The video “Choosing The Right Table Saw Blade” is by Inspire Woodcraft. In this video, Jodee shares his journey into investing in high-quality table saw blades. He emphasizes how essential it is to have the right tools for achieving the best results in woodworking.
When Jodee got his saw last year, he made a decision that many woodworkers hesitate to make: he invested in high-quality blades. After all, cheap blades rarely yield the results desired. Jodee aims to guide woodworkers through the maze of blade options available, helping them understand which blades are best suited for specific tasks.
Understanding Blade Terminology
Before diving into specific blade recommendations, Jodee takes a moment to explain some important blade terminology, which can often be confusing for those new to woodworking.
- Blade Thickness: Blades come in two thicknesses: thin kerf (around 3/32″) and full kerf (around 1/8″). The thin kerf blades remove less material, which can be beneficial for underpowered saws and dense materials.
- Tooth Count: The number of teeth on a blade can range from 24 to 80. Generally, fewer teeth are better for ripping, while more teeth are suited for cross-cutting.
- Tooth Rake or Hook: This refers to the angle of the teeth. A more aggressive hook angle can lead to faster cuts, while a zero or negative hook angle is more suitable for controlled cuts.
- Tooth Configuration: Different configurations like Flat Top Grind (FTG), Alternate Top Bevel (ATB), and Triple Chip Grind (TCG) serve different cutting purposes. For example, FTG is typically found on rip blades and leaves a square-shaped cut.
Recommended Blades
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General Purpose Blades
Everyone should own a good combination blade or an all-purpose blade. The Freud Industrial 50T Combination Blade in both full kerf and thin kerf versions for versatility.
Rip Blades
If ripping is a frequent task, invest in a dedicated rip blade. The Amana Prestige 30T Glue Line Rip Blade (full kerf) is a solid choice, especially for making glue-ready joints.
Crosscut Blades
For cross-cutting, the Amana 60T Cut-Off & Crosscut Blade for full kerf and the CMT Orange 60T Fine Cut-Off Blade for thin kerf applications.
Dado Stack
A good dado stack is recommended for creating grooves and rabbets. The CMT Orange 8″ Precision Dado Stack is great to avoid annoying dog ears in corners.
Specialized Blades
For specific materials, such as plastics or non-ferrous metals, get the Freud Diablo 84T Blade. It’s designed to handle these materials smoothly and efficiently.
Conclusion
Jodee wraps up by reiterating the importance of investing in high-quality blades. While it can be costly to have multiple blades, higher quality options can be resharpened and will last longer, saving money in the long run. Each blade serves a specific purpose, and having the right tool for the job can make all the difference in woodworking projects.