Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | May 21, 2004 09:32pm | #1

   Use a blade made specifically for the application. Laminate cutting blades are typically 80 tooth with a High ATB grind. They can be expensive but well worth it if you are doing it a lot.

   You can also be sucessful with a 50 tooth combo blade as long as you go slowly. Some run masking tape down the cutline but I have never found that this makes much difference. Doesn't hurt though.

   Howie.........
2. 
   nikkiwood | May 22, 2004 02:12am | #2

   I don't do a lot of this kind of sawing, but when I do, I use either the ATB blade mentioned in the last post, or alternatively, an 80 tooth triple chip blade.

   Your best approach though is to directly call one of the saw blade manufacturers. I know from experience that Freud runs a first rate tech service desk -- and everyone I have spoken to is both knowledgeable and helpful. I don't have it here, but they have an 800 number, which I am sure you can get from their website.

   It's worth it to call several other saw blade manufacturers as well.

3. 
   Tao | May 22, 2004 04:37am | #3

   Both grinds work OK, but in my experience the high ATB does a litle better. 

   The most important thing on both is a negative tooth rake, and a relatively high tooth count -- 60 or above.   Lots of folks make blades specifically for the application. 

   I kind of like Guhdo.  I bought a 60 tooth high ATB industrial blade for around $50 and it has performed well -- better than my triple-chip blades made for the same use.

   Michael R

4. 
   CarpenterJC | May 22, 2004 05:40am | #4

   Raise the blade 1/16th and "score" the underside of the melamine first..then make youre full depth cut...this virtually reduce any chipping on the bottom side...

                                                                        JC