82 Inch Bandsaw Blades: Applications, Selection, and Maintenance

Introduction to 82 Inch Bandsaw Blades

82 inch bandsaw blades are large, industrial size bandsaw blades used on high capacity professional sawmills and resaws. With their substantial 82 inch cutting length, these bandsaw blades can accommodate very wide cuts and large diameter logs. Their exceptional length allows sawyers and woodworkers to maximize lumber yields when breaking down large timber.

Common Applications of 82 Inch Bandsaw Blades

The most common use case for 82 inch bandsaw blades is primary breakdown of large hardwood logs in commercial sawmill operations. These extra long blades are mounted on heavy duty bandsaw headrigs and tasked with the initial milling of giant logs into more manageable slabs and cants. The 82 inch cutting capacity allows mills to process very large diameter logs with fewer cuts.

82 inch blades also see secondary use for resawing thick planks and slabs into boards and dimensional lumber. Their substantial height is advantageous when bandsawing lumber to width. The longer blade provides ample vertical cutting clearance when ripping tall material.

Some specialty sawyers even rely on massive 82 inch bandsaw blades for cutting specialty cuts like waney edges, live edges, and half logs for furniture stock. The oversized blade length lets them slice these unique shapes from large irregular logs.

Benefits of 82 Inch Bandsaw Blades

The main advantages of 82 inch bandsaw blades stem from their extra long cutting height capacity:

• Process very large diameter logs in fewer cuts
• Maximize yield from each log by sawing deep into the heartwood
• Fewer cuts reduces milling time and blade expense
• Rips tall boards and slabs that exceed capacity of smaller blades
• Uniquely tackle specialty cuts like half logs and waney edges

What to Look For When Selecting 82 Inch Bandsaw Blades

When choosing 82 inch bandsaw blades, most buyers evaluate blades based on tooth pattern, thickness, blade back material, and manufacturer reputation. Each of these factors impacts cutting performance and longevity.

Tooth Pattern

Tooth pattern determines how coarse or fine a cut the bandsaw blade will leave. Some common options include:

• Skip tooth - Alternating teeth spaced apart to clear chips. Faster/rougher cutting.
• Raker - Groups of angled teeth designed to clear sawdust. Balances speed and smoothness.
• Hook - Angled teeth that slice aggressively into the wood. Smoother cutting but slower.

Skip tooth and raker patterns prevail for rapid primary breakdown where finish quality is less critical. Hook tooth blades excel at delicate resawing where boards need planed surfaces.

Thickness

Bandsaw blade thickness impacts stiffness and saw deviation tendencies. Thicker blades (0.035”+) hold straighter when cutting. Thinner blades (0.025”) drift more but can maneuver tighter radiuses.

Blade Back

The flexible steel back spine gives bandsaw blades their strength and fatigue resistance. Options include:

• M-42 Steel - Durable all-purpose grade for most blades.
• Carbon Steel - Harder but more brittle back material.
• Stainless Steel - Corrosion resistant for less blade changes.

M42 and carbon steel are suitable for dry indoor use. Stainless stands up better to outdoor humidity and repeatedly cutting wet wood.

Brand Reputation & Warranty

When evaluating 82 inch bandsaw blade brands, sawyers should research the manufacturer’s industry reputation and warranty policy. Well proven companies like Lenox, Timberwolf, and Wood-Mizer stand behind their large blades with assurance of quality materials and workmanship.

Proper Care and Maintenance

With prices ranging from $250 up to $500 each, 82 inch bandsaw blades represent a significant investment for most operations. Proper use and maintenance helps maximize longevity and performance.

Tensioning

The immense length of 82 inch bandsaw blades makes even blade tensioning critical. Inadequate tension accelerates fatigue and cracking. Carefully tensioning the 82 inch blade per the saw manufacturer’s guidance avoids many issues.

Tracking & Guides

Likewise, precisely aligned blade guides and tracking components prevent drift and uneven wear. Well tuned guide blocks, bearings, and tracking hardware extend blade life by centering the long blade on the wheels.

Cleaning & Inspections

Regularly cleaning pitch, sap, and debris off the bandsaw blade prevents build up that impairs cutting. Visually inspecting for cracks or damaged gullets provides chance to replace flawed blades before catastrophic failures.

Storage & Handling

When not being used, 82 inch bandsaw blades should be handled with care and stored indoors away from moisture and chemicals that corrode steel. Carefully coiling blades without creasing or twisting prevents damage that ruins cutting accuracy.

Following responsible use guidelines and maintenance steps allows 82 inch bandsaw operators to get the most performance and durability out of these high capacity blades.

FAQs

What saws use 82 inch bandsaw blades?

82 inch bandsaw blades are used on industrial class sawmills and resaws. They require heavy duty saw heads and frames designed for the substantially larger blade size and proportionally increased tension loads.

What materials can 82 inch bandsaw blades cut?

Most 82 inch bandsaw blades cut wood, but some specialty metallic or carbide-tipped versions can also cut non-ferrous metals and plastics. In sawmilling applications they predominantly cut hard and soft wood logs and lumber.

What blade thickness is best for an 82 inch bandsaw?

Most sawyers use 0.035, 0.042 or even 0.050 inch thick blades on 82 inch bandsaws. The extra thickness increases stiffness for straight cuts and reduced blade wandering. Thinner blades can work but may drift more on deep cuts into logs.

Should I sharpen or replace worn 82 inch blades?

The large size and relatively high cost of 82 inch bandsaw blades usually makes replacement more practical than resharpening and setting. But some specialty sharpening shops can refresh well-worn blades if the blade back remains in good condition.