aren't feeding as hard and as fast. Also the result of using a finer pitched blade is drive and when you are cutting a curve you can think of it as controlled band saw blade drift of sorts. Also they are guidelines and meant as a starting place. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronn W Posted March 12, 2019 Report Share Posted March 12, 2019 IL don't think you will have any trouble with a sharp 1/4", 6 tpi blade in 4" material. Just a little slower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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