How long do sawmill blades last?

sawmill blade life varies widely because it depends on several factors, but here are reliable general ranges:

Typical Lifespan

1.Carbide-tipped blades:750–1,500 board feet between sharpenings; overall lifespan can reach 20–40 sharpenings (or more with good care).

2.Standard steel bandsaw blades:300–800 board feet between sharpenings; usually good for 5–10 sharpenings before retiring.

3.Bi-metal blades:Often last 2–3× longer than standard carbon steel blades.

What Affects Blade Life

1. Species of Wood

  * Softwoods = longest life

  * Hardwoods (oak, hickory, maple) = shorter life

  * Dirty, sandy, or frozen logs dramatically reduce life

2. Blade Maintenance

  * Correct tension

  * Accurate tooth set

  * Proper lubrication/cooling

  * Sharpening before the blade gets too dull

3. Operator Technique

  * Feed rate too fast → overheating and premature dulling

  * Insufficient lubrication → pitch buildup/heat

  * Hitting metal in logs → instant blade death

4. Blade Quality

  * Higher-quality steel and carbide tips last noticeably longer.

Practical Rule of Thumb

Most portable sawmill operators report:

Steel blades: 1–2 hours of continuous cutting per sharpening

Carbide blades: 4–6+ hours per sharpening

Total usable life: Often **one week to several months, depending on usage