Sawmill Blade Language

Wise sawmill blade choice and proper blade maintenance are critical to getting the most out of your sawmill. Here’s a brief overview of the parts of a raker band blade.

 

Wise Sawmill Blade Choice

Not all blades are created equal – some are premium, some are average and some are poor. Making band blades is a precise science – many factors are involved including the material used and the technology used to harden the teeth.

Virtually all band blades for wood are made of common carbon-alloy steel. We’ve tested … and tested … and tested lots of blades. Then we found silicon-alloy steel and what a difference! Silicon-steel is the key ingredient to stronger, more durable blades. Combine that premium material with induction-hardening and you get a truly high-performance blade. Compared to average carbon-steel blades, Norwood Goldline Premium silicon-steel blades give cleaner, truer cuts and longer blade life which means lower operating costs.

 

Proper Sawmill Blade Maintenance

Proper blade maintenance is critical to making smooth cuts and to prolonging blade life. Blades should be changed at least every two hours of operating. Experienced sawyers who mill commercially all day, every day, will often change their blades even more frequently – as many as 4 to 6 times per day.

The easiest and most cost-effective way to maintain your blades is to invest in your own blade optimization equipment. Norwood offers affordable, precision-machined sharpening and setting equipment so you can maintain your blades as often as you want – when you want.