Hello,
I’m upgrading my 10″ CMS to a 12″ model (I have selected the new Porter Cable model with the lasers). I use to have a Freud LU85 on the 10″ and when I checked out the price of this same blade (Ultimate Cut-off) for the 12″ I almost choked (about twice the price!). I’m in Canada, so can’t order from Amazon.com (still don’t understand the logic of that). So my options are the Freud TKR 407. It’s an 80 tooth blade with a teflon coating (I like that feature for rust resistance). How do these blades compare. What are my other options. I cut mostly hardwoods and appreciate the finish of the LU85. What do I loose by going to the TK blade?
Thanks
CC
Replies
I can't comment on that Freud blade since I don't have that blade, but I have other Freuds and they are not a bad blade at all. The crooscut/ply blade for the table saw, in particular, is a very good performer. For chop saws, would also give a real good rating to Systimatic and Jesada. DK if you can get either of them yonder north, but you could look at http://www.jesada.com as I believe they would ship there. I keep jesadas on both my chop saws and they're glass smooth on crosscuts.
"The child is grown / The dream is gone / And I have become / Comfortably numb " lyrics by Roger Waters
The 407 has a 15º hook - Freud recommends their D1280S (Diablo Fine Finish) made with a 7º hook for SCMS saws. But you might consider a Dimar or a CMT
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
Before we get into blades, are you really going to buy PC?
I can't remember the last thing I bought of theirs that was worth a damn, and even Dewalt beats their chop saws.
The laser thing is neat tho...makes me wanna say pinch me.
even Dewalt beats their chop saws.
B.S. I have the PC and have used the decrap, PC ain't perfect but it's better then the big bad yellow POS
You really like the laser idea? Not sure I see much of use for it and I got this feeling it would get out of alignment
PC still makes some good tools, just their new gimicky tools blowNever be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.
I tried both and prefered the PC. The machining on the DeWalt wasn't all that hot...and the return spring seamed weak. Just bought a Forrest Chopmaster for the saw. Hope this is the right decision.
Sure the Laser is a little gimmicky, but it will help for compound cuts and I like the extra safety.
CC
Usually can't go wrong with a forrest blade.Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.
Excellent choice buying the Forrest Chopmaster, it is the finest blade I own. I use mine for the good stuff, hardwood cornice, trim, etc. I have a few thin kerf Freuds for the not so good stuff MDF etc, and an 80 tooth FS blade for the rest. FS is an excellent blade, and stays sharp for a good while. The DeWalt 60 series blades are excellent as well. Hate to put wear on the Chopmaster for material that isn't worthy.
Right now my favorite miter saw is the DeWalt 12" double compound non-slider, but I am thinking about picking up another saw for a new guy. I've been eyeballing the PC with the laser, now that you have it, how does it rate? Turtleneck
Picked it up on Saturday, so it is a little to early for a real test. But my out of the box experience has been excellent. The blade is comes with is fine for 2X and nothing else. The assembly was a breeze (even the factory settings were bang on in both dimensions). The motor is not as loud as I was expecting (having worked with a DeWalt, and the Craftsman boat anchor), and zipped through Fir 2X4's without even the hint that there was something there. It is quite heavy, but it isn't going to see much out of the woorshop use. The lasers seem pretty durable and they were aligned to perfection. I still like the fact that the spring mechanism is protected and the table rotation is very nice (again, give it a few months of use...and then we'll see.). So so far, I am very happy. Once the Forrest blade arrives, I'll be grinning like a fool for a week.
CC
FS Tool makes a freaking great blade. The forrest blades are ok. Im just not impressed with the cost/performace ratio of Forrest Blades.
Just avoid those thin kerf chopsaw blades, they wander.
That Forest Chopmaster is a great blade. I have one and I love it. Don't get spoiled though, as it will slice through hard maple like a hot knife through butter, save it for finish work and you'll keep the blade sharp and the cut quality great for a long atime.
BTW. I have the DeWalt 12" sliding compound mitre saw. I like it a lot. Stays square, so long as I don't bump the mitre adjustment handle.
-DP
Every company out there that makes professional tools has goos and bad items. Almost all of my power tools are PC, and I have never had a problem with them. I buy new tools from PC as a Default.
But, I wouldn't buy their air nailers. Had one, it sucked. And I wouldn't buy their miter saws. They dont have the features I want, so I use DeWalt Miter saws. But I would never buy their power tools. I had a cordless drill. The battery fell out, and I owned a $1400 glass coffee table. And a use Senco air tools, but not exclusively.
BUT. When it comes to large diameter saw blades, when you could be cutting material worth $15-20 a foot, you do not skimp. There can be only one. Forrest. Expensive, and worth every penny. One blade can be sharpened 30-40 times. And keep them clean. Nuf said.
