Olson

Olson makes precision cutting blades — bandsaw blades, coping saw blades, and specialty cutting tools that contractors rely on for clean, accurate cuts. Their product line focuses on the technical side of cutting: specific tooth counts, blade materials, and performance characteristics that matter when you’re cutting everything from hardwood lumber to copper pipe.

The Blade Specifications That Matter

Olson’s bandsaw blades come in multiple tooth configurations, from 6 TPI (teeth per inch) for general woodworking down to 14 TPI wavy tooth designs for metal cutting. The difference matters. A 1/4” 6 TPI blade with skip tooth design reduces clogging when you’re resawing lumber, while the 14 TPI wavy tooth pattern — with teeth set right, left, and straight — reduces vibration and prevents teeth from stripping off when cutting thin metal sections.

The technical specs tell the real story:

Specification	Bandsaw Blades	Coping Saw Blades
Blade Width	1/4” to 1/2”	0.094” to 0.125”
Thickness	0.020” to 0.025”	0.018” to 0.020”
TPI Range	6 to 14	10 to 32
Tooth Hardness	62-65 Rockwell C	Individually heat-treated
Back Hardness	28-32 Rockwell C (flex) to 45 Rockwell C (hard)	High carbon steel
Minimum Radius	5/8” (1/4” blades)	N/A

The hardness differential matters — teeth at 62-65 Rockwell C stay sharp longer, while the softer back at 28-32 Rockwell C provides flexibility that reduces blade breakage. Hard teeth, flexible back. That’s the engineering that keeps blades cutting straight without snapping under tension.

Material-Specific Performance

Olson’s coping saw blades come in packs with specific tooth counts: 10 TPI for coarse wood cutting, up to 24 TPI for extra-fine work, and special 32 TPI configurations for metal cutting. The standard 18 TPI blade handles precision woodworking, plastics, and non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminum. Get the tooth count wrong and you’re either burning through material too slow or tearing it up with aggressive cuts.

For bandsaw work, Olson offers hook tooth designs for aggressive feed and better chip evacuation — critical when you’re pushing through thick hardwood. The skip tooth pattern excels at resawing because it clears chips efficiently, preventing the blade from binding in deep cuts.

Their metal-cutting blades deserve special mention. The 14 TPI bandsaw blades handle mild steel, flat bar, round bar, square tubing, pipe, and structural steel shapes. The wavy tooth set pattern — alternating right, left, and straight teeth — makes these blades particularly effective on interrupted cuts like square tubing where the blade encounters corners and gaps.

Who Should Run These Blades

These aren’t homeowner blades. Olson targets their products at “commercial-grade” and “industrial-strength” applications. Coping saw blades feature precision-ground teeth and individually heat-treated cutting edges. Bandsaw blades use precision-ground or milled teeth — not stamped — for maximum penetration and speed.

Worth it for contractors doing detailed finish work, furniture makers, and anyone cutting non-ferrous metals regularly. The 6.5” coping saw blades fit standard frames and handle everything from trimming door casings to cutting decorative trim patterns. Bandsaw blades work on typical 4” to 6” horizontal/vertical stationary band saws — the workhorses in most serious shops.

Skip them if you’re just doing rough framing cuts or occasional DIY projects. The precision costs more than basic blades, and you won’t notice the difference on construction lumber. But for finish carpenters cutting crown molding joints, metal fabricators working with aluminum and copper, or anyone doing intricate curved cuts — these blades deliver the control and longevity that cheaper options can’t match.

Made in USA, according to their 64” bandsaw blade specs. That matters to contractors who’ve been burned by import blades that dull quickly or wander in the cut.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between skip tooth and hook tooth bandsaw blades?

Skip tooth blades have fewer teeth with wider gullets, reducing clogging when cutting wood — especially useful for resawing lumber. Hook tooth blades feature a more aggressive tooth angle for faster feed rates and better chip evacuation. Choose skip tooth for thick wood and resinous materials. Choose hook tooth when you need aggressive cutting and have good dust collection.

Can woodcutting blades be used on metal?

Yes, but you must reduce speed significantly when cutting non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, or brass with wood-optimized blades. For regular metal cutting, use dedicated metal-cutting blades — Olson makes specific 32 TPI coping saw blades for metal. Running wood blades on metal at wood speeds will destroy the teeth.

What tooth count works best for different materials?

For coping saws: 10 TPI for coarse wood cuts, 15-18 TPI for general woodworking and plastics, 20-24 TPI for fine detail work, and 32 TPI for metal. For bandsaw blades: 6 TPI for general woodworking and resawing, 14 TPI for metal cutting and thinner materials. More teeth = smoother cut but slower feed rate. Fewer teeth = faster cutting but rougher finish.

How long do these blades typically last?

No specific lifespan data provided by Olson. However, the hardened teeth (62-65 Rockwell C) and “industrial-strength” construction suggest longer life than standard blades. Individual heat treatment on coping saw teeth and precision-ground (not stamped) bandsaw teeth indicate durability focus. Actual lifespan depends entirely on material, feed rate, and proper tensioning.