alamocdc
Member
Okay, so I'm probably the only one on here that is so ignorant they didn't know the following. First some background; I recently ordered riser blocks for my 14" BS and as a result I needed longer blades. The kit comes with and calls for 105" to replace the now too short 93 1/2" standard. This much was intuitive. I read a post recently about 104" being better so you can better tension the blade. So I called Suffolk Machinery to take them up on the "Buy 3 get 1 Free" offer. I queried the nice lady about the 104" vs. 105" topic and she didn't have a clue. She did however, offer to connect me with a technician. This is where my ignorance began to show. I told him what I had, what I was doing and what I had read. He began a discourse (rather lengthy... considerably longer than this post) about Timberwolf blades being made of the best steal, and not believing everything the someone posts on the web, etc. Then his language began to enlighten me. He said that TW blades are designed to cut straighter with less tension than all the others IF they are run at the proper speed. Huh? You mean that can really make a difference? My manual didn't say anything about that! I've been running my 4 speed BS on the slowest speed for 3 years!!! He went on to tell me that TW blades are designed to cut best (and straighter for those who resaw) with the blade moving at 3000 to 4000 ft/min. I've been cutting at 625 ft/min (600 RPM)! Well, I thanked him for the information, ordered my 4 blades (105") and when I got home set my speed at the highest and gave it a quick test. My fastest setting is 2578.4 ft/min (2670 RPM), but WOW!!!!!!!! That made a world of difference. The blade cut better, straighter and cleaner. Lesson learned. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? 
Oops, I almost forgot. He also said to set the tension using the "flutter test", mark the position of each blade and ALWAYS take the tension off as soon as you're finished cutting. I know, it's a pain, but your blade will last longer!
EDIT: Moved to TIPS forum.
Oops, I almost forgot. He also said to set the tension using the "flutter test", mark the position of each blade and ALWAYS take the tension off as soon as you're finished cutting. I know, it's a pain, but your blade will last longer!
EDIT: Moved to TIPS forum.
