Blade For Kapex

[Worm Drive]

I have a 80T Tenryu Miter Pro Plus for my Kapex and need to get a second blade, to rotate out during sharpening. Although I am pretty happy with the Tenryu, I am wondering how the Forrest Chopmaster compares. My concern is that 90 teeth would be overkill, leading to burning and premature dulling. Anyone with experience with the Chopmaster or any other recommendations for a trim and molding blade? I use it mainly for hardwood trim, under 1", plywood and crown molding. Thanks, Worm Drive

 

[ccmviking]

    I have the 60t, and 80t Festool blades as well as the Forrest for Kapex and Tenyru.  Really I think you get great cuts from any of the blades as long as they are clean and sharp.  It's pretty hard to say I have a favorite between the four...  You'll notice most peoples comments on how impressed they are, is the difference between their old worn out blade vs the new one they just put one.  Find a good reputable sharpener close to you or send your blades to Forrest in NJ or L.A. grinding in Los Angeles.  They both do an excellent job sharpening.  Most of what I cut is pre finished hardwood moldings and any of the blades will do a fantastic job.  Don't sweat that too much, just keep them clean and sharp.

Chris...

 

[justinh]

Both Forrest and Tenyru use specialty grinds on their miter blades. Forrest is H-ATB and Tenyru is ATAF.  Both grinds are for really brittle materials and tend to dull very quickly.  Of the 2 the Tenyru is better suited to the Kapex because the sharp shears angles that define the ATAF grind work well on an under powered saw as they require less pressure to make a cut.  I don't really care for either grind in wood or for either of the manufacturers but based on the weight of the blade your options are limited with the Kapex.

I buy blades in 3's.  One in the saw. One with the saw just in case. One out for sharpening or waiting to be sent out.