Band Saw Blades LENOX: Dimensions, Uses, and Selection Rules
You need a band saw blade and you are considering LENOX. LENOX is a professional-grade blade manufacturer. You need to know about dimensions, uses, and selection rules.
LENOX is a professional-grade band saw blade manufacturer owned by Stanley Black and Decker. LENOX blades are known for high quality and long life. They make blades for wood cutting, metal cutting, and portable band saws.
LENOX Blade Lines
Wood Cutting Blades
LENOX Classic
Carbon steel blade for general woodworking. Best for: General woodworking, hobby use. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars. Lifespan: 6 to 12 months of hobby use.
LENOX Diemaster 2
Bi-metal blade for resawing and production cutting. Best for: Resawing hardwood, production cutting. Cost: 25 to 50 dollars. Lifespan: 2 to 5 times longer than carbon steel.
LENOX Woodmaster C
Carbon blade with optimized tooth geometry. Best for: General woodworking, curve cutting. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars.
Metal Cutting Blades
LENOX Wolf-Band
Bi-metal blade for portable band saws. Best for: Portable metal cutting. Cost: 15 to 30 dollars. Available lengths: 44-7/8, 35-3/8, 32-7/8, and other portable lengths.
LENOX Diemaster 2
Bi-metal blade for horizontal and vertical metal cutting saws. Best for: General metal cutting. Cost: 20 to 60 dollars.
LENOX Armor
Carbide-tipped blade for production metal cutting. Best for: Production cutting, hard materials. Cost: 60 to 200 dollars.
LENOX Classic Pro
Carbon blade for light metal cutting. Best for: Light metal cutting, aluminum. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars.
Dimensions
Blade Length by Saw Type
| Saw Type | Common Blade Lengths |
|---|---|
| 9-inch benchtop | 59-1/2, 62 inches |
| 10-inch benchtop | 70-1/2, 72 inches |
| 12-inch floor | 80, 93-1/2 inches |
| 14-inch floor | 93-1/2, 105 inches (with riser) |
| 18-inch floor | 150 inches (verify) |
| Portable deep cut | 44-7/8 inches |
| Portable compact | 32-7/8, 35-3/8 inches |
| 4x6 horizontal | 64-1/2 inches (verify) |
| 7x12 horizontal | 80 inches (verify) |
Blade Width
| Width | Best For |
|---|---|
| 1/8 inch | Scroll work, tight curves |
| 1/4 inch | Curve cutting, general use |
| 3/8 inch | General woodworking |
| 1/2 inch | Ripping, resawing |
| 3/4 to 1 inch | Production resawing, metal cutting |
Blade Thickness
| Blade Type | Thickness |
|---|---|
| Wood cutting (14-inch) | 0.025 inches |
| Portable metal cutting | 0.020 inches |
| Horizontal metal cutting | 0.030 to 0.035 inches |
TPI Selection
Wood Cutting
| TPI | Best For | Material Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 3 TPI | Resawing, thick stock | 2 to 6+ inches |
| 4 TPI | General woodworking | 3/4 to 4 inches |
| 6 TPI | General woodworking | 1/2 to 3 inches |
| 8 TPI | Smoother cuts | 1/4 to 2 inches |
| 10 TPI | Thin stock | 1/4 inch and under |
| 14 TPI | Scroll work | 1/8 inch and under |
Metal Cutting
| TPI | Best For | Material Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 TPI | Thick solid bar | 1 to 4 inches |
| 10 TPI | General metal cutting | 1/4 to 2 inches |
| 14 TPI | Medium thickness | 1/8 to 1 inch |
| 18 TPI | Thin material | Under 1/4 inch |
| 10/14 variable pitch | Mixed thicknesses | All |
| 24 TPI | Very thin sheet metal | Under 1/8 inch |
Selection Rules
Rule 1: Match the Blade Length
Always use the correct blade length for your saw. Using the wrong length can damage the saw.
Rule 2: Match the TPI to the Material
Use the 3-teeth rule: at least 3 teeth should be in the material at all times.
Rule 3: Match the Blade Material to the Work
- Carbon steel: General woodworking, hobby use.
- Bi-metal M42: Resawing, metal cutting, production work.
- Bi-metal M51: Tough metals like stainless steel.
- Carbide-tipped: Production cutting, abrasive materials.
Rule 4: Match the Tooth Profile to the Task
- Skip tooth: General woodworking, soft materials.
- Hook tooth: Resawing, ripping, thick stock.
- Standard tooth: General-purpose cutting.
- Variable pitch: Mixed thicknesses, smoother cuts.
Rule 5: Break In New Blades
Run the first 10 to 20 cuts at half feed pressure for bi-metal blades.
Rule 6: Use Coolant for Metal Cutting
Coolant extends blade life by 50 to 200 percent.
Where to Buy LENOX Blades
LENOX Website: lenoxtools.com Industrial Supply: MSC, Grainger, McMaster-Carr. Amazon: Various LENOX blades. Home Depot: LENOX Wolf-Band portable blades. Specialty Woodworking: Woodcraft, Rockler.
FAQ
Are LENOX band saw blades worth the price?
Yes, for serious use. LENOX blades are professional grade with longer life and better cut quality than budget blades. For occasional hobby use, budget blades may be sufficient.
What is the best LENOX blade for resawing?
The LENOX Diemaster 2 in 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42. It lasts 2 to 5 times longer than carbon steel blades.
What is the best LENOX blade for portable metal cutting?
The LENOX Wolf-Band in 44-7/8 inch (deep cut) or 32-7/8 inch (compact). Available in 10, 14, and 18 TPI.
References
- LENOX Tools. “Band Saw Blade Guide.” lenoxtools.com.
- Stanley Black and Decker. “LENOX Product Guide.” stanleyblackanddecker.com.
- Fine Woodworking. “Band Saw Blade Comparison.” Taunton Press.
- Practical Machinist. “Metal Cutting Blade Guide.” practicalmachinist.com.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “LENOX Blade Review.” ProToolReviews.com.
