Freud Blades for Festool Saws ?

[BC6738F5BCE98B4]

My recently delivered catalogue for Klingspor's Woodworking Shop lists three Freud Saw Blades listed as being appropriate for Festool saws.  The model numbers of each end in "M20" which I infer indicates that they have a 20 mm hole.

Has anybody used or researched these blades and whether they represent a) a good alternative to particular Festool blade, b) something different than available in a Festool blade or c) a useful complement/alternative to a Festool blade.

The model numbers are:

LU79R006M20 - Plywood - 48tpi - http://www.freudtools.com/p-16-thin-kerf-ultimate-plywood-melamine.aspx
LU86R006M20 - General -  28tpi - http://www.freudtools.com/p-30-thin-kerf-general-purposebr-nbsp.aspx
LU87R006M20 - Rip      -  14tpi - http://www.freudtools.com/p-36-thin-kerf-ripbr-nbsp.aspx

The reason I ask is that some years ago I put a "general purpose" Freud blade into my very old (and dying) Radial Arm saw and have been pleased with it ever since.

 

[Forrest Anderson]

Although the blades you mention are not included, you might like to have a look at the Oct 2007 edition of The Woodworker, which puts various Festool, Trend and Freud blades for the TS55 up against each other.

The magazine seemed to like the three Freud blades they tested.

Forrest

 

[Troll]

I bought two Freud blades about six months ago after reading the article Forrest links.  I've been really impressed with them especially considering what I paid for them.  On ebay I bought two blades for ?26 (GBP) including delivery, the equivallent Festool blades woud be nearly ?70 (GBP).  They've really cut well and lasted a long time.  Just bought three more for less than ?40 (GBP), at these prices it's hardly worth having them sharpened.

Freud is a really reputable company and sell lots of router cutters and saw blades.  I fully recommend them and don't think you'll be disappointed.

Troll