Most efficient Kapex Blade for Strand Bamboo Flooring?

[JustinWG]

As the title asks, I'm looking for recommendations as to what is known to be the most efficient blade for the Kapex, when cutting Strand Bamboo flooring?

I have not yet purchased a Kapex, but I am strongly considering it... again.  Dust collection is the main reason.

To compare, currently I am using a DW 780 12" SMCS paired with a [**EDIT**] Diablo Pergo Blade PCD  (poly-crystalline diamond tipped) 16-tooth.  Overall, I am overwhelmingly satisfied with the cut quality.  Both the blade and saw zip right through the Strand Bamboo without fail.  The blade is still [seemingly] just as sharp as it was on the first cut. 

The downside - it's a huge mess.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[TylerC]

The PCD blade is your best option for bamboo, but it's not something that we make for the KAPEX. Dust extraction would be very beneficial, but we don't have the ideal blade for this project.

Does anyone have experience with bamboo flooring?

 

[rizzoa13]

My experience is that stuff is terrible. It's filled with glue and the finish dulls regular finish blades quick. A diamond tipped blade would probably be the best but you'd more than likely need to get one devoted for the arbor size.

 

[JustinWG]

Thank you for the replies.

[member=57769]TylerC[/member] - Perhaps a new product in the making?  Surely there are lots of people in the industry that could benefit from another quality tool/blade.

[member=20320]rizzoa13[/member] - I'd definitely have to agree.  Before I found the PCD blade, I attempted to use a 96-tooth Freud Industrial Finish Blade, and it got smoked in a matter of less than 100 cuts - to the point where the saw bogged and burn marks were showing on the finish cuts. 

I don't have a problem spending the money for a devoted PCD blade with a 30mm arbor - it's just a matter of finding one.  Any input?

On the risk of sounding stupid, thoughts on buying a 10" version of the current PCD blade and boring the arbor to 30mm (via machine shop)?  Is that as potentially as dangerous as it seems?

 

[Brice Burrell]

....I don't have a problem spending the money for a devoted PCD blade with a 30mm arbor - it's just a matter of finding one.  Any input?

On the risk of sounding stupid, thoughts on buying a 10" version of the current PCD blade and boring the arbor to 30mm (via machine shop)?  Is that as potentially as dangerous as it seems?

I'd try a blade sharpening place, many of them can bore an arbor to any size needed.

 

[rizzoa13]

Yea you'll have to get it re-bored. I'd assume you need a perfectly centered arbor hole so let a professional do it. If time isn't of the essence I've heard great things from leitz (sp).

 

[JustinWG]

I was able to buy a 10" PCD and have a local carbide/saw shop do it on their CNC for $25 - done within an hour.

Works flawlessly!

Thanks for the suggestion.  This is the first time I've ever had a blade bored out.  Glad I asked.

FWIW - to anyone who may be curious, the PCD blade @ speed 6 seems to be optimal for clean, smooth, and quiet cuts with strand bamboo.