Hacksaw blades, which brand?

[Aram]

For a 12" high tension hacksaw, Starrett blades or Lenox blades? Or is it a toss-up? I mostly use them for cutting brass stock (1/8" up to 1/2" or less), and occasional pieces of O1 steel, not very thick.

Thanks!

[wrb]

I use Lenox and they work for me. I have not tried Starrett so don't know what I am missing there.

[Mike Brady]

Starrett and Lennox would be equal in my opinion, and I would not bother with any other brands, like Stanley or Ridgid.  I'm talking about what is out there at convenient stores; not specialty stuff that may come from someone like McMaster-Carr.  None of them seem to last very long, regardless of brand.

[Bill Holt]

Lennox is my first choice.

[hbmcc]

I get decent mileage from bi-metal blades. At least I can't remember when I put them on the frame.

[Aram]

Thanks, everyone.

[Stwood_]

I get decent mileage from bi-metal blades. At least I can't remember when I put them on the frame.

+1

[Mike Brady]

+1

Slightly off-topic, but how do you guys cut spring steel ( for saw plates and card scrapers)?

[C. in Indy]

Slightly off-topic, but how do you guys cut spring steel ( for saw plates and card scrapers)?

Very wastefully, on my part !
Seriously, I should be getting a shear or something one day.
Most times, I chain-drill holes about 1" apart along a marked line.  Then I fold/fatigue along the line until I have separate pieces.  Then I take them to either a manual grinder wheel or a powered strip sander (along with draw-filing).

[Aram]

Slightly off-topic, but how do you guys cut spring steel ( for saw plates and card scrapers)?

I cut card scrapers with tin snips and a lot of arm cramps. It's not fun and it leaves an ugly burr, but I'm usually cutting curves. I don't know how else I would do that.