Replies

1. 
   Timberwerks | Oct 02, 2002 06:28am | #1

   I was a believer in Forrest until I used my first FS blade. Now I am actually selling my Forrest's I will be using FS from now on. I also have a great sharpening service that  really does an outstanding job.

   Dale

1. 
   gbwood | Oct 02, 2002 10:23am | #2

   I'm running FS Tool pretty much exclusively- thier 8" dado head is super sweet 

2. 
   ScottWhiting | Oct 02, 2002 10:43pm | #8

   I don't think I would go so far as to sell a good blade. Because you have a good sharpening service they are still a good all purpose blade. Someone mentioned the XL series. I would spend the extra money for them in plastics including solid surface and laminated materials. FS Tool is one of many excellent brands handled by saw shops. As we have discussed on other forums most people not doing woodworking full time have trouble finding the suppliers that you as a full time shop have land at your door.

   Scott

   Scott's Sharpening Service

   Glendale, Az.

1. 
   Timberwerks | Oct 03, 2002 12:43am | #9

   Scott

   The point you made about selling my Forrest blades is true, they are worth holding on to. I guess the point I was trying to make is that since I started using the FS blades I havent used my Forrest's. But I would not have a hard time parting with them. I could put the money towards more FS blades. I have to give you sharpeners out there allot of credit you really do make are work easier. Plus you give great advise.

   Take Care

   Dale

1. 
   mitch | Oct 03, 2002 01:16am | #10

   if you're serious about selling your forrest blades please let me know what you have and what you're asking.  you can reach me at [email protected]   maybe i can help with your fs tool fund.  thanks, mitch

2. 
   JeffKurtz | Oct 02, 2002 03:46pm | #3

   Planeguy,

   Don't Forrest saws have to be factory sharpened? That must be costly when shipping is added in.

   Jeff

1. 
   Planeguy50 | Oct 02, 2002 05:26pm | #4

   I think you might be confusing FS Tool with Forrest. They are 2 different blade manufacturers. But you are right about the sharpening for Forrest blades. I believe part of their success is in their sharpening, which then has to be sent back to the factory to do this. And being from Canada, this would leave me waiting a long time and having a considerable expense to do this. (Customs and Shipping) Not to mention, a Forrest blade up here costs $170 - 200. I know Forrest blades get great reviews, but if I had to buy 4 - 5 blades (1 extra on hand for while 1 is out getting sharpened), the price is getting a little high. Besides, there is a local sharpening service that can usually have my blades ready in about 1 day.

1. 
   Planeguy50 | Oct 02, 2002 05:34pm | #5

   Are you using the L series or the XL4000 series of blades? Or if you have used both, is the XL4000 worth the extra $?

1. 
   Adrian | Oct 02, 2002 10:02pm | #7

   Also running two shops, a school one and my own,  largely on FS Tools. Good blades. I have some XL's , some not.....anything newis XL, and definitely anything for plastics. I'm not even sure what the price difference is....not huge, I don't think.cabinetmaker/college instructor. Cape Breton, N.S

2. 
   JeffKurtz | Oct 02, 2002 08:31pm | #6

   Thanks, Plane Guy.  This is not the first time I have been confused, I think, maybe.  Can't really remember.

   Jeff

3. 
   RW | Oct 03, 2002 01:43am | #11

   Love my FS trim blade

4. 
   Elcoholic | Oct 03, 2002 07:16pm | #12

   Had (3) FS blades, 10" Combo, Rip and 12", 200T on my CSMS.  Bent the combo while attempting to set the bevel angle on TS with 1/2" thick ABS zero clearance insert on the saw and my head firmly inserted between my cheeks.  Had to settle for a Systematic replacement 'cause it was Saturday and you don't find FS at 'hobby' shops.  I really miss the FS.  If I use a featherboard with the rip blade and feed it right I don't need my jointer for edge glue joints.  The CSMS blade cuts are smooth as glass.   Another nice touch is the copper plugs in the relief holes, keeps them from whistling.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

1. 
   Planeguy50 | Oct 04, 2002 02:08am | #13

   Thanks for the info and opinions from everyone. I will be going to FS blades and give them a try. Ordered one today, should be here Monday. (The company I ordered from is in a different city, same province.) I will post again after I try it.

1. 
   Planeguy50 | Oct 25, 2002 07:42am | #14

   Sorry for the delay in posting, but the blade was about a week getting here, and then I set to work making cabinets for my shop. (Trying to clean up the mess that is everywhere!) But as for the FS Tool blade (60T Standard Crosscut), ........

   I LIKE IT, I LIKE IT!!!

   It has been giving me the best quality of cut I have ever gotten. The only bad cut that I got was for a short piece of oak that I needed to rip and was too lazy to change to my ripping blade. I got a little burning, but I guess that's why I normally change blades to rip. (It's a good thing I'm good lookin', cuz I sure can be pretty dumb at times :) Anyways, I will be switching over to FS Tool blades as I need to replace my old ones or need new ones. Hmmmm. Maybe that 80T HiATB blade for some melamine I need to cut for the new kitchen the wife wants.

1. 
   Elcoholic | Oct 25, 2002 10:55pm | #15

   I knew you wood!  The 200T 12" FS I put on my Makita 1212 CSMS makes it seem like the saw is actually worth the $750 price tag.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne