G1011 7" x 12'' Bandsaw -15-
Blade Selection
A bandsaw blade is a ribbon of steel subjected
to tremendous strain. Be sure you use qual-
ity blades for the various types of cutting opera-
tions. The Grizzly G1011Z bandsaw accepts 1'' x
101" blades. Bandsaw blades can be purchased
welded, set, and sharpened ready-for-use from
most saw shops. We also supply tool steel and
variable pitch bi-metal blades for this saw. Please
refer to our current catalog for prices and ordering
information.
There are several key factors to consider in
choosing a blade:
Tooth Pitch - The number of teeth per inch
(TPI) on the blade, also known as tooth
pitch. Select a pitch which will assure that
at least three teeth are contacting the
workpiece while cutting. This helps to dis-
tribute the cutting forces and avoids tooth
breakage.
Tooth Form - There are four common forms
of teeth on the blade: buttress, claw-tooth,
precision and tungsten carbide. Precision is
the most common and is the type supplied
with this saw. See Figure 9. It is the most
versatile and it provides a good surface
finish.
Tooth Set - Set is the degree to which the
teeth are bent away from the blade. Typical
tooth set styles are raker, wave and straight
set. Raker set is the most common with one
tooth offset to the right, the next one to the
left, and the third is straight. A wave set
will have 3-4 teeth bent progressively one
direction, then to the other in a wave-like
pattern. A straight set is alternating teeth
set right, then left.
Always select and use good-quality saw blades
and choose the right blade for the job. Discuss
your cutting requirements with your saw blade
dealer to make sure you are getting the type of
blade which best suits your need. Poor quality
blades and improper use are often the cause of
premature blade failure.
Figure 9. A precision tooth, raker set blade.
Gullet Line
Gullet
Operating this equipment has the poten-
tial to propel debris into the air which can
cause eye injury. Always wear safety glass-
es or goggles when operating equipment.
Everyday glasses or reading glasses only
have impact resistant lenses, they are not
safety glasses. Be certain the safety glasses
you wear meet the appropriate standards of
the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI).
Many conditions can lead to breakage. Blade
breakage is, in some cases, unavoidable, since it
is the natural result of the peculiar stresses that
bandsaw blades are subjected to. Blade break-
age is also due to avoidable causes. 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.
The most common causes of blade breakage are:
(1) faulty alignment and adjustment of the guides;
(2) Insufficient number of teeth contacting the cut;
(3) feeding too fast; (4) tooth dullness or absence
of sufficient set; (5) excessive tension; (6) using
a blade with a lumpy or improperly finished weld;
and (7), continuously running the bandsaw when
not in use.