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Best Band Saw Blades Review:
Flexible Back Blade or Hard Back?

Woodworking is an art that requires precision and expertise. Among the various tools used in woodworking, a band saw is a crucial one that every woodworker needs to have in their workshop. However, the band saw is only as good as the blade that it uses. Therefore, it is essential to find the best band saw blade for woodworking. In this article, we will compare two popular types of band saw blades: flexible back blades and hard back blades. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of blade and which one is best suited for your woodworking needs.

Flex Back Band Saw Blades

Flex back band saw blades are designed for cutting wood and other soft materials. They are made of high-carbon steel, which makes them flexible and durable. The flexibility of the blade allows it to bend and follow the contour of the material being cut. This is especially useful when cutting curved shapes.

Advantages of Flex Back Band Saw Blades:

  1. Flexibility: The flexibility of the blade allows it to bend and follow the contour of the material being cut. This is especially useful when cutting curved shapes.

  2. Durability: Flex back blades are made of high-carbon steel, which makes them durable and long-lasting.

  3. Smooth cuts: Flex back blades produce smooth cuts, which make them ideal for cutting veneers and thin pieces of wood.

Disadvantages of Flex Back Band Saw Blades:

  1. Not suitable for hard materials: Flex back blades are not suitable for cutting hard materials like metal or thick hardwoods.

  2. Limited resawing capabilities: Flex back blades have limited resawing capabilities, which means they are not suitable for cutting thick pieces of wood.

Our Recommendation

Q101 Series Flex Back Carbon Band Saw Blade from Sawblade.com

Hard Back Band Saw Blades

Hard back band saw blades are designed for cutting hard materials like metal and thick hardwoods. They are made of high-speed steel, which makes them strong and durable. The back of the blade is made of a harder material, which provides support and stability when cutting hard materials.

Advantages of Hard Back Band Saw Blades:

  1. Strength and durability: Hard back blades are made of high-speed steel, which makes them strong and durable. They can withstand the high stress of cutting hard materials.

  2. Resawing capabilities: Hard back blades have excellent resawing capabilities, which means they can cut thick pieces of wood with ease.

  3. Versatility: Hard back blades can cut a wide range of materials, including metal, hardwoods, and softwoods.

Disadvantages of Hard Back Band Saw Blades:

  1. Limited flexibility: Hard back blades are not as flexible as flex back blades. They cannot bend and follow the contour of the material being cut.

  2. Rough cuts: Hard back blades produce rough cuts, which may require additional sanding or finishing.

Our Recommendation

Q201 Series Flex Back Carbon Band Saw Blade from Sawblade.com

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best band saw blade is crucial for getting the best results in your woodworking projects. Whether you choose a flexible back or hard back blade, make sure to choose the right blade for the material you will be cutting. For high-quality band saw blades, be sure to check out Sawblade.com. They offer a wide range of band saw blades for all your woodworking needs.

To further enhance your band saw’s performance, consider installing a guide upgrade conversion kit or upgrading your band saw with a guide conversion kit. These upgrades can provide increased precision and stability, leading to better results in your projects.

If you have any questions about band saw blades or other woodworking tools, be sure to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us for more information. You can also learn more about GuideKits and our commitment to providing high-quality woodworking tools and accessories by visiting our About page.

Browse our selection of band saw blades, conversion kits, and other woodworking tools at GuideKits.com to find the perfect solution for your woodworking projects.

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Central Machinery 14″ Guide Upgrade Kit

$149.95
Upgrade your bandsaw with our central machinery band saw blade guide. Designed meticulously for the discerning woodworker, this upgrade ensures smoother cuts and prolonged blade life.
  • Precision Sealed Ball Bearing Roller Guides: Reduces blade friction for smoother operations.
  • Improved Cutting Accuracy: Achieve consistent and precise cuts every time.
  • Versatile Adjustments: Compatible with blade widths from 3/16" to 1”.
  • Perfect Fit: Tailored for Central Machinery 14" saws with a 7/8" diameter upper mounting post.
    Note: This guide is not compatible with machines with a 3/4" post.
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Delta 14 Guide Upgrade Kit

$149.95
Introducing the Delta 14 Guide Kit, a high-quality conversion kit designed to elevate your saw's performance and precision. Experience smoother and more accurate cuts with this essential upgrade for your woodworking needs.
  • Precision sealed ball bearing roller guides
  • Reduced blade friction for smoother operation
  • Improved cutting accuracy
  • Adjustable for blade widths from 3/16" to 1"
Upgrade your saw with the Delta 14 Guide Kit and experience a significant boost in performance. This conversion kit is equipped with precision sealed ball bearing roller guides that drastically reduce blade friction, ensuring a smoother cutting experience. The improved cutting accuracy offered by the Delta 14 Guide Kit is unmatched, while its adjustability accommodates blade widths ranging from 3/16" to 1". Enhance your saw's capabilities and achieve professional-quality results with this essential woodworking accessory. Get your Delta 14 Guide Kit today and transform your saw into a precision cutting machine.
For bandsaws with round post
Compatible with
14 28-203 28-243 28-245 28-275
28-283 28-400 28-303 28-303-A 28-984
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Delta 14″ Hex Post Guide Upgrade Kit

