Welp...Making the Kapex better IS actually possible.

[skids]

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.

 

[tomscf]

I don't know whether dragging up this post would be appropriate but having the word "Kapex" on the wall always gets maximum attention...an underhanded plot to have my question looked at I'm pulling out what little hair I have remaining trying to track down this Tenryu blade in the UK or at least some company in the US who would ship it for less than the cost of the actual blade?!
I'm sold on the fact it's a good blade and I haven't heard enough rave reviews about any offerings over this side of the pond to think that there's anything similar. I may be wrong about this and I'm open to suggestions.
Anyway, I'm off to the Mecca that is Axminster tools and machinery tomorrow as I'm wanting sharp things to fit my last few kitchens before Christmas and if I have to go with some local blade then so be it, I just thought I'd be worth asking in case anyone knows of a solution.

(I only need the blade for cutting melamine and cornice/pelmet so the load won't be heavy but I need the cuts to be as fine as I can possibly get them)
Thanks if anyone can help.

 

[Paul-w]

Hi tom I've just started a thread asking the same as you about Tenryu 80t blades and where in the uk I can purchase one? Did you have any luck finding them yet?

 

[glass1]

the stock blades on the apex are excellent blades. Some like other brands more. My bigger complaint is a lack of options on the lower end. The 60 tooth leitz is a finish blade. I would think some 40 tooth options for framing material and decking for quick easier cutting would be an excellent addition and would put less strain on the apex, are you listening festool or maybe oshlun or leitz  40 tooth $50 bucks all day long. the apex stock blades are def. good at dc. its not just kerf thickness but plate thickness that affects the saw.