“I value your opinion on tool recommendations. I am very new to bandsaws. I just snagged the 14″ Powermatic (as you know from a previous email) and am looking for a few new blades (only because I heard the ones that come with the saw are horrible). Do you have any recommendations on manufacturers, blades, etc? I’m running the saw with the riser block so I’m looking at 105″ blades.”

And here was my reply:

“I would recommend either Timberwolf or Lenox blades, simply because those are the two I had the most success with. Both are fantastic. I would also recommend using the stock blade for a while. The reason is for your own knowledge as a woodworker. The stock blades cut pretty good for a while, but quickly dull and become crap (in most cases). So I think its important to use that blade for a while so you can actually see and feel an improvement when you install the new blade. You will also learn how to recognize when a blade is dull. Not to mention, there is definitely a lot of life in that stock blade and it’s a waste to just throw it out. Even if you only get a month out of it, you are still ahead of the game. More importantly, when you spend good money on a premium blade, you will have first-hand knowledge and experience that will go a long way in helping you justify spending the extra dough. Hope that helps.”