Replies

1. 
   Syma | Jan 24, 2008 02:47am | #1

   Hi Jeff,
   All woodworkers should have an arsenal of specialty blades on hand. That being said blades that "do it all" will do just that but will suffer in some form or another.

   If the Fusion claims it can do it all, it very well may and I can't say it's false advertising but don't expect a 30 degree Hi ATB blade like the fusion to be durable or long lasting in melamine or knotty wood. It will cut them fine until those Hi ATB points get dull, which is about lunch time on the first day of use.

   Also don't expect a blade like the Fusion with VERY LITTLE side clearance to be a great production rip blade. You'll burn it up faster than you read this thread.

   I would stick to the following arsenal for your table saw.

   Rip blade: Freud LM74(.010" side clearance) OR LM72 (.019" side clearance) I prefer the LM72, less burning and sticking.

   Crosscut blade: Forrest Woodworker II, also rips quite well due to the relieved shoulders.

   Combo blade: Freud LU84. I use this as my "could care less what I cut with it" blade.

2. 
   Knotscott | Jan 24, 2008 04:08am | #2

   Hi Jeff - Your LM72 is a bulk ripper that'll hog through thick material efficiently, but won't crosscut well, and typically isn't known for it's smooth edges.  The P410 Fusion is from Freud's highest "Premier" line and is intended to do a very good job of most operations.  It's made to a higher standard than their other blades, and offers more teeth, which typically equates to a smoother cut.  It should rip well in reasonably thick stock (~ 1.5 to 2" depending), but isn't intended to replace a dedicated ripper.  The Fusion should have a broader range of things it does well than the LM72, but ripping 2-1/2" maple really isn't one of it's intended tasks.  The Fusion has a unique Hi-ATB grind that's typically used in laminate and veneer blades, and has a double side angle that allows it a greater polish on the edges.   The Hi-ATB tips slice fibers more cleanly than other grinds, but are more susceptible to dulling....actual mileage between sharpenings will vary, but hobbyists should get a lot of use from it.  The Fusion is intended to crosscut well and do a good job of plywood and sheetgoods too, but it won't rival a high quality task specific blade for their respective tasks.  The results are always subjective, but many folks find blades of this type and caliber are more than sufficient for most tasks, and spare them the need for multiple blades and blade changes.  It's not necessarily a "Do-all", but more like a "Do-most" blade.  If you're pleased with the quality of cuts from your LM72, I'd guess you'll be ecstatic with the cut quality of the Fusion, within it's intended range of functions. 

   FWIW, Wood Mag just rated it a "Top Tool" along with the Infinity Super General, and Forrest WWII.

    

   
   

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   Edited 1/23/2008 8:16 pm ET by Knotscott

3. 
   nazard | Jan 24, 2008 06:30am | #3

   Jeff,

   I purchased the Fusion 6 - 8 months ago.  Have not used another combination blade that I like any better.  As a matter of fact, since I got the Fusion, its the only blade that I have used.

   Best!

   -Nazard

4. 
   HowardAcheson | Jan 24, 2008 07:06am | #4

   First, there is no blade that works best for all cuts in all woods. All purpose 40 tooth blades like the WWII and the Freud Fusion and excellent in wood up to 1" thick in both crosscutting and ripping. Neither is real good at ripping thicker hardwood boards. For that, you need a 24 tooth dedicated rip blade for best performance.

   Wood just completed a test of 40 tooth all purpose blades. Overall, the Freud Fusion can out best with the WWII a close second. The Freud beat out the WWII in being able to cut hardwood veneer plywood and melamine better.

   To see the results, go here:

   http://www.woodmagazine.com/wood/story.jsp?storyid=/templatedata/wood/story/data/1197909616100.xml

   Howie.........