$179.95
Elevate your saw's performance with the Delta 14" Hex Guide Conversion Kit, designed exclusively for Delta 14" saws featuring a hexagonal upper guide support post. Experience enhanced performance and precision through the utilization of advanced sealed ball bearing roller guides.
  • Precision Sealed Ball Bearing Roller Guides: Our top-of-the-line roller guides significantly reduce blade friction, ensuring smoother operation and extended blade life.
  • Improved Cutting Accuracy: The Delta 14" Hex Guide Conversion Kit enhances your saw's cutting precision, delivering exceptional woodworking results for every project.
  • Adjustable & Compatible: Effortlessly adapt the roller guides to accommodate blade widths ranging from 3/16" to 1", offering versatility for various cutting tasks.
Upgrade your Delta 14" saw today with the Hex Guide Conversion Kit and enjoy superior performance, enhanced accuracy, and the flexibility to tackle any woodworking challenge. Don't wait - transform your saw now!
For bandsaws with hexagonal post
Compatible with
14 28-203 28-243 28-245 28-275
28-283 28-400 28-303 28-303-A 28-984
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Delta 14″ Hex Post Guide Upgrade Kit with Riser Block

$189.95
Del 14 Hex Kit With Riser Delta 14" Hex Riser Block conversion kit is for use with Delta 14" saws that have a hexagonal upper guide post and a riser block installed.
  • This kit updates your saws performance through the use of precision sealed ball bearing roller guides.
  • This gives your saw with reduced blade friction and improved cutting accuracy
  • Adjustable for blade widths from 3/16" to 1"
 
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Delta 14″ Riser Block Guide Upgrade Kit

$169.95
Introducing the Delta 14" Riser Block Guide Kit, a game-changing upgrade for your Delta 14" saws with a riser block installed. Enhance your saw's performance and achieve precise cuts with this essential kit.
  • Compatibility with Delta 14" saws equipped with a riser block
  • Performance upgrade through precision sealed ball bearing roller guides
  • Reduced blade friction for smooth operation
  • Improved cutting accuracy for consistent results
  • Adjustable for blade widths from 3/16" to 1"
Upgrade your woodworking experience with the Delta 14" Riser Block Guide Kit. Designed specifically for use with Delta 14" saws that have a riser block installed, this conversion kit significantly enhances your saw's performance. By employing precision sealed ball bearing roller guides, this kit reduces blade friction, allowing for smoother operation and enhanced cutting accuracy. Furthermore, the adjustable guide accommodates blade widths ranging from 3/16" to 1", offering versatility and adaptability for various woodworking projects. Invest in the Delta 14" Riser Block Guide Kit to optimize your saw's performance and achieve the precise cuts you desire.
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New

Delta 20″ A/B Guide Upgrade Kit

$199.95
  • Delta 20 A/B Guide Kit
  • The Delta 20 A/B kit is for older model band saws that have guides that mount perpendicular to the blade
  • This all bearing kit uses precision roller bearing guides to promote cooler running and longer blade life
  • The rugged guides are perfect for general work and resawing
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New

Delta 20″ C Guide Upgrade Kit

$179.95
Introducing the Delta 20C Guide Kit. This all bearing kit uses precision roller bearing guides, promoting cooler operation and longer blade life. Ideal for both general work and resawing, the sturdy guides will revolutionize your woodworking experience.
  • Compatible with models that have guides that mount to the top of the saw frame under the table
  • High precision roller bearing guides
  • Promotes cooler operation for extended blade life
  • Ideal for general work and resawing tasks
Transform your saw with the Delta 20C Guide Kit and experience the enhanced performance and precision. Get your Delta 20C Guide Kit today and take your woodworking projects to the next level.
Compatible with
20 Pre 1953 28-651 Type 1 28-651 Type 2 28-652 28-653 TYPE 2
 28-654 TYPE 2 28-656 TYPE 2 28-662 TYPE 2 28-663 TYPE 2 28-665 TYPE 2
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New

Delta 20″ D Guide Upgrade Kit

$199.95
  • New Delta 20D Guide Conversion Kit
  • The Delta 20D kit is for new models that have guides that mount to the side of the saw frame parallel to the saw blade
  • This all bearing kit uses roller bearing guides to promote cooler running and longer blade life
  • The rugged guides are perfect for general work and resawing
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