Replies

1. 
   rslatm | Nov 18, 2002 03:34pm | #1

   Negative hook...look at the blade catalogs. They give specific recommendations as to what blades work best on applications. Positive hook blades have a tendency to grab and pull the blade into the material too aggressively.

1. 
   Adrian | Nov 18, 2002 07:00pm | #2

   Manufacturers make blades specifically for RAS....I have a FS Tools blade, 0 deg. hook, 4 ATB + raker, beautiful blade. Not usually used for very fine crosscuts, and never for ripping. cabinetmaker/college instructor. Cape Breton, N.S

2. 
   user-212595 | Nov 18, 2002 11:04pm | #3

   I put a Systimatic blade on my RAS, one that was designed for RAS in particular.  Its o.k.  I also have a Systimatic combo blade that normally resides in my table saw, I would prefer this on the RAS as well, but only have one.  I would be curious to see which blades people like for their RAS.  Everything I have read to this point suggests a full kerf blade with a negative hook as suggested by rsl, I think this is to reduce climbing.  Not sure what the hook is on my combo blade, but I didn't notice any significant difference between the two with regard to climbing, the combo blade leaves a nicer edge than the dedicated RAS blade. 

3. 
   Mach70 | Nov 22, 2002 08:29am | #4

   Bruce,

   The Forrest RAS blade has neg. hook angle, is easy to control, and cuts so smooth the edge it leaves is shiny (no not burnt or burnished, jeez...). It IS pricey but I feel way worth it.

4. 
   krislu | Nov 23, 2002 03:18pm | #5

   I use a Freud lu8411 combo on my ras and tablesaw and love it ! I have not found a blade that crosscuts or rips any better  for the money.  - Kris

5. 
   debarker | Nov 24, 2002 05:21am | #6

   Dont skimp here : I always thought that the hype surrounding some blade selling pitches (ignore the pun) was just that : hype : until I installed a good quality negative hook angle blade (actually made by Elu) on my RAS . Up until then I had considered getting rid of my RAS / this blade transformed it / it was cutting like everything I threw at it was butter / couldnt believe it / get a good blade/ I personally feel blade selection is even more critical on a RAS (because YOU move the blade) than on a TS....