Southbend SB1017 - Manual (Page 23)

For Machines Mfg. Since 8/09 Model SB1017
-21-
O P E R A T I O N
Blade Selection
Selecting the right blade for the cut requires a
knowledge of various blade characteristics. This
section breaks down blade characteristics to help
the reader make an informed decision about
what blade to use for a given operation.
Blade Terminology
A. Kerf: The width of the cut made during
operation.
B. Too th Set: The distance each tooth is bent
left or right from the blade.
C. G auge: The thickness of the blade.
D. Bl ade Width: The widest point of the blade
measured from the tip of the tooth to the
back edge of the blade.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
Figure 22. Bandsaw blade terminology.
Blade Length
Measured by the blade circumference, blade
lengths are usually unique to the brand of your
bandsaw and the distance between the wheels.
Model Blade Length
SB1017 .............................................................64 1 ⁄
2
"
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—generally
the wider the blade, the straighter it will cut.
Model Blade Width
SB1017 ................................................................. 1 ⁄
2
"
Curve Cutting: Curve cutting can only be
performed while the machine is in the vertical
position. See Vertical Operation on Page 30
for more information on vertical cutting. The
smallest radius curve that can accurately be cut
with a 1 ⁄
2
" blade width is approximately 2 1 ⁄
2
".
E. T ooth Rake: The angle of the tooth face
from a line perpendicular to the length of the
blade.
F. G ullet Depth: The distance from the tooth
tip to the bottom of the curved area (gullet).
G. Tooth Pitch: The distance between tooth
tips.
H. Blade Back: The distance between the
bottom of the gullet and the back edge of the
blade.
I. B lade Pitch or TPI: The number of teeth per
inch measured from gullet to gullet.