South Bend Tools
For Machines Mfd. Since 7/21
Model SB1123
-39-
O P E R A T I O N
Blade Dimensions
Length Range ...................................... 180"–181
1
⁄
2
"
Width Range ...............................................
1
⁄
4
"– 1
1
⁄
2
"
Blade Length
Measured by the blade circumference, blade
lengths are specific to each bandsaw. They are
determined by the wheel diameter and distance
between the wheels. Blades will vary slightly
even in the same length because of how they are
welded. Refer to Accessories on
Page 51 for
replacement blades from Grizzly.
Blade Width
Measured from the back of the blade to the tip
of the blade tooth (the widest point), blade width
is often the first consideration given to blade
selection. Blade width dictates the largest and
smallest curve that can be cut, as well as how
accurately it can cut a straight line.
•
Curve Cutting:
Use the chart in Figure 54 to
determine the correct blade for curve cutting.
Determine the smallest radius curve that
will be cut on your workpiece and use the
corresponding blade width (refer to Cutting
Curves
on Page 48 for more information).
Blade Width
Cutting Radius
5
1
/
2
"
3
/
4
"
1
/
2
"
3
/
8
"
1
/
4
"
3
/
16
"
1
/
8
"
1
/
8
"
3
/
8
"
5
/
8
"
2
1
/
2
"
1
1
/
4
"
Figure 54. Recommended cutting radius per blade
Recommended cutting radius per blade
width.
width.
•
Straight Cutting:
Use the largest width blade
that you own. Large blades excel at cutting
straight lines and are less prone to wander
(known as blade lead —refer to Page 49 for
more information on blade lead).
Tooth Style
Figure 55 illustrates the three main blade tooth
styles:
•
Raker
: 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 scraping the
material. As a result, smooth cuts can be
achieved without cutting fast or generating
more heat than other tooth types.
•
Skip
: Similar to a raker blade, except that
it 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 less heat.
However, these blades also leave a rougher
cut than raker blades.
•
Hook
: The teeth have a positive angle
(downward) which makes them dig into
the material, and the gullets are usually
rounded for easier waste removal. These
blades are excellent for the tough demands of
resawing and ripping thick material.
Raker
Skip
Hook
Figure 55. Main blade tooth styles.
Main blade tooth styles.
