Which blade for RAS?

[Greg Peterson]

I've got a DeWalt 9" RAS that I've been rehabbing over the past year or two. Until recently I wasn't sure if I was going to keep it. I've decided I prefer this machine over a crosscut sled.

So, what blade do you guys use in your RAS? The motor is only 3/4 HP and I think I'd probably want to use a 8 1/2" TK blade rather than the 9" FK. The Woodworker Chop saw blade (CM08H606100) looks like the ticket.

Any other ideas?

[scott spencer]

Forrest also has some 9" TK versions that would be appropriate for your saw.

Forrest CM09806105 Chopmaster 9-Inch 80 Tooth 5/8-Inch Arbor 3/32-Inch Kerf Circular Saw Blade (http://www.amazon.com/Forrest-CM09806105-Chopmaster-32-Inch-Circular/dp/B000OMK69E/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1269805458&sr=1-14)

Forrest WW09607100 Woodworker I 9-Inch 60 Tooth ATB General Purpose Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor (http://www.amazon.com/Forrest-WW09607100-Woodworker-General-Purpose/dp/B0009H5AG8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1269805329&sr=1-1)

To reduce self feeding, blades for a RAS or SCMS should have a low to negative hook angle...roughly +7° to -7°. Teeth with a Hi-ATB grind offer the lowest tearout, while TCG teeth tend to offer best edge life....a blade with a standard ATB grind is a good compromise.

[Tim Sgrazzutti]

Freud LU83R008 if you want cheap, 8" Forrest WW1 with a triple chip RAS grind (special order directly from Charles at Forrest) if you've got the dough. I use both on my MBF depending on the application. Forrest cuts cleaner but slower than the Freud -- especially when ripping.

[Greg Peterson]

Thanks guys. The DeWalt is designed for a 9" blade, but with a 3/4 HP motor I'm thinking a slightly smaller blade (diameter and thickness) will work slightly better.

I'm looking forward to being able to reduce the frequency of blade changes.