" Andy H. andys_junk_address at yahoo dot com"
fired this volley in
:

Hi Fellas,

I've got to cut up a bunch of 1/2" 316-stainless round bar this
weekend, and am looking for a good bandsaw blade that won't leave me
cursing halfway through the job. I've hear Starret and Lennox
bi-metal are the way to go. Any recommendations?

My saw uses 1/2" X 64-1/2" blades.

Thanks for any help.

Andy, use any-ol', but use as coarse a pitch as the work will stand
(looks 'bout 8-10 teeth, based on 1/2" work), make sure it's brand,
spankin' new-sharp, use as much down-pressure as you dare from the
very instant it kisses the metal, and low surface speed with coolant
or oil.

The big problem with 316 is work-hardening. Never, ever, ever, EVER
let the blade dwell in the work with too little down-pressure, or
you'll throw both the blade AND the cutoff away.

As you surmized, the bi-metal blades are longer-lasting, but still
will be polished into pretty metal (toothless) ribbons by any non-
aggressive cutting.

LLoyd