Replies

1. 
   DJK | Jun 24, 2004 03:19pm | #1

   Been using them for a few years. Very good blades, will hold an edge for ever

   (almost). Not cheap but worth the cost.

   DJK

2. 
   Elcoholic | Jun 24, 2004 04:10pm | #2

   Excellent blades I have 10" rip, 10" combo and a 12" on my SCMS.  Never had/tried a Forrest blade, but I do have Systematics and prefer my FS Tools. 

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   The more things change ...

   We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized.  I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.

   Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC

1. 
   Adrian | Jun 24, 2004 04:41pm | #3

   I have lots (on lots of different tools.....four tablesaws, RAS, mitre saws), and have been using them for a long time (along with other blades, including a Forrest).....I think there are many good quality industrial blades out there, but I keep coming back to FS Tool as a superb blade, at a very reasonable cost (where I am anyway). They're my benchmark....my Forrest blade does an okay job, but no better than the equivalent FS Tool blade, and the Forrest is WAY more expensive.

   There is lots in the archives here, mostly debate over Forrest and are they the wunder blade. IMO, they are a good, overhyped blade, and there is lots of competition in the professional/industrial grades of blades, most of which do NOT have a glossy hobbyist magazine ad campaign to pay for. And, by the way, all those blades use the approriate grade of premium quality carbide.....it's not like Forrest has a secret recipe, or a monopoly on the only good carbide out there.

   Anyway, I like FS Tools, and will continue to buy them. I'm going to get a Forrest sometime though, and just do a head to head comparison on the same saw.cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, N.S

1. 
   JBD | Jun 24, 2004 09:09pm | #4

   You nailed it Adrian.  Its all marketing.  If you were a purist/hobbyist WW, and never cut glued wood, plywood, composites or MDF, then the Forrest might be fine, but did it ever occur that they too get dull?

   If you don't fit the profile above, and your a pro or prosumer, all blades need sharpening eventually, and regular sharpening is a consistant need.  Forrest may sharpen with 600 or higher grit diamond (which sets them apart), but that is sooo sharp, that that sharpness disappears within the first fifty lineal feet of wood you run through it.  I've used dull Forrest blades and much prefer my freshly sharpened Freud's, Everlasts etc.   I have two FS Tool XL4000 Hi AT, negative hook blades, and they are the best.  Zero bottom tearout on melamine or veneer ply. 

   Hey Adrain, were you in the WW and Furniture Design program at RIT in the mid - late eighties?  If so, remember me?  Or were you trying to forget ;) ? 

   "The furniture designer is an architect." - Maurice DuFrenes (French Art Deco furniture designer, contemporary of Ruhlmann)

   http://www.pbase.com/dr_dichro   http://www.johnblazydesigns.com

1. 
   Adrian | Jun 24, 2004 10:03pm | #6

   "Hey Adrain, were you in the WW and Furniture Design program at RIT in the mid - late eighties?  If so, remember me?  Or were you trying to forget ;) ?"

   You the guy that owes me twenty bucks??!? Man, I could use that....good thing you reminded me.

   Actually....no, never had the opportunity to attend RIT, but I understand it's a fine school.cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, N.S

3. 
   jc21 | Jun 24, 2004 09:16pm | #5

   Last year I worked as a temp in a cabinet factory and all their blades were FS Tool ......... they seemed to hold up and cut well.

4. 
   bakesale1 | Jun 25, 2004 01:55am | #7

   I'm no expert but I did just purchase a FS TOOL rip blade.  I have a Forrest WWII.   I like the FS Tool for the price , but edge it leave isnt as smooth as the Forrest.  Because the WWII has 40 teeth, it's easy to burn on a rip cut, though.

1. 
   SRToolguy | Jun 25, 2004 05:01am | #8

   Thanks to everyone.. From the sound of the responses I think I'd better get them on the shelves right away.

   Thanks againSincerely;

   The Tool Guy

1. 
   bones | Jun 25, 2004 01:55pm | #9

   I have been reading the posts here and was wondering what the delta is on the price for FS .vs. Forrest. Are they $110 .vs. $119, or is it more like 50 .vs. 119? Just curious, I had never heard of FS blades before.

1. 
   Adrian | Jun 25, 2004 02:44pm | #10

   A Forrest WW2 would cost me $159.00 CDN. An FSTools combo is $59.00 CDN.cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, N.S

1. 
   bones | Jun 25, 2004 03:41pm | #11

   Thanks for the info. I had looked up a blade mentioned in a earlier post, and it seemed as expensive as the Forrest I got for $89.00 U.S. Next purchase, I may give one (FS) a try.

   Edited 6/25/2004 8:42 am ET by bones

5. 
   RANGERP75R | Jun 25, 2004 05:01pm | #12

   Tool Guy

      On Adrian's suggestion I got a FS a little over a year ago just to see for myself.

      It's a bit more expensive in the U.S. than Canada, but it's most definitely a keeper.

   sarge..jt

   Proud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)