Band Saw Blade

[algstick]

I am going to be building a laminated (wood/Glass) longbow and would like some advice on a band saw blade for cutting out the limbs. Any input would be appreciated.

[Roy from Pa]

Glass really chews up band saw blades. I suggest using a belt or edge sander for shaping the limbs, if you have one.

[critman]

X3 what Roy said.  By the way, when have YOU been cutting 'glass Roy?

[talkingcabbage]

X 4 on old Roy.  I do use the band saw once in a while, but I switch to a blade that's already destined for the garbage.  

X 2 on Critman too.  Are you coming over to the dark side, Roy?

[Roy from Pa]

I READ A LOT. And you two girls are being added to the thumpin list, right now..  

[bornofmud]

Yeah, I use an old blade (I keep a couple thick ones for cutting fiberglass or g10), then have one or two nice ones for wood only (though they are seeing less and less use as I use more glass products).

[beachbowhunter]

For straight tapers like on a longbow I rough cut on the table saw and then use the belt sander.

[talkingcabbage]

Originally posted by Roy from Pa:
I READ A LOT. And you two girls are being added to the thumpin list, right now..    

Roy can read?!?!  Here I always thought you just looked at the pictures!  

[Jim Rocole]

I found a used tabletop bandsaw for cheap. put a bi-metal blade on it and only use it to cut out the limbs. Finish them up on edge sander.

[Horsey]

I use a Lenox Tri-Master carbide tipped bandsaw blade (3TPI) and can cut out 75-100 bows per blade.  They are expensive, about $140, but well worth the money.  Make sure to use the 1/2" blade because they are thinner stock than the 3/8" blade and better suited forsmaller bandsaws like my 14".

[Hatrick]

If you're going to make a bunch of bows, like we all do once we got started... X2 what Horsey just said. Check out Bandsaw Blades Direct for the Lenox Tri-Master.