Hello, and happy new year everyone!
I’m doing a project where I plan to rip down 2×6 S4S poplar boards to add some interior jamb extension trim for new insert windows I just installed. (These jamb extensions to replace where the old interior stops were.) My finished trim will be 1-1/4 x 5/8 or 1-1/4 x 7/8, and range from 35″ to 65″ in length.
I got a Dewalt 8-1/4″ jobsite table saw (DWE7485) to assist with this project.
My question is on blade selection. There are not a lot of blade options for this saw that will work with the splitter/riving knife. (Riving knife width is 0.087″ [2.2 mm]).
The stock blade on this saw is a 24T “rip” blade (DWA181424) , although it looks more like a framing blade to me.
So my question is: will the stock blade be adequate to the task, or should I upgrade? Upgrading is somewhat problematic in that I’m having trouble finding blades that fit this saw, esp the riving knife, which I want to use.
I found a Freud rip blade (LM72R008) that’s full kerf with a 0.087″ plate – so I think I’d need to add a piece of tape on each side of the riving knife to make that blade work. (The 8″ Freud thin-kerf blades are too narrow for the riving knife, from what I’m reading.)
There is also a Diablo blade that fits quite well — the Diablo D0840X 40-tooth “finishing” blade fits great, but will this be any better for ripping poplar than the stock blade?
I don’t want to overthink this – if the stock blade is adequate, I can stick with that. But if there is an obvious upgrade that will make better cuts I’ll definitely do it. (Blade upgrade – although I’m starting to see maybe that 8-1/4″ format was not the best choice!)
Thanks!
Replies
Hi, I would try the stock blade first and evaluate the cut. If its good, go with it. For ripping you generally want fewer teeth, so the Diablo blade probably won't improve the cut. I think they make a glue line rip that could be a good option.
I don't recommend trying to shim the riving knife with tape. Get a blade/ knife set of equal width.
If the rip blade you have is truly a rip blade, it will likely do the job just fine. The cut may not be real smooth, but probably adequate for what you are doing. When you start doing some cross cutting, you may want to get an ATB (alternate top bevel) blade or a combination blade. The finishing blade is not the best for ripping. It will cut slowly and may get hot.
I'm not familiar with that saw, but most table saws will allow the use of 7 1/4" blades. You just lose some depth of cut. Otherwise, it should work depending on arbor size.
The riving knife is probably aligned with the arbor of the saw. A blade wider than the riving knife is safe, and even safer if you rip with the fence on the arbor side of the blade. (As opposed to the nut side) A blade thinner than the riving knife will cause binding.
Try the blade you've got. If it works well, caseclosed.
I like a good combination blade. I use it for everything, and it does a great job.
For underpowered saws, thin kerf blades boost performance more than anything else. My contractor saw bogs down on heavy rips with a standard blade, but cuts very easily with a thin kerf. If I had your saw and there was a way to switch the riving knife for one that allowed a thin kerf blade, I would do it.
To add to what others have said, make sure your blade is clean, I found laundry detergent and water works amazingly well. Also make sure the blade is sharp. A clean sharp blade cuts far easier and nicer than a dirty or dull blade.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled