Woodworking is an art that requires precision and expertise. Among the various tools used in woodworking, a band saw is a crucial one that every woodworker needs to have in their workshop. However, the band saw is only as good as the blade that it uses. Therefore, it is essential to find the best band saw blade for woodworking. In this article, we will compare two popular types of band saw blades: flexible back blades and hard back blades. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of blade and which one is best suited for your woodworking needs.
Flex Back Band Saw Blades
Flex back band saw blades are designed for cutting wood and other soft materials. They are made of high-carbon steel, which makes them flexible and durable. The flexibility of the blade allows it to bend and follow the contour of the material being cut. This is especially useful when cutting curved shapes.
Advantages of Flex Back Band Saw Blades:
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Flexibility: The flexibility of the blade allows it to bend and follow the contour of the material being cut. This is especially useful when cutting curved shapes.
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Durability: Flex back blades are made of high-carbon steel, which makes them durable and long-lasting.
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Smooth cuts: Flex back blades produce smooth cuts, which make them ideal for cutting veneers and thin pieces of wood.
Disadvantages of Flex Back Band Saw Blades:
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Not suitable for hard materials: Flex back blades are not suitable for cutting hard materials like metal or thick hardwoods.
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Limited resawing capabilities: Flex back blades have limited resawing capabilities, which means they are not suitable for cutting thick pieces of wood.
Hard Back Band Saw Blades
Hard back band saw blades are designed for cutting hard materials like metal and thick hardwoods. They are made of high-speed steel, which makes them strong and durable. The back of the blade is made of a harder material, which provides support and stability when cutting hard materials.
Advantages of Hard Back Band Saw Blades:
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Strength and durability: Hard back blades are made of high-speed steel, which makes them strong and durable. They can withstand the high stress of cutting hard materials.
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Resawing capabilities: Hard back blades have excellent resawing capabilities, which means they can cut thick pieces of wood with ease.
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Versatility: Hard back blades can cut a wide range of materials, including metal, hardwoods, and softwoods.
Disadvantages of Hard Back Band Saw Blades:
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Limited flexibility: Hard back blades are not as flexible as flex back blades. They cannot bend and follow the contour of the material being cut.
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Rough cuts: Hard back blades produce rough cuts, which may require additional sanding or finishing.