Delta has recently introduced a range of full-kerf (0.125 in.) sawblades designed to be used on tablesaws with at least 3 hp motors. I tested the 10 in. 50 tooth combination blade (read the review from FWW #211), and I also tested their 10-in. 80-tooth blade designed for crosscutting plywood. The Delta 35-1080HN5 has a high, alternate top bevel (ATB) configuration with the bevel angle of 35°. I put it up against Freud’s LU97R010 triple-chip grind blade, and the Forrest Duraline HI-A/T blade. All three 80-tooth blades are designed to cut plywood and/or laminates and melamine with little if any tearout/chipout.
All three blades cut considerably cleaner than the combination/general purpose blades. There was little to choose from in terms of cut quality but the Delta’s street price of $86 versus $95 for the Freud and $136 for the Forrest represents good value.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Ridgid R4331 Planer
Priced nearly $300 less than the DeWalt 735X, the Ridgid R4331 is an excellent value. Its three-knife cutterhead left wonderfully clean surfaces on plainsawn white oak and white pine. It did not perform nearly as well on curly maple as the 735X.
Makita LS1219L Miter Saw
This is the saw I want in my shop. For one, it’s easy to use. All of the controls are easy to reach and manipulate, and the glide mechanism is both robust and smooth. The handle works well for righties and lefties. Then there are added bonuses that no other saw has. For instance, its hold-down is superb, as it can move to different locations, hinges for a greater range of coverage, and actually holds down the work. In addition, the saw has two points of dust collection, letting it firmly beat the rest of the field. The one downside was the saw’s laser, which was so faint we had to turn off the shop lights to see it. Still, all these pluses in a package that fits tight to the wall? That’s a winner for me.
Freud Super Dado Saw Blade Set 8" x 5/8" Bore
Leaves a dado with a flat bottom and even performs excellent on plywood and melamine.
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