I work in a small basement shop, so I welcome any product touted to reduce noise levels. After seeing a press release about a new line of sawblades made in Germany by the H.O. Schumacher and Sohn company, I got hold of a couple of 10-in. blades (a 50-tooth combination blade and a 60-tooth crosscut blade) to try them out.

These are beautifully made sawblades: laser-cut, hand-hammered bodies fitted with thick carbide teeth. The secret to reduced noise levels is the varied spacing and pitch of the teeth, which reduces vibration and dampens the resonance created by a spinning blade.

Using a sound meter, I tested both blades against four other brands, both spinning free and under load. The 60-tooth blade was 2 db. to 4 db. quieter than any other. The 50-tooth blade ran 2 db. louder than two other brands. Yet it sounded quieter. Then I realized that what was missing was the painfully high-pitched whining noise that blades often develop as they’re running free. These blades don’t whine; they hum at a lower, more bearable frequency.

Both blades made extremely smooth cuts in lumber and plywood. The list prices for the 50-tooth and 60-tooth blades are $80 and $88.

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With five spindles sized from 1/2 in. to 2 in. and a 4 X 24-in. belt, this sander has become a staple in many a shop Fine Woodworking visits.

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Shop Fox W1826

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Craftsman Random Orbit Sander

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