Hi guys, I'm new to working with heavy stock all the time. Should I look into using a different table saw blade than I usually use? I will be jointing after. I mostly work with walnut, white oak, maple.
From contributor Ja
For the least money I think Freud is the best. You also have Amana,and several other higher dollar blades. IF you are running thick stock all day long then the best you can afford is going to be the cheapest.
From contributor Ge
What blade are you using now?
From contributor Th
I'm not sure what brand they are but they are 20 teeth with anti-kickback shoulders and alternate top bevel. I've never experienced so much saw dust being thrown back from a blade before. I think it's from the 5 degree rake and possibly the shoulders. There is a splitter so the blade shoulders aren't necessary and I believe a 20 degree rake would not only keep the dust down but hold the material to the bed better. I'm leaning towards the Forrest Woodworker II.
From contributor Ge
Yes, for ripping twenty degree hook angle is good, twenty teeth and flat top teeth not ATB. I also have a dust hood over the blade and it helps a lot with the dust. When it is in the way it easy to spin out of the way.
From contributor th
Thank you Geoff, You have justified my intuition, plus I have wanted to put to use the over-head dust collection that is at my disposal.
From contributor kc
Thom,
Yes, 20 deg. hook is correct, but I would go with 18 teeth. the less tips in the wood, the easier on the saw and faster the cutting is and the easier on you. I have never understood the need for anti-kickback devices on the blade, I have never experienced severe kick in 30 years. I get my blades made from a company in Cullom, Illinois called RKO Saw and tool. They make outstanding blades at excellent prices. I would never buy from anyone else! also for ripping solid lumber, you want only a flat top grind on your teeth, not the ATB that you mentioned.
From contributor De
Forrrest blades are the best!
From contributor Ro
One thing to consider, if you are going to clean up the edge later is a thin kerf blade. I am not a fan of them for most operations, but if your saw is a little under powered as my old unisaw is it makes a lot of difference, would also cut down on saw dust as you are simply removing much less material.
http://www.forrestblades.com/woodworker-2-ripping-saw-blade-for-table
-saws/
