DoAll Bandsaw blades.

[bretthl]

Have you guys used DoAll Dart bandsaw blades on steel and if so what do you think of their longevity? I can't seem to figure out if they are bi-metal blades or not.

 

[MrWhoopee]

​

309-047093.500 - DOALL DART BLADE​

$18.27
Dart™ blades for non-production sawing highly machinable materials. Use these blades to saw mild steels and other metals; plastic, aluminum, and wood.
Type: Carbon Steel Band Saw Blade - Welded, Hard Back, Claw Tooth
Model: 309-047
Material: Powder Metal HSS Tooth
Pitch: 6C Teeth Per Inch
Width: 1/4 inch (6mm)
Gage: 0.025 inches (0.6mm)
Length: 93.5 inches or 7'-9.5" (2375mm)
Set: 0.043 inches (1.09mm)
UNSPSC Code: 23242112

 

[bretthl]

​

309-047093.500 - DOALL DART BLADE​

$18.27
Dart™ blades for non-production sawing highly machinable materials. Use these blades to saw mild steels and other metals; plastic, aluminum, and wood.
Type: Carbon Steel Band Saw Blade - Welded, Hard Back, Claw Tooth
Model: 309-047
Material: Powder Metal HSS Tooth
Pitch: 6C Teeth Per Inch
Width: 1/4 inch (6mm)
Gage: 0.025 inches (0.6mm)
Length: 93.5 inches or 7'-9.5" (2375mm)
Set: 0.043 inches (1.09mm)
UNSPSC Code: 23242112

would you put this type of blade on your vertical band saw for every day use (stainless, mild, 4130/40, etc)?

 

[graham-xrf]

I don't have a DoAll, but blade wisdom is not brand specific. I went for M42 bi-metal for everything.
My bandsaw is new, and has a full-torque variable speed controlled motor. I can slow right down for cutting metals. One of it's first jobs has been cutting cast iron chunks, and angle section steel.

The 6TPI constant pitch high clearance blade is for wood, used at higher speed. I also have a 2-state blade, variable pitch between 6TPI and 10TPI. Another blade has variable pitch between 10TPI and 14TPI. Finally, one with constant pitch at 14TPI. They cost £18-50. So about $21 USA each. Carbon steel versions are there, but not so much cheaper that I wanted to try them.

Choosing these are the actions of a guy who starts out not knowing much about blade performance and longevity, so I figured if M42 is the toughest, hardest, most high temperature performing bandsaw blade, it will work on the tough jobs when needed, and just breeze the easier stuff most other times.

 

[MrWhoopee]

would you put this type of blade on your vertical band saw for every day use (stainless, mild, 4130/40, etc)?

My suspicion is this an attempt at a more economical bi-metal blade. At least the statement for "non-production" cutting suggests that. What size blade do you need? I've been having very good luck with import bi-metal blades off Aliexpress and Amazon (iMachinist) for my HF 4x6, priced around $17.

 

[bretthl]

My suspicion is this an attempt at a more economical bi-metal blade. At least the statement for "non-production" cutting suggests that. What size blade do you need? I've been having very good luck with import bi-metal blades off Aliexpress and Amazon (iMachinist) for my HF 4x6, priced around $17.

My vertical uses 1/2" x 113" blades. I have been using bi-metal Lenox blades blades and they have worked well but I am looking always at the bottom line. I have a chance to get the Dart blade in a 100' roll and that would work out to half the price per blade of the Lenox. I think your right about it being a cheaper bi-metal alternative. I saw the iMachinist blades you mention and will give them a try if I can get one at least 113" long (the vertical has a welder).

 

[bretthl]

I don't have a DoAll, but blade wisdom is not brand specific. I went for M42 bi-metal for everything.
My bandsaw is new, and has a full-torque variable speed controlled motor. I can slow right down for cutting metals. One of it's first jobs has been cutting cast iron chunks, and angle section steel.

The 6TPI constant pitch high clearance blade is for wood, used at higher speed. I also have a 2-state blade, variable pitch between 6TPI and 10TPI. Another blade has variable pitch between 10TPI and 14TPI. Finally, one with constant pitch at 14TPI. They cost £18-50. So about $21 USA each. Carbon steel versions are there, but not so much cheaper that I wanted to try them.

Choosing these are the actions of a guy who starts out not knowing much about blade performance and longevity, so I figured if M42 is the toughest, hardest, most high temperature performing bandsaw blade, it will work on the tough jobs when needed, and just breeze the easier stuff most other times.

I agree. It sounds like you got a good source. What size blade for that price and what brand?

 

[MrWhoopee]

My vertical uses 1/2" x 113" blades. I have been using bi-metal Lenox blades blades and they have worked well but I am looking always at the bottom line. I have a chance to get the Dart blade in a 100' roll and that would work out to half the price per blade of the Lenox. I think your right about it being a cheaper bi-metal alternative. I saw the iMachinist blades you mention and will give them a try if I can get one at least 113" long (the vertical has a welder).

You can order made-to-length (2870mm) here.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832639105705.html

That's how I get the blades for my Kalamazoo horizontal.

 

[bretthl]

You can order made-to-length (2870mm) here.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832639105705.html

That's how I get the blades for my Kalamazoo horizontal.

Thanks for the link. I have not tried Aliexpress. I guess you have had good experience? Do we pay customs duty for US residence? I think I should get constant pitch for for the vertical saw since I feed by hand only?

 

[MrWhoopee]

Thanks for the link. I have not tried Aliexpress. I guess you have had good experience? Do we pay customs duty for US residence? I think I should get constant pitch for for the vertical saw since I feed by hand only?

I've bought a lot of tooling off Aliexpress and have not had any bad experiences. There are no additional fees beyond price and shipping (if any). Delivery has generally been 2-3 weeks. Constant pitch should be fine for vertical.