carbide tip band blades

[sctstoys72]

anybody using one are they worth the cost, i'm cutting oak with 25 hp

 

[hamish]

I have never used a carbide tipped band, but have used cobalt/bi-metal bands. Like everything else no single tool works in all situations, have found that one need to try it out before passing jusgement, and bf will vary between sawyer and log.

I cut oak with a regular 10 degree band being pushed by 13hp, does the job, hardley noticed any difference using a 7 degree band.

 

[qbilder]

Been wanting to try a carbide blade for some of the gritty mesquites & such around here, and some river logs from up north.

 

[Dave Boyt]

I've only seen carbide tips on industrial band saw blades 6" and wider. If you are just looking for a blade to last longer, consider getting a blade sharpening system so that you won't be tempted to run them so long between sharpenings. If the wood is hard or frozen, consider 4 degree or 7 degree hook angle. I use a blade with a 7 degree angle for hedge and oak, and it cuts noticeably better than the 10 degree angle blade commonly used. Cobaltized band saw blades (bi-metal) will cut through wire and nails, but are about three times the price of a steel blade, and don't cut nearly as well (slower and rougher cuts). I only use them when I suspect metal in a log.