Replies

1. 
   Quickstep | Mar 22, 2007 05:45am | #1

   I use a Porter Cable Saw Boss with a Porter Cable "RipTide" thin kerf alternate top bevel blade with 40 teeth. My saw is different than yours, but I think the principal still applies. PC makes the same blade in 7-1/4.

   I too have put off the Festool purchase and originally set out to get "close" using the circular saw and then go to the table saw. After making a plywood guide and developing a steady feed rate, I began making my final cuts using the circular saw and eliminating the trip to the table saw. I set the blade depth so it was just deep enough to make the cut. I was happy with the accuracy and smoothness of the cut.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/21/2007 10:47 pm ET by Quickstep

2. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Mar 22, 2007 06:41am | #2

   Erik, I found a $10+ hitachi at lowe's wrapped in a piece of split clear tubing , it's a little funny looking and so sharp ya gotta be careful with the fingers. On my skill #77 it cuts 3/4 ply like butter, buy two. Paddy

3. 
   nikkiwood | Mar 22, 2007 09:25am | #3

   Before I got a Festool set-up, I used this Forrest blade in my CS for cutting plywood sheets with a shooting board:

   http://tinyurl.com/2rxa8l

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

4. 
   USANigel | Mar 22, 2007 02:52pm | #4

   Makita hardi plank blade. Not cheap but cuts very smooth with little tearout.

5. 
   davidwood | Mar 23, 2007 02:33pm | #5

   For clean  cuts the worm drive with the smart base from eurekazone.                         

    The base comes with 2 sets of antisplintering zero clearance incerts.

   Even a 24 teeth blade gives you clean cuts with this setup.

   http://www.eurekazone.com./products/detail/smartbase.html

   For long cross cuts the worm is better than a sidewinder (longer reach)

   david

    

6. 
   bones | Mar 23, 2007 07:43pm | #6

   I have the PC left blade model. Its a personal preferance I like worm drive saws, I'm left handed.  For the blade, I use the Forresst WWII.  Its the smaller brother to the 10".  It cost more than the standard blades, but I use saw horses and a good strait edge, combined with the Portercable, and my edge cuts are glue ready.  In My opinion its a fantastic combination. Thats my two cents worth.  Good luck on the decision. 

   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. 
   evanover | Mar 24, 2007 05:05pm | #7

   Thank you all.  There seems to be several viable optoins for me to improve on my crosscutting with a circular saw.  I have purchased a new blade and will give it a try.  If that fails I think I will try the smart base and insert.  I will post results.

   Thanks again for all the tips.

   Erik-