Exposure sets both control and effective stiffness; keep it no longer than the cut, and re-extend the blade as honing eats its length. Hone on the flat. A single-plane grind is maintained correctly on a flat bench stone — square edge, burr stropped off the back, the geometry preserved rather than rounded. Keep it dry. Carbon steel takes rust that stainless would refuse; wipe the blade after damp or oily cuts. Trust the clamp, not luck. Screws tight and exposure disciplined — a mill blade's only safety is the set screw holding it.
Asked before buying
BUYER QUESTIONS, ANSWERED BEFORE YOU ORDER
How is BG71A different from the 088 and BG20 blades?
By pattern number only — every listed dimension, the grind, and the steel are the same. Reorder whichever pattern your station is standardized on.
New station, no incumbent pattern — what should I buy?
088 (62420) is the pragmatic default because it has an HSS twin (62450); BG71A cuts identically but has no high-speed-steel version to upgrade into.
Is it rust-proof?
No — it is Standard high-carbon steel. Easy to hone, but keep it dry.
What cutting is it wrong for?
Abrasive synthetics (use HSS), dense grabby stock or glancing cuts (use a bevel blade), and long reach (use the 9" 086).
Is a handle included?
No — this is a bare blade. It clamps into a 3/4"-capable handle (63085 or 63080).
