Straight Cutting: Use the largest width blade that you own. Narrow blades can cut tight curves (a small radius) but are not very good at cutting straight lines because they naturally wander (blade lead). However, larg- er blades are much better at cutting straight lines, but function poorly at cutting small curves because of their size.

Tooth Style

When selecting blades, another option to con- sider is the shape, gullet size, teeth set and teeth angle—otherwise known as “Tooth Style."

Figure 47 shows the three main categories of tooth style:

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Figure 47. Raker, Skip & Hook tooth styles.

Raker: This style is considered to be the standard because the tooth size and shape are the same as the tooth gullet. The teeth on Raker blades usually are very numerous, have no angle, and produce cuts by scrap- ing the material; these characteristics result in very smooth cuts, but do not cut fast and generate more heat while cutting.

Skip: This style is similar to a raker blade that is missing every other tooth. Because of the design, skip toothed blades have a much larger gullet than raker blades, and therefore, cut faster and generate more heat. However, these blades also leave a rougher cut than raker blades.

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Hook: The teeth on this style have a posi- tive angle (downward) which makes them dig into the material, and the gullets are usu- ally rounded for easier waste removal. These blades are excellent for the tough demands of resawing and ripping thick material.

Tooth Pitch

Usually measured as TPI (teeth per inch), tooth pitch determines the size of the teeth. More teeth per inch (fine pitch) will cut slower, but smoother; while fewer teeth per inch (coarse pitch) will cut rougher, but faster. As a general rule, choose blades that will have at least three teeth in the material at all times. Use fine pitched blades on harder woods and coarse pitched blades on softer woods.

Blade Care

A bandsaw blade is a delicate piece of steel that is subjected to tremendous strain. You can obtain longer use from a bandsaw blade if you give it fair treatment and always use the appropriate feed rate for your operation.

Be sure to select blades with the proper width, style, and pitch for each application. The wrong choice of blades will often produce unnecessary heat which will shorten the life of your blade.

A clean blade will perform much better than a dirty blade. Dirty or gummed up blades pass through the cutting material with much more resistance than clean blades. This extra resistance also causes unnecessary heat.

Blade Breakage

Many conditions may cause a bandsaw blade to break. Blade breakage is unavoidable, in some cases, since it is the natural result of the peculiar stresses that bandsaw blades are subjected to. Blade breakage is also due to avoidable circum- stances. Avoidable breakage is most often the result of poor care or judgement on the part of the operator when mounting or adjusting the blade or support guides.

Model G0513/G0514 (Mfg. 8/02+)

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Grizzly G0514 owner manual Tooth Style, Tooth Pitch, Blade Care, Blade Breakage

G0514 specifications

The Grizzly G0514 is a top-tier bandsaw designed specifically for serious woodworkers and industrial applications. This machine is celebrated for its powerful cutting capabilities and precision, making it a vital tool for anyone looking to handle large projects with ease.

One of the standout features of the Grizzly G0514 is its robust 2 HP, 220V motor that provides ample power for cutting through thick hardwoods, softwoods, and even non-ferrous metals. This strong motor ensures a stable performance, enabling users to tackle various cutting tasks without worrying about overheating or stalling. Complementing this motor is a dual voltage capability, allowing users to switch between 120V and 220V power sources, making it incredibly versatile for different workshops.

The Grizzly G0514 also boasts a large 17-inch throat capacity, which translates to an impressive resaw height of 12 inches. This means that woodworkers can rip large pieces of timber or veneer with remarkable ease. The 14-inch blade length further enhances its cutting capabilities, providing smooth and clean cuts every time.

Another significant characteristic of this bandsaw is the precision-bearing blade guides. These guides ensure that the blade remains stable during operation, reducing blade deflection and enhancing the quality of cuts. The G0514 is equipped with a heavy-duty cast iron frame and base, which not only ensures stability and durability but also helps minimize vibrations—giving users a smoother cutting experience.

Featuring a rich array of technologies, the Grizzly G0514 is built with user-friendliness in mind. The quick-release blade tension lever allows for speedy adjustments when switching blades, maximizing efficiency. Additionally, it comes with a full-size table measuring 22 inches by 27 inches, providing ample workspace for larger projects.

Safety is paramount in woodworking, and this bandsaw is no exception, featuring a blade brake and an integrated dust port that helps maintain a clean work environment. The G0514 also comes equipped with a fence and miter gauge, enabling accurate cuts and angled woodworking tasks.

In summary, the Grizzly G0514 is an excellent choice for both professional woodworkers and hobbyists alike. With its powerful motor, vast cutting capacity, and user-friendly features, it stands out as a reliable and high-performance bandsaw in the market. Whether you’re crafting intricate furniture or simply doing home projects, the G0514 is designed to meet all your woodworking needs efficiently and safely.