forrest saw blades for ts55/75

J

JJ Wavra

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Joined
Jan 11, 2008
Messages
256
Hello,

I am new here and have been reading constantly a lot of old posts.  I came across a thread discussing the various kerfs of the different saw blades. This made me wonder about using the forrest blades  made for these saws and then the panther if needed for deep cuts.  On the ts 75 they basically have the same kerf.  They are off by something so small, less than a 256th of an inch, it has me intrigued. 

The blades that I have seen on the internet at Woodworker 1s.  Has anyone tried these blades?

best ,

JJ

 
I think the general consensus is that the Festool blades are reasonably priced compared to Forrest and the quality is every bit as good to boot so there is little reason to go elsewhere.
 
Hi,

  I don't know about the Forrest blades, but be careful on counting on the kerf measurements. Though I am sure the actual measured blade kerfs are accurate- they result in a larger difference than that in use, at least with the Festool blades. In my actuall use the difference with the Festool (TS55)  2.2mm and 2.5mm blades  results in about a 1/32" or difference in the cut location and guide rail strip. But the blade kerf measured difference is only .15mm!
  You might have to actually get the Forrest blade to test it out unless someone else has already done so.

Seth
 
I am not disagreeing with Seth on his points. I guess I am just trying to emphasize that there are manufacturing tolerances that will show up from blade to blade, not only in the kerf but also from the blade body to cutting edge. This is only an issue when you want repeatability along a splinterguard so Festool probably pays more attention to it than most manufacturers do. I suspect the perceived problem will only be more pronounced when one involves a third party source. What is to be gained with another blade maker when the cut quality can hardly be improved upon? I think it is important for all of us to recognise the splinterguard as a perishable item that will wear out over time and also be affected by the manufacturing variations inherent in the sawblades we choose to use. We accept the fact that a sharpened blade will have a slightly smaller kerf. Why is it so hard to accept the fact that a piece of rubber will wear out?

I know this is OT to the original question but my slight rant here is in anticipation of where this type of thread usually winds up. To those who have patiently read though this, I hope I haven't wasted your time.  ::)
 
I use a Forrest WW II on a Porter Cable circular saw.  It cuts really well - little or no chipping in sheet goods.  However, I agree with the comments about the Festool blades.  The Festool blades and the Forrest blades cut equally well, IMHO, and the Festool blades are less expensive - $80.75 vs. $53.50 for a comparable tooth count blade.

Your point about the kerfs on the Forrest WW I and the Panther being almost the same is interesting.  I suppose if you used the Panther extensively, that might be a reason to use the WW I.  You certainly will not be disappointed in the cuts with a Forrest blade.
 
Hey again,

I asked because I do use the panther blade a lot, 8/4-12/4 stock.  I then only have two guide rails at the current time and don't want to start buying multiple rails so that i can use multiple blades.  I also realize that rubber zero tolerance guide on the rails is replaceable but in an effort to save time and money I was hoping to see if I could use two different types of blades with true exchange capacity.

If I must I will buy extra rails to go between both types of blades but alas it nice to have some others opinions.

Also, the idea of decreasing kerf upon sharpening had not occurred to me so that just throws one more chip in the mix.

I appreciate the opinions thanks,
JJ

PS the cost thing was braught up.  For the ts 75 the 52 tooth saw blade is only a couple of dollars cheaper than the forrest blade which was the two  I was comparing.
 
Hi all
A point that one must also consider is the arbor size, 20mm on the ts 55 and the blade diameter 6 1/4'' 160mm. Ts 75 8 1/4 210mm 30mm arbor.
Many years ago I went on a search mission to find other types of blades for specific applications. After a long frugal search and many dollars spent on re-boring numerous blades, modifying the saw just to make them fit ,(we don't want to go there again) having disappointing results,I concluded the festool had done their research very well. They have a broad range of the highest quality blades available for a very reasonable cost to cover most everything. I suspect that is why other brands of blades do not pursue the aftermarket here in the us.
If you look at the package back that the blade comes in, you will also see that more than a dozen reputable tool brands also use these blades for their equipment. Most of those are overseas where quality is usually more of an issue.
This says something pretty loud to me.
In my opinion as a hard, demanding tough on tools person in my other daily line of work, they are tough to beat. I use many other brands to say the least, so I don't say this to be festool biased. When they are the right tool for the job, they perform.

Bill in seattle
 
I have a boat load of the Tenryu blades coming for my TS55.  I currently have two of the 48t fine cutting blades from Festool which I'm very happy with.

I also have a new guide strip that i will apply to a 1400mm guide rail and test the range of Tenryu blades (all of which have the same kerf {.087"} and plate {.063"}), so I'll be comparing the actual cuts with a new guide strip on the respective materials. 

My only reason for stepping beyond the Festool line of blades is for the consistancy of kerf is hopefully reducing, or eliminating the need to replace guide strips between blades.  If they are truly on, I will order whatever they come out with for the TS75, as well. (and the Kapex).

I'll keep you , umm.. posted. :-[
 
Garry said:
I have a boat load of the Tenryu blades coming for my TS55.  I currently have two of the 48t fine cutting blades from Festool which I'm very happy with.

I also have a new guide strip that i will apply to a 1400mm guide rail and test the range of Tenryu blades (all of which have the same kerf {.087"} and plate {.063"}), so I'll be comparing the actual cuts with a new guide strip on the respective materials. 

My only reason for stepping beyond the Festool line of blades is for the consistancy of kerf is hopefully reducing, or eliminating the need to replace guide strips between blades.  If they are truly on, I will order whatever they come out with for the TS75, as well. (and the Kapex).

I'll keep you , umm.. posted. :-[
Click to expand...

I'd be interested to know how you like the Tenryu blades.  I have a 12" Tenryu blade for my SCMS which I have never been very happy with.  It is now only used when my Forest blade is being sharpened.
 
Sparky977 said:
I'd be interested to know how you like the Tenryu blades.  I have a 12" Tenryu blade for my SCMS which I have never been very happy with.  It is now only used when my Forest blade is being sharpened.
Click to expand...

I'll let you know.  I've only read positive things about their blades, so I wasn't very reluctant to try them.  If they suck, its "off to Craigslist"
 
Garry said:
I'd be interested to know how you like the Tenryu blades.  I have a 12" Tenryu blade for my SCMS which I have never been very happy with.  It is now only used when my Forest blade is being sharpened.
Click to expand...
Hello, Sorry to hear about the 12" blade. Can I ask what blade and materials? I am always interested in feedback, good or bad.
Thank you
Iain
 
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