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Gang rip blade configuration

2/23/15       
David Waldmann  Member

Website: vermonthardwoods.com

We have a Raimann gang rip with the Quick Fix arbor. The saw came with 300mm x 28 tooth blades and they seemed to do a fine job of cutting.

However, we were having trouble cutting narrow parts - the tail end of the board would get jerked upward after it left the last infeed roller and it was causing a terrible mess. Through the process of trying to minimize it, blades were looked at, and a 48 tooth ATB was recommended.

Turned out that what we really needed was a pressure shoe setup, and we've installed that and since no problems regardless of whether we're using the original or new blades.

However, the supplier recommended by Weinig (Raimann) is quite expensive. Not only are the blades 20-30% more than our other sources, but they charge DOUBLE to sharpen.

This led me to look for other reputable blade companies. I found what appears to be one, gave them the particulars, and they came back with 48 tooth TCG.

My question is, why is everyone recommending so many teeth for a rip application? BTW, we are making moulder blanks - no glue line quality necessary.

We are ripping mostly hardwood, 4/4 to 8/4. Occasionally (once a month?) 10/4 or 12/4. We are feeding at about 60 FPM.

Thoughts?

2/23/15       #2: Gang rip blade configuration ...
Cynical Member

If I were the cynical sort, I'd say the more teeth, the more it costs to service the blades. I have had more than one saw service man tell me he'll give me the blades if I have him service them.

You are right - a rough mill rip operation usually benefits from less teeth. More power to each tooth, larger gullets, etc. I would bet that whoever is selling you saws has no experience with your equipment.

I would let Weinig specify what they think would be best, then go to Leitz and a few other name brands to see what they would offer. Atlanta in August - IWF - will have all the saw makers there, so it will be a good place to further learn what you need.

There are also a few good saw companies listed here as sponsors on Woodweb. The honest ones will send you to another company if they can't help you with in the field experience.

2/23/15       #3: Gang rip blade configuration ...
David Waldmann

The thing that threw me is that the first supplier mentioned was recommended by Weinig. It was almost as if Weinig didn't really know what to do and were deferring to this company. It happens to be a company we have dealt with off and on for 30 years (mostly with some specialty blades).

Regarding the cynicism, I understand. I have an uncle who loves to diss those that have their furnace "cleaned & tuned" by the same company that sells them oil... However, while the principle may give one pause, I believe that in the end any company will prove its worth (good or bad).

Being my own devil's advocate, while it seems lower tooth count makes sense in this application, resulting in lower cost new blades and sharpening, what about longevity? With more teeth, each one is doing less work, so the blades may last longer? That would result not only in less frequent sharpening, but less labor in changing collars, packaging, etc.

Then, too, is the amount of time I'm "wasting" even thinking about this. How far do you take anything? But a penny saved is a penny earned, and when you add up a pile of dollars saved it can make the difference between an OK year and a Good one, or make a Good one a Great one.

2/24/15       #4: Gang rip blade configuration ...
David R Sochar Member

David - Yes one can analyze too far and get a bit lost in it. But I think your questions are valid and part of proper due diligence in making sure that this particular detail is examined and resolved to the best current conclusion.

That said, I can see your point, but have no answer. A good excuse to go to Atlanta and talk to some folks first hand.

My experience is with a Mureen Johnson gang rip. I heard about some saws that were about 15% thinner than what we had. Talked to them and they guaranteed that they would perform as well as the ones we were then using, or my money back (about $3,000). I ran the numbers and the payback would be within a year.

They did work fine and we saved a T/L of Poplar about every 14 months with those saws. It was just a small difference in thickness, but it really added up when you are yielding out a T/L a week. After the blades were paid for, it was 'free' money.


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