131 1/2" band saw blade? What do you do for odd sized blades?

[Rick Cicciarelli]

As my earlier post stated, I am looking at the Grizzly G0513X2 and I noticed that the specs. states the blade length is 131 1/2". Took a quick look at Woodcraft to see some options available and I don't see anything unless you request custom welded blades to size. Is this typical, or am I missing something? This seems like it would be a pain??

[John Coloccia]

Industry standard is to make a blade to whatever darn length you want. Check out Suffolk Machinery (for Timberwolf), Olson, Highland, Lenox, etc. Woodcraft caters to a handful of standard sizes but they are not a bandsaw blade place. They're a general woodworking retailer. It's sorta' like Home Depot isn't a lumber yard even though they carry lumber. Woodcraft's "custom" blade length selection is absolutely pitiful, and it's a shame because they get a lot of other things right.

Anyone who's a real bandsaw blade supplier won't consider it a "custom" blade (even though they may call it that) any more than your bartender considers your order a "custom" order. You're simply ordering what you need.

[Cody Colston]

As my earlier post stated, I am looking at the Grizzly G0513X2 and I noticed that the specs. states the blade length is 131 1/2". Took a quick look at Woodcraft to see some options available and I don't see anything unless you request custom welded blades to size. Is this typical, or am I missing something? This seems like it would be a pain??

I don't buy bandsaw blades at Woodcraft but Highland, Suffolk Machinery and Lenox all offer blades in the 131 1/2" length as I suspect most everyone else does.. There's lots of bandsaws from the GO513 family out there...including mine.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Rick,

My local ACE hardware carries Olsen blades and will special order them for me. My blade size is larger than most the commercial places stock.

[Josiah Bartlett]

My 16" Walker Turner isn't a commonly stocked size either, but I have no trouble getting good blades special order. The only advantage of one of the import 14"s in my mind is that you can buy blades off the shelf.

[Eiji Fuller]

I order mine from spectrum supply. Other than the blades that came with my FB540 Ive only bought and used carbide blades.

[glenn bradley]

Is this typical, or am I missing something? This seems like it would be a pain??

A lot of people are unaware that the normal bandsaw blade consumer has the blades made. You will get better quality at a better price. It is not considered a "custom" job by any means.

[lowell holmes]

Check BC saw online. They make blades to order. I think they use Starrett.

[Carroll Courtney]

Talk to Bobby at www.woodworkerstoolworks.com they custom make any blade length,any tooth arrangement,all kinds of steel.Family owned and operated and he's a woodworker,nice to talk to him asking for advice----Carroll

[Brian Cosgrove]

I have had much success with www.bandsawbladesdirect.com Their big brand is Lenox.

[Paul Symchych]

Call any of the manufacturers named above. Tell them the model of saw [and/or length you want], what you want to do with it and they will have advice for material, size and tooth set. They KNOW the business and it can be a learning experience just chatting with them. I've always been impressed by how considerate the folks at Suffolk have been for what has to be a small order for them.

Its a "custom" order only in that you will get a blade that suits your needs best. They'll whip the factory blades your machine comes with. You'll have your blade(s) in a couple of days via UPS.

[Rod Sheridan]

Rick, as everyone has mentioned, you'll get far better blades for less money at a blade supplier.

Since they cut each blade from a coil of blade stock, then weld and grind the blade, every blade is a custom blade.

Regards, Rod

[Tom Walz]

It is pretty easy to make your own. Buy one oversize then cut, bevel the ends, braze, cleanup and use. Might want to practice a little with an old one first.

[Jim Rimmer]

I highly recommend Highland Supply http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/w...s705to137.aspx Woodslicer if you are going to resaw. Their order process has you pick the length and the 1/2" WS comes in 131 1/2.

[greg a bender]

Highland hardware has all you need! <G>

That size is pretty standard now. Real blade place's will be able to fill your need.

Greg A