: I am starting to build a Redfish Return. I want to cut the strip using a
: quality band saw. Any recommendations what blade (tpi and tooth type) I
: should use to get a good smooth finish on western red cedar.

: Andreas

Hi Andreas :)

I have used a standard 6 tooth per inch for just about everything I cut, and it leaves some little lines, but, they should be O.K. for a stripper. You won't need to get too smooth for the strips, as you will be scraping and sanding the surface to fair it out anyway. You could use fewer teeth or more, but, six has always worked for me. When you buy the blade, if from a saw sharpening outfit, you can specify the " Set " in the teeth, which is more important than the number of teeth. Also, if you are ripping materials, the wider the blade the better. I usually stay away from the precut blades that usually come with most saws, and go directly to the sharpener that will be doing your sharpening and get him to put them together for you. Oh, by the way, sharpening your bandsaw blades is usually more expensive than buying new ones. Most shops won't even do it. You just need to tell him the diameter of the blade, which is measured around the two wheels. Or the saw manufacturer will have it on the saw or in the manual. Also, measure how wide the wheels are and he will recommend the appropriet width of blade for ripping. The wider you get it, the straighter it will cut. Every saw is different and will take a different max. width on the blades, so, check it out. I have used mine to rip on occasion and I use a 1/2" wide blade.

Check with your sharpener person and see what he/she recommends for " Set " in the teeth, as that will determine how smooth or rough a cut you get. Don't expect a perfectly smooth surface, as the bandsaw wasn't designed for that, and you don't need it. Just close.

Without getting some really tiny teeth, you won't get that smooth cut you are looking for, and the tiny teeth usually heat up the wood, and get sawdust loaded up in them and cut slowly, also heating and burning the wood. I would recommend just getting the 6 or 7 tooth per inch and a rather tame offset in the teeth. Even a 7 or 8 tpi skip-tooth will work well. They have one tooth missing every inch or so, and that helps clean out the kerf and keeps it running smooth. Anyway, I hope that helps a little.

Rehd