I know that this has been discussed numerous times in the past -- I spent quite a bit of time last night searching the archives and reading all the posts. Let me try to summarize what I think is the general consensus...
My TS55 application is primarily for breaking up sheet goods, and "straight-lining" rough lumber.
My sense is that the 48-t "fine" blade (491952) is adequate for "straight-lining" hardwood lumber up to 1" thick. It may be slow, but it will do a reasonably good job.
Thicker than 1" or where quicker cuts are desired, the 28-t "universal" blade (490516) would be the choice for most of us, since the kerf is the same as the "fine" blade, and thus won't affect the splinterguard strip on the guide rail.
The printed 08/09 catalog that I have shows both the Fine and Universal blades at 2.2mm kerf. The online catalog shows them both at 2.5mm, but I believe the online version is in error. Hopefully somebody out there will correct me if I have that wrong.
Panther seems to have mixed results; some have been happy with it, some not. But it DOES have a thicker kerf than the "fine" blade, and so if you have one set of guide rails for all blades, this is a significant disadvantage to the Panther.
SO -- I'm inclined to obtain a 28t "Universal" blade for hardwood rips. I'm hoping that will allow me to use one set of guide rails for both blades, and to get reasonable rip cut quality. 90% of the time I'll be making the final cuts on a table saw anyway, so I don't need really good cut quality on the hardwood rips.
If I've misunderstood the situation, I'd appreciate any comments...
-TH
My TS55 application is primarily for breaking up sheet goods, and "straight-lining" rough lumber.
My sense is that the 48-t "fine" blade (491952) is adequate for "straight-lining" hardwood lumber up to 1" thick. It may be slow, but it will do a reasonably good job.
Thicker than 1" or where quicker cuts are desired, the 28-t "universal" blade (490516) would be the choice for most of us, since the kerf is the same as the "fine" blade, and thus won't affect the splinterguard strip on the guide rail.
The printed 08/09 catalog that I have shows both the Fine and Universal blades at 2.2mm kerf. The online catalog shows them both at 2.5mm, but I believe the online version is in error. Hopefully somebody out there will correct me if I have that wrong.
Panther seems to have mixed results; some have been happy with it, some not. But it DOES have a thicker kerf than the "fine" blade, and so if you have one set of guide rails for all blades, this is a significant disadvantage to the Panther.
SO -- I'm inclined to obtain a 28t "Universal" blade for hardwood rips. I'm hoping that will allow me to use one set of guide rails for both blades, and to get reasonable rip cut quality. 90% of the time I'll be making the final cuts on a table saw anyway, so I don't need really good cut quality on the hardwood rips.
If I've misunderstood the situation, I'd appreciate any comments...
-TH
