Jewelers saw blades

[billd]

Could someone please explain what the numbers mean when ordering jewelers saw blades?  2/0, 3/0, etc.  I've been using blades given to me many years ago and have no idea what size the are. It's time to order some more. I don't use many, mainly cutting sheet metal, .030 to .060 thick.

Thanks,
Bill

[jerrywh]

 Bill.
    For cutting what you stated I use a #3, not to be confused with a #03
 #06 and #08 are the very finest. It is almost impossible to see the teeth on a #08. they almost look like a hair. I use them for cutting .010 gold, silver and other precious metal.
 A #6 has 32 teeth pr inch.  An #0/6 has 72 teeth pr inch.  Don't buy cheap ones. I threw away about 100 cheap ones as soon as I tried one.

[Greg Field]

Jerry:

Will you please share with us where one might procure the good blades?

Thanks!

[Dave B]

I think it was here on ALR some one was talking about the importance of having 3 teath for the thickness of the material being cut thru. I have no clue as to the sizing. but a quick trip to Mr. Geshwein's cattalog shows the break down.
6/0  is .0070" thick, .0140" in width, 82 teeth Pr/inch or tpi       

5/0      .0080           .0157                  is 80 tpi

4/0      .0086           .0175                  is 72 tpi

3/0      .0095           .0190                  is 66 tpi

2/0      .0103           .0204                  is 62 tpi

0         .0110           .0220                  is 56 tpi

1         .0120           .0240                  is  52 tpi

2         .0134           .0276                  is 48 tpi

3         .0140           .0290                  is 46 tpi

The Supra brand are their best at  $23 bucks a gross for the 6/0 ranging to only 18.40 for the #3's The cheap ones are $3.00 a dozzen or $21.85 a gross for the 6/0
Gesswein 1800-243-4466
I still have a bunch I got from the jewelery supply in portland I have no clue as to their size but they do look like they wouldnt cut much but work very well on brass.

[jerrywh]

Dave B.
  That is great info but it looks to me like different brands have different specs. Close tho. I buy from Rio Grande jewelers supply and I buy their lazer blades or the best quality they have. The good ones last a lot longer and cut cleaner.  A lot of my sawing is near microscopic. That is why I use the 0/8 or the finest ones.  Here is a great tip for those who don't know.
 when cutting small or very fine thin metal, stick it to a popcycle stick or a paint stirring stick with double sided tape or super glue. After it is cut, place the part on a fire brick or charcoal block and burn the wood off by heating it red hot with a torch. This will anneal the metal at the same time and clean it off.

[Dave B]

Jerry,
thanks for the popcycle stick tip trick. I will give that a try.