Thin kerf combination blade suggestion for compact table saw

[pyleg]

I recently bought a DW745 on sale ($290 after tax).  I'm a relative newby woodworker--this is my first table saw--and I'd appreciate suggestions for a *thin kerf, general purpose/combination* blade.  So far, I work on smaller projects with hardwood and cabinet grade plywood.  I have access, if I really need them, to a TS55 and a cabinet saw. 

I'm trying to find a happy medium between utility and price--in other words, I could theoretically buy a Woodworker II 40 tooth thin kerf (about $130, with tax), but I'd only do so if it wouldn't be a waste on such a humble machine and a detriment to a blade that deserves a better saw and a more skilled woodworker. 

In other words, I'd like to start with something cheaper. 

(For those wondering why I'm posting on FOG, the simple answer is I'm already registered and figure there's a base of DW745 users here to help). 

 

[duburban]

freud blades are pretty much the standard of cheaper blades. i just bought a 24tooth and 50 tooth for the same saw you have. i'm primarily a contractor type and more often need a 24tooth on the table saw.

 

[thebicyclecafe]

On a 110v saw with a universal motor, you really will get the best performance using a dedicated blade for the particular task.
I'd go for a Freud 24T thin kerf ripper- inexpensive blade that delivers very good cut quality. Then get a thin kerf Freud LU88 (cross cut blade) to make the cuts in plywood, or any other cross cuts.

That being said, if you absolutely need to save some $$ and get a combo blade, at a lower price point, is the CMT P10050. This blade is a good deal at Lowe's if you can find it- comes in usually at around $30 and delivers acceptable quality.
To some extent it does depend on what hardwood you're sawing.
On your saw, with a combo blade, you will be sacrificing your feed rate on rip cuts, and you might encounter burning with woods like hard maple and cherry. If the resulting cut quality matters to you (ie you don't want to be doing more sanding, scraping, etc than you need to), then I would definitely go with a two blade solution.

I recently bought a DW745 on sale ($290 after tax).  I'm a relative newby woodworker--this is my first table saw--and I'd appreciate suggestions for a *thin kerf, general purpose/combination* blade.  So far, I work on smaller projects with hardwood and cabinet grade plywood.  I have access, if I really need them, to a TS55 and a cabinet saw.   

I'm trying to find a happy medium between utility and price--in other words, I could theoretically buy a Woodworker II 40 tooth thin kerf (about $130, with tax), but I'd only do so if it wouldn't be a waste on such a humble machine and a detriment to a blade that deserves a better saw and a more skilled woodworker. 

In other words, I'd like to start with something cheaper. 

(For those wondering why I'm posting on FOG, the simple answer is I'm already registered and figure there's a base of DW745 users here to help). 

 

[Svar]

I'm trying to find a happy medium between utility and price

Freud lineup of blades is exactly that - perfect combination of utility and price.
http://www.amazon.com/Freud-P410T-10-Inch-40-Teeth-30-Degree/dp/B0036CANUQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1372372825&sr=8-2&keywords=freud+fusion+blade
Check out the reviews.

 

[justinh]

I typically ignore the manufacturer recommendation of running thing kerf blades. I have for years in my Bosch 4000 and for the past year on the Dewalt 745 with no adverse effects on tool life or cut quality.

Right now in the Bosch I have a WWII. In the Dewalt I have an FS Tool LO3250. Of the 2 I prefer the FS tool. They are on special at Carbide.com for around $60 down from around $110.  In my cabinet saw I have an FS Tool SO3250. C4 carbide but same geometry as the other.  They are general purpose blades that do a decent job of ripping ply and 4/4 or under.The carbide is HUGE and they hold a sharp edge for a very long time.  For unfinished ply and MDF or MDF core I run either a 60 tooth Everlast or Amana I purchased from the unpicked up bin at my sharpener. For prefinished or tricky veneer ply I use an SO6251 80 tooth Hi ATB.

As others have said you should get more than one blade as there is no one blade that does a great job on everything.  I have never had much luck with combination blades.  I have used a few including the Infinity and wasn't really impressed.  My advice would be to start with a general purpose and add other task specific blades as needed. I would look at FS Tool, Everlast, Tenyru, or Amana.

I am not a big fan of Freud blades.  The only one of the many I have owned or used that I would recommend is the Heavy Duty Rip and that is way to much blade for a portable saw.  I still have a few that I use for MDF trim, cedar, pvc, etc. I have had several conversations with my sharpener about them where he very colorfully expressed his low opinion of the brand.  The edge retention when compared to other better blades of comparable price is poor. The zig zag slots on the blades weakens them and makes them prone to deflection.  The entire diablo line is actually thinner than thin kerf and there appears to be more paint on the blade than carbide. The ones that I own I do get sharpened because there is still is carbide on them but I get a "WTF" from the sharpener every time I do.

 

[fshanno]

I just bought a Freud 24t Diablo today.  At my son-in-laws using his Ryobi BT3100.  The older model with the little sliding table.  He still had the factory blade on it.  I am resawing 5" wide beech boards in two passes.  Seems to be handling the task pretty well.  I've also been ripping 4/4 beech boards with it and that job just fine. 

Not the greatest cut in the world, some swirls, but acceptable. 

 

[NERemodeling]

I'm gonna have to agree with svar on this one.    Go for the Freud fusion 40t thin kerf.     I have had their fusion 40t full kerf for quite some time now and its a good blade.    It doesn't compair to my Forrest blades but its pretty close, much better than I expected.

Its on sale at klingspor for $50. http://www.woodworkingshop.com/    I think their shipping is a flat rate $8 which brings it close to the amazon price. If you needed other stuff that could be had from klingspor's then it would work out to be a much better deal

As Justinh mentioned, the edge on the teeth doesn't last as long as my Forrest blades but nothing for you to worry about

There is a lot of carbide on this blade and it will handle many sharpening before you kill it.   You should have a sharpening shop local, check with tool shops and or yellow pages/Google

This brings me to my last point.   Don't confuse Freud blades with diablo blades.  Freud branded blades are much higher quality blades than their lower end diablo line

John

 

[pyleg]

Thank you for the suggestions!  The Freud TK Premier Fusion looks appropriate for my needs right now, so I've ordered one.  The criticisms of Freud's line and the merits of others are noted as is the value of eventually getting task-specific blades.  Those will come as the need arises. 

Again, many thanks. 

 

[justinh]

When you get the Fusion blade sharpened make sure you use a good sharpener. I remember being told that there were some special steps that needed to to be taken with the blade or the blade would be ruined. I don't remember if it had to do with the HiATB grind or if it was something else.

 

[TinyTiger]

I've used both Forrest and Freud Blades on my saw.  These days I really like the Freud Premier Fusion Thin Kerf and the Freud Thin Kerf Glue Line Rip Blades.  They have a great cut.