Replies

1. 
   KeithNewton | Mar 28, 2007 01:10am | #1

   I have three table- saws in my one-man shop, and I still change blades a lot.

2. 
   coolbreeze | Mar 28, 2007 05:42am | #2

   Depends on what I need to do on my ts. If I am going to rip a good bit of anything, I will take off my 40 tooth WWII and put on a Freud 24 tooth rip blade. If I am going to rip and want the edge really smooth, I leave the WWII on. Changing the blade also can be determined by whether it is worth the time to make two changes (off/on).

3. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Mar 28, 2007 06:02am | #3

   Jeff, basically it depends. It depends on the amount of long time work planned. I have a solid all steel contractor 1 ½ hp. and a Uniisaw rt 3hp. Light goods 5/4 go to the small saw if it's free, big stuff goes to the Unisaw. Both have freud 24 t rips and forrest WWII , thin kerf on the contractor and full kerf on the Unisaw.  If it's a quickie I do not change a blade but if I have a gaggle of rips to do - it's a new set up- and back when done. PITA but does the best job. Paddy 

4. 
   hammer1 | Mar 28, 2007 06:31am | #4

   I'm constantly changing my blades throughout a days work, to get the best cuts. I have quite a few blades that I have collected over the years. I have one group that I consider my utility or rough cut blades and another set that I keep for the important cuts. Both groups consist of a rip, fine cross cut, combination and some specialty blades for melamine and plywood. There is a considerable difference in performance as well as longevity with blades. My Freud LU85M010 is a fantastic fine cross cutter. I wouldn't waste it on plywood, soft woods or anything other than what it was designed for. I also have a thin kerf Freud fine crosscut it think it's 060 but the numbers are worn off. This is a good blade but it doesn't compare to the M010.

   There are days when I don't need the ultimate precision and can do most everything with a combo blade. Some of the better combo blades can handle a lot of tasks quite well. Of course, all the blades need to be sharp. Sometimes you have to go with the one that is sharp. I always unplug the saw when I'm changing blades, don't trust a switch.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   jeff100 | Mar 28, 2007 07:32am | #5

   ...I always unplug the saw when I'm changing blades...

   Amen to that.  I do the same thing, I've worked hard to make that a safety habit, unplugging the saw anytime I change a blade or have the cabinet open...

   Jeff

5. 
   forestgirl | Mar 28, 2007 08:40am | #6

   Those are the 2 blades I use the most also (except the "all purpose" blade is a 50-tooth).  Occationally, I'll put on the high-tooth "Ultimate Cut-Off Blade" for end-grain that shows, or for thin plywood. 

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

6. 
   Knotscott | Mar 28, 2007 01:01pm | #7

   I typically use a good general purpose blade for most cuts.  IIRC, I currently have a Tenryu RS25550, WWII, Infinity Combomax, Freud LU86, and Freud LU88 that I use for general use.  I'll swap in a 24T ripper for heavy ripping duty, but rarely use my Letiz or Freud 80T blades on the TS b/c I've usually pretty happy with the cuts from my GP blades.   I would consider installing an 80T for critical cuts on sheet goods, but most of my cuts in sheet goods are for the shop anyway.