Replies

1. 
   charlesm | Aug 27, 2007 01:51pm | #1

   Makita lists the 2708 as an 8-1/4" saw in the owner's manual found here:
   http://www.makita.com/assets_product/2708/owners_manuals/2708.pdf

   Many manufacturers, Freud included, offer industrial blades in 8" and larger so you will find many of our popular blades in that size. If you will indicate the type of cuts you will be making I'll be happy to recommend specific Freud blades. From there you can also shop for blades with similar specs from others.

   Charles M

   Freud America, Inc.

1. 
   mtclay1 | Aug 27, 2007 11:54pm | #2

   thanks charles, i cut a very wide scope of wood types but mostly fir.its a jobsite  table saw that we use for making 1/4x11/2x8ft guide strips and jamb boards for showers. were the tile and stone guys that work on non-typical shower sizes so were constantly making guide material from redwood,fir.plywood, cedar and we occasionly rip hardwooods. thanks for your help clay

1. 
   charlesm | Aug 28, 2007 12:45am | #3

   Clay,It sounds like you are mostly ripping 1-1/2" thick stock into 1/4" strips. If so, I recommend a dedicated rip blade with aggressive hook angle, low tooth count and preferably a thin kerf so you don't overload the saw. The LU87R008 is the best Freud blade for that - 22 teeth, 20° hook and 0.087" kerf.
   Charles M

   Freud America, Inc.

2. 
   mtclay1 | Aug 28, 2007 02:06am | #4

   okay charles that will work but stil need a combo blade to back up the rip blade.Reccomendation? which mail order co. handles your blades cause locally freud blades are not popular especially in the 8 inch size. THANKS CLAY

1. 
   marking | Aug 28, 2007 06:35am | #5

   Check out the Lee Valley catalog. They offer an 8 inch combo blade that is pretty nice. I don't think it was thin kerf.I bought it for my old Yates-American 8" table saw which would not take an 8 1/4". They even had someone at the warehouse verify it wasn't over 8" before I ordered it.good Luck
   peace
   markP.S. Yates-American 8" TS, jointer, disc sander combination machine for sale

2. 
   charlesm | Aug 28, 2007 02:21pm | #7

   Clay,I'd recommend the LU83R008, 8" X 40T Thin Kerf Industrial Combination. The 8" sizes of Industrial blades can be tricky to locate but here's some Google searches where you can find dealers for both of the blades I mentioned:http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=lu83r008&btnG=Google+Searchhttp://www.google.com/search?num=30&hl=en&q=lu87R008&btnG=Search
   Charles M

   Freud America, Inc.

1. 
   mtclay1 | Aug 28, 2007 03:27pm | #9

   thanks charles,ordering them both from amazon today again thanks for your help.(ps. the rip blade is only 19.00 and thecombo blade 40.00,cant get a cheap blade for those prices locally)

2. 
   JMartinsky | Aug 28, 2007 01:55pm | #6

   Dear Clay,
   That's a great saw! The only thing that I never liked about it was the carpel tunnel inducing knob. Beyond that, it's terrific. I sold my old one mainly based upon that knob and bought a new 10" Makita. The 10" is nice with a crank to raise & lower the blade, but the 8 1/" that you have is a better saw. It cuts better than the 10". I use the saws professionally and can tell you that the best blade that I found for that saw is the Freud combination blade. Good all around performance, and you will get quite a bit of milage out them as well too.

   Best,

   John

1. 
   mtclay1 | Aug 28, 2007 03:22pm | #8

   thanks john do you remember the blade number? the freud people make quite a few 8 inch combo blades and some are 8.5 and 8.25 and 8.also any zero clearance inserts pre made for this saw? thanks clay

1. 
   JMartinsky | Aug 29, 2007 12:49am | #10

   Dear Clay,
   This is the blade that I use: LU84R http://www.freudtools.com/woodworkers/rep/sawblades/Industrial_Series/Combination/html/Combination_1.htmlI also use the "Glue line Rip" LM74R http://freud.dev.multi-ad.com/woodworkers/rep/sawblades/Industrial_Series/Ripping/html/Ripping_1.htmlI would also consider the "Fusion" Blade as well.Best,John