Blade Selection; Blade Description - DeWalt DCS371 Instruction Manual

WARNING: The use of any other blade or
accessory might be hazardous. DO NOT use
any other type of accessory with your band saw.
Blades used on stationary band saws are of
different thickness. Do not attempt to use them on
your portable unit.

Blade Selection

In general, first consider the size and shape of
the work, and the type of material to be cut.
Remember, for the most efficient cutting, the
coarsest tooth blade possible should be used in a
given application, because the coarser the tooth,
the faster the cut. In selecting the appropriate
number of teeth per inch of the band saw blade,
at least two teeth should contact the work surface
when the blade is rested against the workpiece.
As a rule of thumb, soft materials usually require
coarse tooth blades, while hard materials require
fine tooth blades. Where a smoother finish is
important, select one of the finer tooth blades.
Select the appropriate band saw blade according
to the material type, dimensions, and number of
teeth. See Blade Description chart.
The following table is intended as a general guide
only. Determine the type of material and dimension
of the workpiece and select the most appropriate
band saw blade.
NOTICE: Never use the band saw to cut resin
materials which are subject to melting. Melting
of resin material caused by high heat generated
during cutting may cause the band saw blade to
become bound to the material, possibly resulting in
overload and burn-out of the motor.
FIG. 3
D
K
M
J
L
F
N

BLADE DESCRIPTION

Type of band saw blade
Number of teeth
Workpiece thickness
1/8" (3.2 mm) and under
1/8"–1/4" (3.2 mm–6.4 mm)
11
A
J
N
G
Bi-Metal
24 18 14 14/18
• •
• •
P
Q
L