Thread: CMT thin kerf blades

If you don't have to have CMT, I believe Carbitool make some.

EDIT: Upon further investigation, they don't. I did find this though http://www.infinitytools.com/10-Lase...tinfo/010-046/ not cheap but it's thin. Also found this http://www.timberline-amana.com/sawb...aw-blades.html

I've just purchased a Freud Diablo 254mm "super thin kerf" blade. They don't actually say what "super thin kerf" is or quantify it as a dimension? When you chase up the web site it states its 0.098" or 2.5mm which in my book is hardly "super thin kerf." My CMT's are 3.2mm.

Hi Mobyturns, Who sells the Diablo blades? I have seen some in my local Bunnings but the range is small.

Thanks.

Most of the so-called thin kerf blades are 2.3 or 2.4 mm, significantly thicker than 1.7 mm.

Found the Blades LLC, Infinity and Total Saw Solutions blades which are about 1.6 mm. In particular, the blade from Total Saw Solutions looks very good, but at about $195 per blade plus $30 postage each, they are expensive. To buy two blades and a splitter I am up for $480. I only paid $1,100 for the saw.

I like the stabilisers on both these blades, but they can be bought separately.

This is beginning to irritate me. A different kerf to the blade means finding (or making) a new splitter and altering or replacing my sleds to accommodate the new blade. This applies even to the Infinity or Total Saw blades, as the stabilisers change the position of the blade on the arbor.

Finally abandoned the fantasy of finding a 1.6-1.7 mm blade at a decent price and fitted the CMT 2.4 mm blade. Needed to make a new splitter, so took my calipers to Bunnings and found a hinge that was very close to 2.4 mm thick. This was ground a bit thinner on the Tormek (about 2.15 to 2.2 mm) and fitted to the new throat plate. A bit of fiddling and it was set up so the splitter just holds the work piece against the fence.

IMAG0654[1].jpg

It works well, but I am still not happy with the way CMT dropped the 1.7 mm blade without warning. I don't buy all that stuff about these blades not being safe. Had no trouble with mine. When doing heavy work that might stress the blade, like cutting waney boards or slabs, it was replaced with a nice strong 3 mm blade.

Grumble ... bitch ... moan ... complain ... groan ...