Choosing Portable Sawmill Blade Bodies

If you own a portable sawmill and you are having trouble with your blades, it may be time to get new ones.  There are a lot of different bandsaw blades to choose from and they each have different features.  So, the best way to start is to determine what sort of cutting you'll be doing and get a blade that has an appropriate body.

The molecules in a portable sawmill blade are made up of different metals, including chromium, silicon and magnesium.  The ratio of those metals determines how rigid or flexible the bandsaw blade itself is.  As the saw needs to flex, the molecules can contract and expand accordingly, at least in a flexible blade.  In fact, that blade can endure that process thousands of times.  Although, it will still wear out eventually.

In general, it's best to have a blade that is at least somewhat flexible.  That way it can easily “bounce back” and will be less likely to snap or break.  However, there are some situations where you might want a more rigid blade.  It depends on your personal preference and the types of lumber that you will be sawing.

The important thing to remember about a rigid blade is that it will break more quickly than a more flexible one.  So, you need to factor that into your budget and your decision making process.

Would you like to know more about how to maximize your portable sawmill blade productivity?  If so, visit www.cookssaw.com to learn about Cook’s blades, such as the Cook's DuraTooth™ and SilvaChrome™ blades.