Blade choice?

[newstick]

Hi guys, I've been trying to saw red pine with my bandmill. My logs are left overs from the log homes I build. The logs are peeled air dryed and very clean. My problem is I can't get much life out of my blades. Any suggestions on a good style of blade for this? Currently my best luck would be with a WM 1" 1/4x 7/8 , .42 With a 10 hook. Any ideas on something better? Thanks guys

[Chuck White]

I would think that the blades you're using should be fine.

Maybe give the .045 thickness blades a try.

What sawmill are you using?

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

What is the hp of your engine?

[newstick]

I have a Hudson Oscar 36 I think it's 23hp.

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

Newstick, if your logs have any grit embedded in the bark or visible dirt, this will surely dull a blade pretty quick.

[barbender]

     There will be some airborne grit in those peeled logs. I tried to talk sense into Newstick in person last night guys, he doesn't listen very well ;) ;D I've ran both 10° and 7° (not the Turbo, I haven't tried those yet), I prefer the 7's. That's what I have my sharpener set up for. I just got a setter too (I don't have it set up yet), I've been told on here that knotty softwood requires more set (softwood in general requires more set than hardwood, wide cuts in knotty softwood more yet). So I am looking forward to up-setting some blades. I usually don't have trouble until I get into really wide cuts. I don't know what 9° blades have for set, (Newstick got 9's accidentally, and they are giving him problems) I think 7° have a bit wider set than other blades. 

[Ox]

I use 7° and around .025 set and seemed to cut good in red pine.  I'll be changing to 4° this year for an experiment.  More than a few guys are running only 4 for everything...must be something to it.

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

More than a few guys are running only 4 for everything...must be something to it.

Thats all I use...Woodmizer 4 degree and I ain't looked back. 

[newstick]

Thanks guys I am gonna try to get some 7s and 4s and try them. 9s definitely don't work well.
I'll be the first to admit I have good experience in logging- and log home building but lack in knowledge on bandsaw Mills. I get a lot of logs that could be sawed into lumber but get frustrated with the results I've been getting. Maybe with your guys help I'll get to where I can consistently get some nice lumber. Thanks

[Dave989]

I run 10 degree bimetal blades and they cut ok. Most if what we cut is pine. Dry pine logs are very difficult to cut as the knots are even harder and the blade wants to travel like crazy. Slow down for knots. It takes time to get the feel for the logs. But when you get the hang if it, you will love the results.