Band Saw Blade for Fiber Glass

[Mark Smeltzer]

It there a band saw blade that will stand up to the fiber glass accents in spliced limb veneers and risers?
Thanks,

Mark

[jess stuart]

I have never tried one but, some say a carbide blade will last.  My experience is touch the glass with the blade and it is toast.  I do everything possible to avoid cutting glass with my bandsaw.

[Mark Smeltzer]

Yea, that's where I'm at now. Ruined one to many blades.

[mikkekeswick]

I use bi-metal M42 blades. Yes they lose their edge when you cut glass but they only lose a bit of sharpness then stay like that for many, many cuts without getting blunt.
If you just use a regular blade then yes it will be toast as soon as you touch the glass.

[Horsey]

For cutting fiberglass, the only reasonable option is a carbide tipped blade.  I use a 1/2" Tri-Master, 3TPI blade.  You can order them made to length from Spectrum Supply.  I have cut out as many as 100 bows per blade.

[Mark Smeltzer]

Thanks for the info, I"ll check them both out.

Mark

[JamesV]

When the tri-master carbide blade gets so dull that it starts burning thur the wood you can sharpen it. I Bought 5 diamond 5/32 burs for my dremmel tool for less than $6 delivered (off the auction site),and sharpened a 3 tooth and it cuts good, not a clean as the original but still good. Saved a few bucks there.

[Carpdaddy]

Gone through a lot of blades cutting through glass and phenolic, I usually put one of those old ones back on for the cut. The burning through cant be good but I get all I can out of old wore out blades.

[Crooked Stic]

6-10 VP bi metal for everything. Resaws against the fence well for lams. When it gets to wandering and a bit dull use it for glass. I have got as many as 20 bows after retiring them to glass. about $25.

[cylyntbowyer]

Couple old bowyers from the club use an old cheap table saw with carbide tip blade to rough out their limb profiles...they swear by it. I would try it but there is no more room in the shop!

[bigbob2]

I use bi metal wood cutting blades and when they get a little blunt chuck them to one side . When cutting limb profiles etc I change the good blade over for one of these 'blunt' ones and am always amazed how easy it cuts the glass. What took me about 15 mins. with a 4'' grinder and thin kerf blade literally takes a couple of minutes max. Only takes a couple minutes to exchange blades too. No brainer for me.

[typical2]

http://www.starrett.com/saws/saws-hand-tool-products/band-saw-blades/carbide-diamond/advanz-fs