Table of Contents
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:
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.
Durability: Flex back blades are made of high-carbon steel, which makes them durable and long-lasting.
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:
Not suitable for hard materials: Flex back blades are not suitable for cutting hard materials like metal or thick hardwoods.
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:
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.
Resawing capabilities: Hard back blades have excellent resawing capabilities, which means they can cut thick pieces of wood with ease.
Versatility: Hard back blades can cut a wide range of materials, including metal, hardwoods, and softwoods.
Disadvantages of Hard Back Band Saw Blades:
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.
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.
Any questions ?
Central Machinery 14″ Guide Upgrade Kit
- 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. 
Delta 14 Guide Upgrade Kit
- Precision sealed ball bearing roller guides
- Reduced blade friction for smoother operation
- Improved cutting accuracy
- Adjustable for blade widths from 3/16" to 1"
Delta 14″ Hex Post Guide Upgrade Kit
- 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.
Delta 14″ Hex Post Guide Upgrade Kit with Riser Block
- 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"
Delta 14″ Riser Block Guide Upgrade 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"
Delta 20″ A/B Guide Upgrade Kit
Delta 20″ C Guide Upgrade Kit
- 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
Delta 20″ D Guide Upgrade Kit
- 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
