I finally used the last of the pile of blades I got when I purchased my used Timberharvester mill. I visited a saw sharpening shop in Polkton, NC. The very helpful manager there suggested I try some i ½ inch .055 blades. He knew my mill since he had supplied the previous owner with blades for the mill. He also gave me a good tour of his shop. Very nice, well equipped and clean. I know where I will be getting my blades sharpened.
Did a little sawing with my new blades yesterday and it was sweet. I am not certain if the difference is just new blades or the 1 ½ inch .050 thickness. I am having some of the blades that came with the mill sharpened and they are 1 ¼ .o42 thick so I will be able to see any difference when I get them back.
The manager also gave me a gallon of "Band Ade" cutting fluid for wood (sold by Lenox). Have any of you used it as a coolant on your saws. It sure costs more than Dawn so I don't expect to ever purchase any.