I need a new blade for a craftsman Radial 100 (10 inch blade ~3450RPM).
As much as I would like to buy the top of the line, I am on a budget and am
looking for the most cost effective purchase. I picture myself going to
Home Depot and just grabbing something around 25 bux, but don't wanna get a
crap blade. I'm not a die hard woodworker, so I just want something that
will do the job since I don't make a million cuts/year. So my questions are
(sorry if they are stupid):
Is there a brand that is recommended? I've seen frued and dewalt. some are
over $50 and that seems like a lot.
How many teeth? The more teeth the finer the cut right?
Should I get a combo-blade?
Teflon coated?
Carbide tip?
Mostly I see myself doing cross cuts and mitres, but could at some point do
some ripping.
Thanks for your help.
Matt
I bought a 80 tooth thin kerf Frued blade at HD for 49.95. I never do
anything but crosscuts on my RAS. I also have the same blade on my CMS. I
also have the Freud combo blade on my TS. I like all three blades. They cut
clean and stay sharp and didn't cost and arm and a leg. At least I hope they
never do!
Leslie
--
She's got tools, and she knows how to use them.
"Matt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:v%[email protected]...
> I need a new blade for a craftsman Radial 100 (10 inch blade ~3450RPM).
>
> As much as I would like to buy the top of the line, I am on a budget and
am
> looking for the most cost effective purchase. I picture myself going to
> Home Depot and just grabbing something around 25 bux, but don't wanna get
a
> crap blade. I'm not a die hard woodworker, so I just want something that
> will do the job since I don't make a million cuts/year. So my questions
are
> (sorry if they are stupid):
>
> Is there a brand that is recommended? I've seen frued and dewalt. some
are
> over $50 and that seems like a lot.
>
> How many teeth? The more teeth the finer the cut right?
>
> Should I get a combo-blade?
>
> Teflon coated?
>
> Carbide tip?
>
> Mostly I see myself doing cross cuts and mitres, but could at some point
do
> some ripping.
>
> Thanks for your help.
> Matt
>
>
On Wed, 10 Dec 2003 08:42:03 GMT, Matt <[email protected]> wrote:
> I need a new blade for a craftsman Radial 100 (10 inch blade ~3450RPM).
>
> As much as I would like to buy the top of the line, I am on a budget and am
> looking for the most cost effective purchase. I picture myself going to
> Home Depot and just grabbing something around 25 bux, but don't wanna get a
> crap blade. I'm not a die hard woodworker, so I just want something that
> will do the job since I don't make a million cuts/year. So my questions are
> (sorry if they are stupid):
>
> Is there a brand that is recommended? I've seen frued and dewalt. some are
> over $50 and that seems like a lot.
>
If your RAS is < 2hp (likely if it runs happily on 120VAC), you want a
thin-kerf combination blade.
Pretty much, you get what you pay for.
I'm using a Freud (NOT Diablo) TK-series combination blade on my
benchtop saw. Within the limits of the saws capibilities, it's
certainly Good Enough. That's usually available at Lowes, though not HD
for some reason, woodworking stores, and Sears.
Usually, it's on sale for <$40. Certainly Good Enough.
HOWEVER. NO ONE who every bought a Forrest WWII ever said they
regretted it. If that saw's the one I'm thinking of, get the 40T
thin-kerf version. Usually just over $100.
Now, my father's RAS is STRICTLY a crosscut machine, usually for fine
work and repeated cuts. We've mounted a thin-kerf 80-tooth ATB "Fine
Cut-off" blade and it's more than Good Enough provided we keep the beast
in alignment (which can be a tall order).