A Bandsaw Blade Sharpener Comparison

What is the best bandsaw blade sharpener for you?

Sawmill blade sharpeners are handy, especially for portable sawmill owners who need fresh bandsaw blades frequently.

There are many models of bandsaw blade sharpeners out there, the main difference between them being cycle time. They're all equipped with grinding wheels designed to sharpen blades regardless of profile. 

But what do you need to know about bandsaw blade sharpeners before you commit to a purchase? Let's find out:

What are the basics of bandsaw blades and sharpening?

Bandsaw blades are thin, flexible metal blades used in machines such as bandsaws and portable sawmills. A bandsaw blade sharpener is used to grind each individual tooth in the blade to restore its cutting edge.

Bandsaw blades also have a Set, which is a pattern of three teeth where two of them are bent outwards from the blade in opposite directions. This is designed to improve stability while cutting, and wears out over time, but can also be restored with a tooth setter.

How do bandsaw blade sharpeners work?

Fully automatic blade sharpeners, such as models like the Woodland Mills RS30 PRO Bandsaw Blade Sharpener, have a grinding disc on a pivoting head. After the machine is dialed into the specifics of your blade's profile, the head automatically comes down to grind the tooth face and gullet, to both restore the sharpness and get rid of any stress marks that could cause blade breakage.

When the grinding head lifts the machine automatically pivots to the next tooth and the process repeats. With the auto-off stop clamped to the blade, it will trip the machine's off-switch once the blade is fully sharpened.

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How do I adjust my bandsaw blade sharpener?

Dials on the machine can be adjusted to lower the grinding head to sharpen the specific shape of your blade, including not just the face but the gullet profile too. This can be done with a high level of precision.

You know it's being done correctly when you hear one consistent, long grinding noise and can see the grinding disc file down not just the tooth face but also follow into the gullet too.

What is the benefit of a bandsaw blade sharpener?

Blade sharpeners can be cost-effective tools by saving you money on blades. Every blade can be sharpened up to five times, extending their lifespan greatly and letting you get the most out of your blades.

Whether you're sawing every day or just doing occasional milling, it benefits to have a way to keep your bandsaw blades in use longer so you don't have to spend money on new blades each time they dull and they can continue to make clean cuts.

What should I look out for when buying a bandsaw blade sharpener?

There are a few factors you should consider when looking for an effective device to help keep the edge of your bandsaw blades sharp:

• • Cycle Time: This is one of the most important elements to your sharpener: speed. A higher end sharpener will get the job done faster, but even less expensive models can get the job done right, just not as quickly.

  • Grinding Disc: Look at the disc on the sharpener and make sure that it will fit or can be adjusted to the profile of your blades. Grinders with CBN grinding wheels don't require frequent dressings either, which is another benefit.

  • Portability: Need to set up your sharpener outdoors or in a place without electrical outlets? Make sure your sharpener is compatible with a 12V batter, and if you do need it to be outlet-compatible that you get the appropriate adapter.

What bandsaw blade sharpener should I get?

If you're looking for a blade sharpener that will extend the life of your bandsaw blades, with a high level of accuracy that's engineered for longevity, here are some great pieces of equipment for you:

If you want a blade sharpener that's fast, efficient and top of the line

Are you a serious sawyer who uses your portable sawmill frequently, either for commercial or personal use? Then you need fresh, sharp blades fast to bring them back to factory new. You also wouldn't mind sharpening blades for customers to recoup your investment.

We recommend: The Woodland Mills RS30 PRO Bandsaw Blade Sharpener is a reliable model, capable of sharpening an entire blade with a sharpening time of 28 teeth per minute. When you need fresh blades fast, and can't afford downtime, the RS30 is a heavy duty model that can deliver quick results.

If you want a blade sharpener that's quick but within budget

Do you need a way to get blades sharp but want a model that can fit in your budget? Speed is important to you, but you also want something that balances cost and efficiency, so you can continue milling your own supply of lumber.

We recommend: The Woodland Mills RS15 Bandsaw Blade Sharpener is a great blend of price and speed, with a fast sharpening time of 16 teeth per minute while still providing high quality edges to your bandsaw blades.

You want a cost-effective blade sharpener and speed isn't a priority

Do you need equipment that gets your blades sharp on a budget, and aren't too concerned about speed? You plan on throwing a blade on your sharpener and coming back to it much later, so a quick sharpening time isn't a big deal. You're thinking more about long term cost savings than minute-to-minute efficiency.

We recommend: The Woodland Mills RS8 Bandsaw Blade Sharpener is a great, budget-friendly sharpener that provides consistent, clean edges to your blades, at a speed of 8 teeth per minute.

What does a tooth setter do?

A tooth setter is designed to restore a the "set" of your bandsaw blade's teeth. On a factory new bandsaw blade, the teeth will have a pattern where one tooth is bent outwards from the teeth, one is straight, and another is bent out in the opposite direction.

Over time the set will wear down and the teeth will straighten out, reducing the blade's ability to cut through wood. A tooth setter, which can be bundled with a Woodland Mills blade sharpener, can restore the set and fully recover the blade's efficiency.

In Summary: Here's what you need to know about bandsaw blade sharpeners

When comparing bandsaw blade sharpeners here is what you should remember:

• • Consider price, portability and cycle time as the main factors

  • Look for reliable models backed by strong customer service

  • You can read the manuals for Woodland Mills blade sharpeners before purchasing to learn more about the products

  • While hand grinding with a dremel can get the job done, it can provide inconsistent results, whereas a professional blade sharpener provides a consistent, clean cutting edge every time