Replies

1. 
   rslatm | Oct 27, 2003 07:27pm | #1

   Have you tried a dedicated rip blade???  I've seen this complaint time and time again.  Most folks use combo blades and they are a compromise on all accounts. A rip blade has less teeth and a flat top grind and rquires a lot less power than a combo blade.  You should see a remarkable difference in performance.  Cheaper than buying a new motor or saw upgrade.
2. 
   NickC | Oct 27, 2003 07:28pm | #2

   Definitely go for the higher HP, especially if you plan to cut hardwood. Another idea, since you already have a tablesaw, is to get a bandsaw, and use it for the beveled rips. A bit slower, but will handle thicker lumber without requiring a lot of HP. And no danger of burning because the feed rate is too slow.

3. 
   RANGERP75R | Oct 27, 2003 07:35pm | #3

   Bob

      You can rip with a 1 1/2 HP if you go to a good quality 24 flat rip blade. A Thin-Kerf would benefit that. Avoid a blade in this case advertised as glue-line rip. It's a great blade for 1" and under, but the teeth are not set for quick removal of the waste generated on that size lumber. A 24 flat tooth is best, but will require a jointer or hand jointing to get the edge you need for glue up.

      If you are doing a lot of ripping as I do, the 3 HP makes more sense if it is in the budget. I bumped my 1 1/2 HP up to a 2 HP by adding an old Delta Marathon motor and switching to 220V. When it ever goes, the 3 HP will get the nod. You will find the cabinet saw is better designed than a contractor. Since you mentioned a hobby, it's an option. If you were commercial, it's almost a must.

   Regards...

   sarge..jt

     

1. 
   PlaneWood | Oct 28, 2003 06:57am | #4

   Get a thin kerf rip blade!  First time I got one I thought my motor had doubled in horsepower!

   oh yeah, keep it sharp, too!

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood

4. 
   forestgirl | Oct 28, 2003 06:36pm | #5

   Having the appropriate number of teeth in the blade is even more important when you're ripping at an angle -- the 1.5" stock becomes even thicker, if you know what I mean.

   If you want icing on the cake, after changing blades, throw on a link belt.  It won't make as much of a difference as the blade, but it will help.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)