I got a Forrest blade and didn't find it to be that hot for the 110 beans I shelled out...and have you had one sharpened 30-40 times? I don't have the time to send it back to NJ. 30-40 times, that's simply amazing... EliphIno!
I live in New Jersey,, and it takes less than a week. 30 to 40 is the estimated life span.When all else fails, use duct tape!
Look, don't take this the wrong way. I've seen some of your stuff, and it's sharp. I'm just having a hard time with the 30-40 sharpenings on any saw blade...so how many times have you actually had your Forrest blade or blades sharpened? EliphIno!
I'm glad you like PC. I am sorry I bought any of them.
It really isn't a big deal, what is a thousand bucks tossed out the window for some toys that last like a year?
I have one PC tool left, and gawd help me if I depend on it...
Tisk Tisk, bitter old man
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.
Reality Kid, them things don't last. My stuff is in store for a hard ride, and I am zero impressed with anything PC.
Ever think of being an architect? Making things work on paper isn't a big deal, lol.
Ever think of being an architect?
I got this feeling you know the answer to that question.
I've never had a problem with anything PC as of yet, Dewalt blows the king monkey to me.
Different strokes for different folks, But I bet a few of my PC tools are still going long after you are SO old ya can't see, hear, or pick up a saw anymore, I mean they only need to last what.... another 5-10 years for that??? :)
Anyway off to the store to buy some tools.Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.
Oh, you little jerkbag. I'll toss you the keys to my truck, and give you ten years to catch up. When you can beat me I'll kiss your arse, and give ya 2 weeks to draw a crowd.
LMAO touchy touchy ;-)
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.
My pride and joy is a belt sander circa 1943. Runs like new.........When all else fails, use duct tape!
I bought a Forrest blade at the workshop show; it was "okay"; but, for that kind of money, I expected better..
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
I'm all done with PC tools, Cag, they blow!!!!!
Talking brand names of tools is like talking politics I guess, here's a list of PC tools I think are still top notch
Any of their sanders minus the profile thing
There C saws, the 6 in and the 7 1/4" I have both and never had a problem with either, sure they ain't as powerfull as a worm, but they don't need to be.
The model 690 router simple and a work horse
Model 9118 door planer
and I like their plate jointer.
so what do you like Metabo is to mostly over priced, Dewalt sucks, Milwakee doesn't make everything, and some of their tools suck, Makita is ok, never liked hitachi much myself
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.
Go have at with a Bosch 12" slider and lets see what you have to say.
PC and DW are useful for boat ankors. Don't bother to line them to the boat and you got something.
Bite Me :) I like PC I hate dewalt and the rest of the "top" tool makers all have their plus's and minus'sNever be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.
I keep telling you I'm coniverous... Be careful.
You'll mature some day.
I have to cut a lot of prefinished trim, hardwood, particle board and plywood. Plus a bunch of 5/4 x 8 hicry, oak and maple at a 45° bevel. The 12" Freud blades just can't cut it. Tearout, burning, and wandering caused by general malaise after being abused, I'm guessing.
Makita/Tenryu come out of the box screaming, and sharpen up great. And now I'm using a CMT that has held up wonderfully for 5 months(still not enough time for a true testimonial, and no resharpening yet).
If you can get them sent from here, I'll look up some addresses...
EliphIno!
Who sharpens? I lubbed the Makita blade, sweet, but try to buy one...(I try to buy local, and I deal with hicks, ha, hicks that have a boat payment)
I tried a CMT, but chucked it right off, maybe I got a bad one. I believed, but it ran all over the place.
How you liking that yellow thing, is it still real? Don't you find that it is so not smooth? I didn't like the handle either...
Thanks to all. I'll have another look.
CC
Funny you should ask. I've got a love/hate thing going with the yellow thang. The sucker is smooth and accurate, but I've got this left-handed thing going on. The old Makita's blade guard was so easy to lift out of the way so I could zero in on the cut line...I still can't get used to that on the DeWalt...but now I've got a real fence, and every once in a while I get to empty the dust bag!
I hope AdirondakJack doesn't come back and smite me, but this yeller thing is better. The miter settings are on, and I can read them!. I'll check out which CMT blade I've got next week. Geese, I started with a Blue Grass handsaw miter box that cost 75 willies, and I thought that was too much, blades now are more than that<G> EliphIno!
I don't know if these guys are near you or not, NY right?
Dinosaw Headquarters
340 Power Ave
 Hudson, NY 12534
Tel 518-828-9942Â Fax 518-828-6610
Email [email protected]
I use 'em down here, and they are great.
PC makes great routers and door planers (a sideways router) but I'd want to see that there saw out in the field just a little bit longer...my little Sawbossâ„¢ is just an other handed toy...dang good thing I've got a Makita for the real work<G> EliphIno!
