Table Saw Blades

[BobR]

Interested to know peoples attitude re combination blades v separate ripping and crosscutting blades.

Bob

[echnidna]

A proper chisel top rip blade (i.e. no bevels) uses far less power than a combination blade and requires less force to push the timber through the blade.

[silentC]

My combination blade is fine for crosscutting and occassional ripping but I'm planning to get a rip blade (like Bob describes) because the combo blade is a bit slow when you've got a lot of ripping to do. I probably wont bother with a specialised crosscutting blade.

[craigb]

At present I only own one TS blade which is a 60 tooth CMT combo. So far I haven't had the need for a dedicated ripping blade, but I'll probably get one one day. Similarly, I'll get a dado set when I have the need for one.

I have an 10" 80 tooth in my SCMS that I figure I can transfer to the TS if the need arises.

[himzol]

At the moment I'm happy with the combo blade that came with the table.

I do plan to get a dedicated rip blade sometime down the track. Less strain on the motor - the blade runs cooler specialy if you have a good DC set up to take away the waste. This means fewer trips to the saw doctor for sharpening.

I'm not sure I'm going to need a cross cut blade as I do most of my cross cutting on the SCMS.

Himzo.

[AlexS]

FWIW, a rip blade will crosscut better than a crosscut blade will rip. When I bought my TSC 10HB recently, I bought a crosscut & a rip blade, and was pleasantly surprised at how good the crosscut from the rip blade is. I guess it will deteriorate as the blade starts to get blunt, but no sign of that yet.

[barnsey]

I agree with all said above but from my perspective, I find the 60 tooth CMT cross cut blade gives excellent results across the grain - no refinishing needed. When I have to rip I will generally use the same blade on that saw. After all I'm going to use the jointer to dress that face in any event ;)

If I've got a lot of timber to rip especially the harder timbers then I'll set the saw up with an apprpriate rip blade - mind you I'm lucky because apart from the table saw, I have an old Mk 5 Shopsmith which I use for special purpose sawing - dado, moulding, ripping etc - coz its easier to change the set-up. :D

Think therein lies the secret - if it's easy to change over it's more likely that you will ;) Perhaps that is a criteria for Saw Table buyer's :confused:

[graemet]

I agree with Barnsey, if it's too hard to change blades, use a combo. If you are going to spend an hour ripping long lengths, you would probably take the time to change the blade but not if you only do small jobs. I took my old 10" blade over to Henry Brothers Saws in Vineyard ( on the way to Trend) and they were very helpful. They also gave what proved to be very good advice on bandsaw blades, which are a damned sight easier to change than a bench saw.
Greame

[derekcohen]

I often rip with my 10" 80-tooth triple chip blade. But it will bog down if you feed to fast. And it will burn if you feed too slowly. Get it right and you have a fine finish, ready for minimal planing. Still, this blade is really best for cross cutting. I have a 12" combination blade that I prefer if I have much ripping to do. It will feed fast, and cuts pretty cleanly on a crosscut, just not as well as the TC.

Horses for courses. Depends what compromises you are willing to live with.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[BobR]

Thanks for the input everyone. Based on this input I have purchased a combination and a rip blade to go with the KS-12K purchased today (see separate thread). Another satisfied forum customer.

Bob

[barnsey]

Good on you Bob ;)

Let us know what you think of the blades and the KS12K

Jamie

[outback]

Good on you Bob ;)

Let us know what you think of the blades and the KS12K

Jamie
Ditto, especially the KS-12K

[BobR]

Will do. Although it might be some time before the rip blade goes on. Also ordered the 8" x 42 tooth dado set from Northwood. Will cut my teeth (pun intended) on a blade $200 cheaper than the CMT set.

Bob

[Iain]

I recall reading that there is a ripping blade that is bevelled, don't know who makes it.
I also thought that a CMS blade was unmsuitable for a table saw and vice versa because of the angle of the teeth, having said that I use a CMT ripping blade and the new TS came with a GP Irwin.
I'll see how that goes, so far so good on crosscut and ripping including MDF.