Replies

1. 
   Tao | Nov 25, 2005 06:23pm | #1

   Depends more on the blade quality than diameter, in my experience, although the tip speed is about 8% higher on the 14".

   I had an old Delta 12-14" saw, and if memory serves, a 14" blade wouldn't retract completely below the table.

   I only used 14" dia. blades when I needed the extra capacity, which was rarely. I think you would likely be fine doing the same.

   Michael

   Sometimes it's the artist's task to find out how much music you can still make with what you have left.  Itzak Perlman, upon playing a concert on three strings at Lincoln Center after breaking a string.

2. 
   dondownunder | Nov 27, 2005 02:31am | #2

   95% of the time my saws run 12" blades because of the reasons you listed, ie they are commonly available from my tooling supplier (therefore marginally cheaper), they have fewer teeth (eg: 72 cf 96) therefore cost less to sharpen (it may also be argued that with a larger cicumference  they require sharpening less often) & as they have a smaller diameter they deflect less in the cut. In your case I would agree with the previous post that a combination of blade speed, blade quality & saw bench stability is more likely to affect the quality of cut than just getting a larger blade.

   The majority of the timber cut on these saws is less than 2" thick, but if I was cutting larger sectioned timber or cutting deep bevels a lot I would probably be using 14" blades more often. At present I find that having 2 top quality 14" rip blades is adequate as my saw doctor sharpens at my workshop. (If I needed to send them out I would have 3, one on the shelf, one away & a spare)

   Another factor to investigate is if your saw has the grunt to consistently power a 14" blade at the appropriate rpm. Whether you need to use a 14' blade consistently or just occassionally lies in the potential use you have & your preparedness to fork out $ on additional blades, be they 12 or 14".

   Don