Best band saw blade for Ti?

J S Machine

J S Machine

Well-Known Member
Currently, all I have for a bandsaw is a portable unit. It runs the little 44 7/8" blades. I have been fighting with Ti every since I started using it. I was hoping that I could get some pointers on what you guys are using to cut this stuff. I have a call in to a metallurgist at Sterrett, and maybe he can help me when he returns my call.

I am cutting thinner liner material around .050" and also thicker frame and bolster material at /125" or so.

Thanks.

Also, We have a blade welder on a Dake saw at work. I'm wondering if it might be cheaper just to buy a roll of it, and weld up little portaband size blades vs buying pre welded portaband size.
 
I use .050 for my liners and also cut out lock bars up to .250 of titanium I have had the "standard" floor model for the last 20 years. Really. I most often try to use 1/2" blades that are 18 teeth per inch but will go with 12 when the 18 are not available. 16s are not available. Frank
 
A couple of years ago, I ran across an outfit on ebay that was selling 8% cobalt blades (44 7/8") and decided to give them a try..... they offer various TPI, but I chose to go with the 18TPI, and ever since, those are the only blades I have been using.....I try to keep an eye on them.....and have actually saved the seller to my favorites on ebay.......often times they will run an auction for 10 blades for $40! Beats the pants off paying $20 for 3 blades, which is what our local stores sell the lesser grade blades for.

Just go to ebay and search for "44 7/8" blades cobalt".
 
EdCaffreyMS said:
A couple of years ago, I ran across an outfit on ebay that was selling 8% cobalt blades (44 7/8") and decided to give them a try..... they offer various TPI, but I chose to go with the 18TPI, and ever since, those are the only blades I have been using.....I try to keep an eye on them.....and have actually saved the seller to my favorites on ebay.......often times they will run an auction for 10 blades for $40!

Beats the pants off paying $20 for 3 blades, which is what our local stores sell the lesser grade blades for.

Just go to ebay and search for "44 7/8" blades cobalt".
Click to expand...

Feel lucky Ed, I'm paying $18 EACH if I buy them locally. plustax
 
J S Machine said:
Currently, all I have for a bandsaw is a portable unit. It runs the little 44 7/8" blades. I have been fighting with Ti every since I started using it. I was hoping that I could get some pointers on what you guys are using to cut this stuff. I have a call in to a metallurgist at Sterrett, and maybe he can help me when he returns my call.

I am cutting thinner liner material around .050" and also thicker frame and bolster material at /125" or so.

Thanks.

Also, We have a blade welder on a Dake saw at work. I'm wondering if it might be cheaper just to buy a roll of it, and weld up little portaband size blades vs buying pre welded portaband size.
Click to expand...


I think blade pitch may be problematic on that fine material.

Did you ever try one of those expensive abrasive SC or diamond bands on that ?

I'm not sure it's available in portaband size, maybe custom.



How about some 32 tpi on the fine stuff
 
I always used a worn out 1/2" bimetal 18 tooth blade on my bandsaw with the saw running at it's fastest speed. This is called friction cutting. The Ti melts ahead of the blade, caused by the high speed friction. The blade lasts a long time. Cuts lots of metal this way.
 
I've just been using some big box store bi-metal blades. It's al ittle slow going, but it works. The teeth do start to gum up after a bit, but if I hit it with a piece of regular steel or micarta, I can clean some of it up.

Sounds like Ed has the ticket though...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top