Replies

1. 
   rslatm | Sep 15, 2003 10:09pm | #1

   3,450 to 3,600 is typical. Such basic info is easily accessed by looking at spec info at sites such as Delta, Wilke etc.
1. 
   PenobscotMan | Sep 15, 2003 10:18pm | #2

   Thanks -- those numbers do sound familiar. But, what about diameter? My 14in blade is going to be driving teeth into wood at a much greater rate than a standard 10 in blade, even if the RPM's are the same. I will go to manufacturors' sites, as you suggest.

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Sep 16, 2003 01:18am | #3

   The relavent factor is NOT the RPM, it is the feet per second of the rim speed. Every blade I have seen has had the maximum RPM printed on the blade. The larger the diameter of the blade, the less the RPM.

   For a 10" blade, most blades should not be run over about 4500 RPM and most 10" saws run the blades between 3000 and 3500 RPM.

   I would contact a blade manufacturer for the size blade you need and get the correct answer. You don't want little carbide shrapnel flying around.

2. 
   forestgirl | Sep 16, 2003 07:05am | #4

   Delta's RT40 is a 14"/16" saw.  Specs state "Double V-belt drive can be set for speeds of 3000 or 4500 rpm for best cutting performance."  (refers to arbor speed) 

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

3. 
   rslatm | Sep 16, 2003 04:22pm | #5

   Use the manufacturers info to guide you. Blade manufacturers list optimum rpm.  I use the techs at the manufacturers instead of forums for answers to questions.

   I've seen a lot of direct drive saws that run 3,600 rpm that will take up to 18" blades.

   http://www.northfieldwoodworking.com/tablesaws/4saw.htm
4. 
   charlesm | Sep 16, 2003 08:14pm | #6

   We generally recommend between 50% to 70% of maximum RPM as the best speed for Freud blades. That works out to around 3500 to 4900 RPM for a 10" and 2500 to 3500 RPM for a 14". This is based on the pretensioning of the blade and the expectation that you will be feeding by hand. Custom shops can make blades for different speeds/applications if necessary.

   Charles M

   Freud, Inc.