deepcreek said:skids said:Do you have a ZCI and Aux Fence on your machine? Because in my experience with the stock blade it's very necessary.
I agree, it's better than what you would get on a Dewalt saw for example. But to me the stock blade is like an all season tire, and times trying to be something it just couldn't perform well doing. Maybe I am just partial to higher tooth count blades, but to me the stock blade is very much general purpose, leaning more toward less fine work. I got alot tear out with the stock blade on a recent wainscot project, so I personally wouldn't use the stock blade in a cabinet application or finish carpentry again.
I felt like I was getting by with that blade, with this blade I no longer feel that way and feel like I have dedicated blades for dedicated applications. e.g. rough work/finish work.
I understand about using premium blades. I had a $185 90T Forrest Chopmaster Signature on my 12" Dewalt slider and the 60T Festool (manufactured by Leitz) performs just about as well. I don't have a ZCI and only use an auxillary fence for small stuff like shoemold. I did use a continuous crown stop for that pre-finished Hard Maple.
The only time I've noticed "a lot of tear out" is when I push the blade too fast or it is getting dull. My point is the stock Festool blade is quite capable of making fine finish cuts on hardwoods and does not need to be relegated to "decking and framing".
I had the Signature from Forrest on an old miter saw. It was a great blade, but it was full kerf.