I'm beating the crap out off a LS1030 right now, virtually the first one sold, It doesn't sux. I'm not kidding BB, I just about bought the first one to come into the state, I bought the damn thing right off the truck, the day they came in.
Now I sux, and I always look, but I have never used a yellow thing I liked. Give me the model #, and I'll try it, but I know I won't like the handle, I won't like the noise, but I will like D has more degrees, which isn't a big deal.
I ride these things hard, and blue works, by the stream...
I value your opinion, so I'll check 1030 out. I fish in the blue stream,too, but...
Had the old Makita single pole 12" dually slider, the very first dually. 60° both ways, sweet. But the dang thing had an aluminum table riding on steel plates. Guess what gave? I loved that saw...have had the DeWalt for 6 months, so far, excellent...except it doesn't go 60° to the left,why? Much better fence height, and the miter ring is a gazillion times better. I dunno, I trim for a living,so take that for waht it's worth...LOL EliphIno!
Yep, I went there to buy the 12" light blue thing, and they were bringing in the 1030, it was in my truck as soon as they checked the price. I think back then the 12" was $839, and the 10" was $549.
You won't like the degrees of table spin, off the top of my head, 52/47, r/l. Only to 45 on the head tilt, too. DW has them beat in every way, and I might be willing to listen to your feable, pathetic opinion. Hey, like what do you know? ;-)
Question tho, what model do you have, and what, if anything, do you not like?
Model, schmodel, I've got no idea :-0...but as a matter fact, I have 2 Dewalt saws...the old 12" single compound and the 12" dually.
The old 12" has cut more stuff than the bean eating cowyboys in "Blazing Saddles." I like everything about it... I stiil can't get used to the handle placement on the dually, I like to lift the blade guard with my thumb so I can see the cut line, but I gotta use two hands now. Yeah, old dog, new tricks<G> I've run the bevel past 50°, nice...I also wish the miter went 60° both ways, can't have everything...
I really have no tool brand loyalty at all, they all make some stuff that sux...besides, buying by color is just so, well, racist!
so, I'm keeping my on that big Bosch for when the DeWalt goes down ;-) EliphIno!
Oh, this is coming from the guy that knows what # Progressor blades he buys? You are the only one that could, and I say COULD, turn me to the dark side of yellow, but by the time my blue piece of junk dies it will be a whole new world. DW has the specs, but the handle and ...argh, noise/feel/longevity. <shudders> Give me a clue, 10/12, fixed/slider? I know they got by the fact that their fence sux'd, but you love it? Walk me thru that one.
I'm pretty much past the Bosch thing now too, I'll give them adequate, and I can make them work, but they aren't a premium tool. What can I say, I returned one, another broke and when fixed was no bargain, an the next mearly starts when I pull the trigger.
Bad year? Or two?
Are you talking about the new Bosch 12" dual compound slider? The 10" single compound slider is a POS as far as I'm concerned. Have had two on the job that I finally had to tell the guys to leave at home (and I paid for them)...but the big new one looks pretty sweet.
As far as the DeWalts: you bastid, you made me look up the dang model numbers...the old steed is the DW705S, just plain 12" compound miter saw:
http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=1778
the dually slider is:
http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=4741
So, what was the fence problem/? After I move it, I do have to have to hold a square to it to make sure I tweak it square to the base, but man, it's a real tall fence and I like that. And what noise? It's got a soft start belt drive, much quieter than my dear departed makita, and none of that jumpy startup (which I also think is dangerous). I'm not trying to put you behind the handle of one of these, but, I've used the 1013, and the settings on the side threw me off, and I don't need any more help in that department. And did I say how i especially like the 1/4° markers on the DW miter settings? It makes it a lot easier to zero in.
Hey I've only been running it for six months, the switch will go out, and that's 45 beans...my 705 went thru a switch a year 'til I got an extra one. Last one hasn't gone out for 5 years! I also have a DW table saw, biscuit joiner, and 12v drill...all are better than average tools and make money for me...but I'm not a DeWalt fan, even though they started in my home town, Lancaster, PA.
I just think they make some good, tough, common sense tools.
EliphIno!
Edited 5/24/2003 10:44:36 PM ET by bucksnort billy
Edited 5/24/2003 10:47:20 PM ET by bucksnort billy
Edited 5/24/2003 10:50:35 PM ET by bucksnort billy
I'll take a look at these blades.
CC
If you buy a Frued what out for where they are made. The seem to be made every where there is a blade factory. The ones from Isreal and Italy are the best.
I'd stick with Freud or Forrest blades. I know they're expensive, but they're hard to beat.
I stay away from TK blades if I have a choice. No real need for them unless the saw is underpowered. And I think they deflect more under load.
Charter Member: Vast Right Wing Conspiracy.