Charles M, Question about Freud Saw Bld
Charles,
I am a big fan of your diablo series blades that I get at HD but had a question about the 24T – 7 1/4″ skil saw blade.
First let me say that it is crazy sharp which I don’t find to be the case on many other blades. But I was using my skill 77 the other day ripping a 2x something to width and noticed that the blade was a little squirrely in the cut (meaning…. kind of all over the place and really following what ever path it wanted to). I compensated by goofing with the saw to try and stay on the line. Of course I realize that hand ripping a 2x is not an exact prescription but thought at first that my blade must be dull cause I have done much better in the past. The next day, the guy I work for did the same procedure with a new diablo blade in his skill 77. And without any word from me on my previous experience, he said to me that I could have his new diablo blade cause it was too squirrely in the cut.
Is this something that other users have mentioned?
I ask this question from the point of reference of marathon blades. That’s the blade my boss buys all the time and so I have literally learned to rip 2x stock with a skil 77 and a marathon blade.
Is this maybe a matter of wrong blade for the application? Different steel in the blade between the diablo and the marathon? I know for sure that there is a big difference in how you and the other guys handle heat in the blade.
Just curious,
Thanks
Rob Kress
Replies
Rob,
Yours is not a unique experience. The D0724 Diablo framing blade has a considerably thinner kerf than the competition and cuts with less effort. I believe what you are experiencing is that you are used to the feed pressure of the Marathon blade and when you apply the same force to the Diablo you are feeding much too quickly to be able to control the cut. On a construction site this is easily verified by having two people do identical cuts side by side. The one using the Diablo blade will be able to win a race easily. If the Diablo user mimicks the cut speed of the Marathon user the cut is easily controlled and there is no "squirreliness" in the cut. The feedback from the Diablo is different and you won't feel the pressure that you do from other blades so you have to temper the urge to cut too quickly. Another effect of the thinner kerf is the difference in steering control when cutting. I'll compare to Marathon again since it's what you are used to. When you wander from your cut line with the Marathon you correct by turning the saw back to the line and you will gradually get back on course. If you steer the Diablo it will instantly respond and track across the cut line in the other direction. It's a lot like the difference between a sports car and a sedan. The sports car will go very quickly and respond instantly to your input. We know that the Diablos won't initially appeal to everyone since many people are resistant to change but they are made with the very latest in blade technology and they will soon be the standard.
Freud, Inc.
Wow, how's that for real-world insight and advice?! This forum rocks!forestgirl Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
My Diablo 80T 10" cutoff is my favorite blade, period. Can't say I've used them all, but I can buy 2 Daiblos for the price of the closest competition, and I'm completely satisfied, so why bother?
Charlie
I tell you, we are here to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different. --K Vonnegut
CD,
You want to be impressed, Buy the 30t Glue Line rip. I bought it because I had a bunch of 5/4 stuff to rip and wanted a dedicated rip blade. First Freud blade I ever bought, and unless they let me down I won't ever buy another brand. The blade is awesome.
Edited 2/24/2004 3:11:01 PM ET by CIRCLEKID
The 30T is an excellent blade and does give a "Glue Line" rip.
Yeah, I've got a Systematic "glueline rip" that I'm not particularly impressed with.
Charlie
I tell you, we are here to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different. --K Vonnegut
Charles,
Thanks for the detailed reply. I totally understand what you are talking about and I kind of suspected that your blades were a little bit thinner than the marathons that I am used to. I can even hear the difference in the two blades when I plink them down on a plywood deck. I'm sure thin kerf technology will be the thing that everyone goes to. I guess I need to just take some time (and practice) and get used to the diablo blades. After all, I think that they represent the great value in saw blade technology.
Thanks again for your comments. Very nice to have a name (personality) that backs up the corporation. One more reason to buy Freud blades.
Rob Kress
it heats up and warps but then goes back
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