Replies

1. 
   Knotscott | Jan 13, 2009 02:28am | #1

   It's hard to go wrong with a 40T Freud D0740 or TK303 for ~ $15. Oshlun's got a nice 40T 7-1/4" for < $10. Forrest has a nice 7-1/4" blade for a lot more money.

2. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Jan 13, 2009 03:28am | #2

   As a utility blade I picked up two Hitachi at Lowes that had a piece of split clear surgical tubing wrapped around it for $9+(new price IIRC is $11.99). It has a funky pointed grind that is sooo sharp that I cut myself twice just hanging the blade. It cuts like a razor and after almost two years I have not needed that second blade. Paddy

3. 
   USANigel | Jan 13, 2009 03:35am | #3

   Makita hardi plank blade. Only has 20 or so teeth but cuts very smooth with VERY little tear out. Came with the saw, so I tried it and so impressed I ordered more. Not cheap at $35 but work great.

4. 
   heartwould | Jan 13, 2009 04:04am | #4

   I've been using an Irwin 24 t blade for just about everything, mainly because I got a great deal on a bunch of them.  The "plywood blades" that I have tried over time have pretty much been a disappointment, but then I have yet to spring for the Freud or Forrest blades.  The Irwins have cut 2 x 4 framing limber, 1/2" Poplar, 3/4" red oak, 1/4" red oak veneer plywood, 3/4" pine, 3/4" plywood and 1/2" OSB pretty well so far.  (My cs is a Makita).

5. 
   bones | Jan 13, 2009 05:08am | #5

   I use a Forrest WWII in a PC CS.  Great little combo matched with a truegrip 50" clamping strait edge. 

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
   If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
   And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
   
1. 
   DwayneRichelieu | Jan 13, 2009 08:14am | #6

   I used to sell cheap bulk throwaways to companies building storage buildings. Then I got hold of the Tenryu line and it was a real winner! It is also marketed by Porter Cable in their rip-tide series. I think that it is 24 teeth, and cut ply really well, 3 sheets stacked up to cut all at the same time. Price was close to double the cheapies, but longevity was at least 3 times and cleaner cuts and the stack cutting.

1. 
   81treehouse | Jan 15, 2009 07:20am | #8

   I bought a Porter Cable rip-tide blade as a throwaway.  Still using it after maybe 20 sawing sessions on MDF and plywood.

    A bad day woodworking is better than a good day working -- yes, I'm retired!

1. 
   DwayneRichelieu | Jan 15, 2009 09:15am | #9

   I really came to like the Tenryu blade line, and was rep'ing them on the side while a tooling salesman. I could provide blades to do things that our regular line of blades could not do or as well. There are blades that will cut steel studs or all-thread rod, with a skil saw or chop saw. Being Japanese they are nearly all thin kerf and ran very true.

6. 
   spindle | Jan 14, 2009 04:11pm | #7

   Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who replied.

   Knotscott, I'm currently using the 40T Freud D0740 and for a $15 blade I'm happy with it.  Seems a little rough on the rip, but I get real picky sometimes.  (remember $15 blade)

   The Makita hardi plank, Tenryu, and Forrest WWII are ones I'll look at over time.  Already have a Forrest in my RAS and am very happy with it.  As a hobbyist that doesn't cut all that much plywood I find hard to step up to the Forrest for a CS.

   Thanks again to everyone.

   Greg