Replies

1. 
   InMyOpinion | Feb 13, 2007 07:32am | #1

   I like Forrest and Freud. Rockler.com does a good job of explaining blade specs. Consider shopping for a good price (and include Amazon.com). Prices vary greatly for the same blade.

   The pros and cons of routine jointer use are among the interesting aspects of woodwork. I've been able to buy blades for about $100 that are said to retail around twice that. The edge quality of those boards so cut is remarkable (, and that includes hardwood and plywood). The cut can produce a sheen and an edge sharp enough to demand care in handling. You'll want to use a zero clearance insert; however, I have got very similar results even with a miter saw.
   jc

   
   

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   Edited 2/13/2007 12:56 am ET by InMyOpinion

2. 
   bmyyou | Feb 13, 2007 08:33am | #2

   I also use a Forrest combo blade for general stuff and love it.  I use a thin kerf Freud Diablo ripping blade that I bought at Home Depot for about $30 and it works fine - I always rip about 1/32" wider and joint the edge.

    

3. 
   Knotscott | Feb 13, 2007 03:28pm | #3

   Any decent 24T FTG full kerf should do just fine.  Amazon's got some good deals going now with the 2OOFFPTA promo code.  The Freud LM72 is a good one for $50 less 20%.  You might also look at a DW7642 series 60 for $39.50 less 20%.   Other high end choices are the Ridge Carbide, Forrest, and Infinity.

   
   

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   Edited 2/13/2007 11:17 am ET by Knotscott

4. 
   swedishwoodworker | Feb 13, 2007 09:53pm | #4

   Dan,

   For the last few years I have pretty much left my Woodworker II in a drawer and use dedicated blades for ripping and crosscutting.  For ripping I feel the Freud LU72R 24T rip blade offers a good value.  I paid around $45 a number of years ago although, as others have mentioned there are currently some deals to be had.

   Regards,

   Scott

    

    

    

5. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Feb 14, 2007 09:07am | #5

   I use a CMT 24 T flat grind ($52) and a CMT TK 24 T hybrid (one flat and two teeth ATB with positive hook $35). Also use the Freud 24 T flat grind $45 and the Freud TK 24 T $35.

   Have used Amana 24 T flat grind (good value with no frills and hype $34) and a host of others ( $20-$45) I have purchased at a local saw sharpening shop that I could not begin to name as they are not every-day household names. I have even tried the low priced Oldham 24 T on southern yellow pine and it works fine.

   I think the bottom line is once you discover that a 24 T flat grind gets the job done pronto when ripping before taking it to a jointer, the key word is probably "sharp"!

   Regards...

   Sarge.. jt

1. 
   ptu | Feb 14, 2007 09:07pm | #6

   I'm wondering as well, I wood like to get a really good crosscut blade, and have Frued available, but they are $75 to $100 a pop, can people tell me what they recommend?
   Pedro

   Edited 2/14/2007 1:09 pm by ptu