I’m in the market for a TS blade that leaves a flat surface. From what I can tell scouring the interwebs, Forrest is the gold standard, but Diablo is something to consider if you’re cheap, like me.
There’s a 10” x 24T FTG Diablo on amazon for $53 (Forrest is in $170 range). But there are enough people who have complained there about missing teeth (before/during shipment!) or broken teeth essentially at start up. Then there is a recent thread on these forums where the guy’s problem turned out to be a Diablo blade. https://www.finewoodworking.com/forum/tablesaw-blade-issue
So, help me decide:
A) bite the bullet, cheapie! (Forrest)
B) roll the dice, slick! (Diablo)
C) Other
Other: please specify ____________
I have in mind a full-kerf blade that could produce grooves that were smooth enough for joinery tasks. But if it also was a great ripping blade, I would use it for that too. I don’t think I need a flat-tooth blade dedicated to joinery (I’m a tiny-scale hobbyist), but I’m open to that if you want to make the case.
thanks!
w2
Replies
P.s. answering my own question (publicly), I believe.
From looking at Forrest website, I’ve learned more about TS blades. They don’t really do “combination” great ripping/flat bottom blades, but it looks this one might fit the bill:
https://www.forrestblades.com/woodworker-ii-modified/10-woodworker-ii-saw-blade-40-teeth-modified-6-atbr-en/
Forrest does have blades that are perfectly flat bottomed, but the one you link is not.
Unless you have a saw with a larger motor, I'd suggest a thin kerf blade. Tougher cuts really overwhelm full kerf blades on smaller saws. I have an average contractor saw and won't even think of using a full kerf blade.
I have a Forrest Woodworker 2, 40t blade. I prefer my Freud 10" x 40T Thin Kerf Premier Fusion P410T blade. It's not flat bottom, but it's at the top if most magazine rankings, and costs about half if the Forrest.
Thank you John, you’ve saved me a lot of grief. Until I upgrade my table saw, thin kerf it is.
If you are working small scale and want to save a buck you can go with 8" blades. Before I bought my sawstop I used them all the time.
I'm a Forrest user myself and full kerf believer, I think there is too much flex in thin kerf, but I have 3hp spinning it. That said Freud makes a fine blade as well, and is what I recommend for my son, for a fraction of the cost if you are looking for a combination blade that does most cuts well but not maybe not excellently but leaves a flat bottom this model may do the trick Freud - LU83R010. If you're looking for primarily a ripping blade for thin stock (<1") then this model should get the job done LM75R010
Buy a Freud rip blade which will give you a flat bottom groove and provide a very decent quality blade with enough carbide that can be resharpened. Combination blades have an alternating tooth set up that provides a convex groove. Look at this one about $55
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004T78V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The Diablo line uses smaller carbibide teeth. If you are concerned about the power of your saw slow your feed and keep your blades sharp.
I recently picked up a Freud LU83R010 ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00020JOAA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ) and have been really pleased with the results. It is neither flat bottomed nor a rip blade, but it has retained my faith in Freud blades.
I'll be buying a flat bottomed rip blade soon, myself and will stick with Freud (again).
Thanks for the great feedback everyone. I think the Freud LU83R010 might be the right one for me. I have a Freud (Diablo) on there now (D1040X) which I’ve been happy with, though I have nothing to compare it to. I think the negative reviews scared me off Freud a bit.
The Freud blades are fine. CMT and Amana also make excellent blades.
Blade stabilizers recommended with thin kerf.
I recently purchased a Diablo crosscut/plywood blade and a Wood River general purpose blade, both thin kerf. I'm very pleased with both blades. I think the Forrest blades make more sense for pros who process in high volume. As a home hobbyist, the blades I bought offer great value. Cuts are very smooth.
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