Hey Guys,
  I am currently building my first laminated glass backed bow. My question to you guys with knowledge is what kind of bandsaw blade works best for cutting through the bow blank for shaping?

Is there a preferred brand, width, gauge, TPI, or style? I know the glass has to be hard on a blade so i was looking for some insight. Please help!!

Thanks

Welcome Eric,

I simply grind my limbs to shape with 36 or 40 grit disc sander. Just go slow ,switch off to keep cool, and CATCH THAT DUST!!

No bandsaw for me either.
Oscillating spindle sander to rip material off quick and then on to the belt sander to smooth it all up.

OK thanks for the info!!

Kenny, the Walnut lams came in today....they look great, Thanks!!

Lennox trimaster  so far is doing really well just did bow 3 with it.  Riser and all glass.  Other blades Ive used I got 1 bow for 1 blade

L82HUNT - where do you buy your blades from?

Kenny & Jsweka -  Do you know if the Rigid brand Oscillating Edge Belt / Spindle sander is a good machine? Found one online for $200 at home depot.

I currently have a Smithy Super shop that has a disc sander and a belt sander, but could see where the Oscillating edge / spindle could come in handy - ESP since bandsaw blades are so expensive.

Here ya go, from some folks who have em. I haven't used one...

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=008282;p=2

I have that sander and it is awsome.  I use it for everything.

I haven't used one either, but I really like the idea if it is put together well.  Some love 'em, some say they're junk.

Roy said it was junk, so maybe it's worth trying  

I talked to the guys in our composite shop, they told me to turn the blade around(backwards). I've cut out three bows-limbs with it. Seems to be working. Don't try to cut the riser with the blade flipped, but I do the limbs very close to the limb final shape. It's just like cutting sheet metal with a fine tooth steel saw blade turned around backwards- cuts it like butter. I used my old 1/2" 6tpi blades. Anyway it saves me alot of sanding...

How do you turn a bandsawblade backwards? Twist it left like a sock or just mount it with teeth towards the bearing?

Yeah twist it but run the teeth toward you. That lets the hook run backwards.
I use a bandsaw because of the dust. Those little micro glass particles floating around aint good. I imagine even with the best collectors we all inhale too much of it.Anyhow I use bi-metal 6/10 variable pitch blades. I save the blades when they began to dull after lam resawing for limbs.

Could you please clarify? Do you mean the teeth are pointing upwards on the cutting section, instead of pointing downwards as normal? I am new to bandsaws, as I am just finishing building my own, but I have read a lot on the subject and never came across anything like this. I would very much like to be sure, because I build glass bows, but never had a bandsaw before. From what I read, the best way to cut very hard composites and woods is either buy very cheap blades, like carbon-steel, and change frequently, or use carbide-tipped blades, which last much longer and can be resharpened, but cost a lot more. Your aproach has never been mentioned in the various sources I used.

DF

If got it right you just turn the inside out as a sock or glove does...

I put a new blade on once, thing wouldn't cut for crap. Then I realized I had put it on backwards with the teeth facing up:)

I did not care at all for the Rigid sander and gave mine away after about 3 months.

Minus "T" (aka Roy),

I did the same thing, but wasn't going to tell it until someone else said they had done it also.    

Troy

Well, *that* has been mentioned in the sources I used!    

DF

Bandsawbladedirect.com is where I got my trasree blade

I have a Lennox Tri-master carbon blade and it is great. My current one has cut out at least 50 bows and is still sharp.But, don't buy one for a small bandsaw. I had a 10" Inca saw and the trimaster broke about every 3 bows because the blade is too stiff to run around the small wheels. I now have a 17" Grizzly and it works great.