Table Saw Blades

[SteveF]

i am after some new blades
as I was unsure what to get...we all start somewhere
anyway, has anyone recently heard from cutting solutions?
I know what I am likely to cut, but would prefer talk to someone in the know, rather gamble at screwfix

Steve

 

[kevinlightfoot]

Look at the Swedex blades I bought a couple last year and I think they are very good.

 

[MattRoberts]

I use Freud blades - they're very good in my books

 

[pike]

I switched out the axcalibur blade on my TS250 for a freud and amongst other things it is quieter.

 

[LancsRick]

Freud.

Freud.

Have I mentioned Freud?

 

[mbartlett99]

My Axcaliber rip blade gives a beautiful finish as do my Atkinson Walker cross cut and panel sizing blade. One point though - I made a small error, they're different kerfs which means I have to adjust/chnage my riving knife every time which is very annoying.

 

[SteveF]

ok
lets say freud blades
I am 99.9% sure i need in 5\8th arbour so assume I will need inserts
i want to rip hardwood (beech oak walnut etc)and would like a 12" blade ( I know will not lower below table but needs must)
I want to cleanly cut ply \ mdf 10" blade, i guess i could use 8" if cheaper, but not huge criteria on cost
cross cut hardwoods..another project to make a sled for this use, also 10" blade
now I know this is being lazy ish
could someone point me in the direction of part numbers, if u go on screwfix every blade is listed as circular saw (not the greatest help for a novice IMHO)

reason asking about cutting solutions was with the hope of getting a personal service along with advice for best options (also seem to have good feedback with forum members)
a bit like I use tuffsaw because they know what they sell and are happy to advise on personal use with great effort and results
riving knife is approx 2,5mm thick

also need a new blade for my kapex, damaged mine on a damn nail, blade is not wrecked but needs to go to saw doctor, i could just get another festool one tbh

Steve

 

[lurker]

Use the right diameter for your TS. Anything else is at best an inconvenence and in many instances down right dangerous

 

[SteveF]

Use the right diameter for your TS. Anything else is at best an inconvenence and in many instances down right dangerous

my tablesaw is happy to take anything from a 6" dado stack upto a 12" blade

so not sure it is dangerous
10" is convenient as blade go below table and ideal everyday use
12" would be nice option for thicker materials when needed
Steve

 

[MusicMan]

An 80 tooth blade is excellent for leaving a clean edge on laminates, and a near planed surface on rip and cross cuts, though of course much slower than a thin kerf rip saw blade. I find a thicker 80 tooth gives a smoother cut. A zero-clearance insert is necessary for a smooth lower edge. A Freud thin-kerf rip blade cuts very efficiently and quickly, though.

Keith

 

[kevinlightfoot]

I have also used the Freud blades with good results ,you don't mention your budget as with most things you get what you pay for I still stand by Swedex but they are a lot more expensive in the short term .

 

[SteveF]

never really had a budget
I was geussing around £40-£50 each

Steve

 

[kevinlightfoot]

I don't think you will get Swedex in that price range,I would recommend the Freud blades and be on the lookout for a couple of used Swedex that you could have sharpened,be careful though some people are not as precious about blades as they should be,chipped teeth,warped blades etc.Good luck.

 

[SteveF]

Hi Kevin
happy to stretch a bit further tbh
i only intend buying 2 sets
so no big issue
my main issue is working through the surmountable options
as a newbie to a decent table saw, blade choice is just a head melting challenge to me
there just does not seem to be a straightforward guide to rake kerf teeth etc
no point me getting it wrong, safety 1, cost 2

Steve

 

[LancsRick]

I can't spot what you say your arbor is for the saw, so can't give you part numbers, but if you wanted a pair of 12" blades I'd say a 30T and 72T would give you a good rip and crosscut option. If you wanted to cut a lot of laminated material you might want a 96T too. If you wanted a jack-of-all-trades, then go 48T.

If you're buying a reputable brand such as Freud then for a table saw you'll be fine going off the description to be honest, just make sure you're picking up a positive rake blade.

 

[SteveF]

I can't spot what you say your arbor is for the saw, so can't give you part numbers, but if you wanted a pair of 12" blades I'd say a 30T and 72T would give you a good rip and crosscut option. If you wanted to cut a lot of laminated material you might want a 96T too. If you wanted a jack-of-all-trades, then go 48T.

If you're buying a reputable brand such as Freud then for a table saw you'll be fine going off the description to be honest, just make sure you're picking up a positive rake blade.

arbour is 5\8

Steve

 

[SteveF]

decided to order from wealden as they have 5\8 blades
whats really funny is that i had googled saw blades \ kent
nothing
placed my order only to notice they are 10 minutes away from me
hope they have a shop \ trade counter as really handy for router cutters

Steve