I have a Freud Diablo 10″ 24 tooth rip blade that is ground ATB. I want the grind to be flat. Could I grind the teeth flat with the blade on my table saw? Or would doing so ruin some inherent geometry of the teeth?
I picture doing this with a block mounted to the table to get all the teeth the same height. I assume the grinding would remove just the “tips” of the alternate high points of each tooth down to the level of the “low” shoulder of the tooth.
Could this be done with corborundum paper or would a diamond hone be required. I’ve read admonitions not to try to grind carbide tipped blades with anything but professional equipment lest the carbide material suffer cracks or internal stress.
VL
Replies
It would require a great deal of grinding to remove the bevels. I don't think you are going to want to put in that much effort and it does require diamond. Also you'd never get all the teeth the same heught so it wouldn't cut with all the teeth. Is there a reason you need the grind to be flat? If so take it to a sharpener and have it ground.
Freud, Inc.
Charles,
Thanks. I want a flat top grind so I don't have to clean up tenon shoulders (and other cuts which need a clean "bottom") cut on the table saw. I live on Maui and there is no grinding service here. It would cost more than the price of the blade to send it off, but I guess I'll have to do that.
I know several services that will grind the tooth to any angle needed, but haven't decided which solution to use yet. I'm not keen on grinding my own and your warning is enough for me.
I can't seem to locate a FTG blade. Does Freud make one?
VL
"I can't seem to locate a FTG blade. Does Freud make one?" I see 2 in my Freud catalog, the LM72 (24-tooth) and the LM71 (18-tooth for thick stock). "Locating" on is generally not as simple as driving to Home Depot or Lowe's. They tend to carry a very limited selection of blades.
You might want to contact Freud (1-800-334-4107) and ask for a brochure of their saw blades so you know the variety they offer. I believe their web-site lists retailers. I've seen a wide variety of their blades at one of the Seattle hardwood stores, and also in the Ballew Saw and Tools catalog. forestgirl Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie,
You're correct in the two blades that we offer that have Flat Top grinds. Maybe the best bet is to get the LM72 instead of modifying the ATB blade.Charles M
Freud, Inc.
Forestgirl and Charles,
Thanks. I'll call some retailers on Monday.
VL
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