Bandsaw needs new blade. Added to the list – but documenting why this matters.
The current blade is showing its age after about six months of regular use. Time to start thinking about replacement before it fails mid-cut.
Signs of Wear
Noticed the blade wandering more than usual during yesterday’s work. It’s subtle – maybe an extra 1/32″ of drift over a 12″ cut – but it adds up. Clean cuts are becoming less consistent.
Also seeing more heat buildup during resawing. The teeth are losing their set, which means less chip clearance and more friction. The blade runs hotter and cuts slower as a result.
Inspection Findings
Pulled the blade off and examined it under good light. Several teeth are rounded instead of sharp, and I can see microscopic cracks forming at the gullets – stress fractures from repeated flexing around the wheels.
The weld joint is still solid, which is usually where cheap blades fail first. This Timberwolf has held up well, but every blade has a finite lifespan.
Replacement Plan
Ordering the same blade again – 1/2″ 3 TPI Timberwolf. It’s proven reliable, cuts clean, and tracks true. No reason to experiment when you’ve found what works.
Also adding a 1/4″ 6 TPI blade for curves and detail work. Having the right blade for each task makes the bandsaw infinitely more versatile.
Blade Care Going Forward
Planning to implement a blade rotation system – track hours of use and swap in fresh blades proactively rather than waiting for obvious failure. Prevention beats frustration.
