Kelly C. Hanna
05-09-2005, 10:04 AM
Well, I had to try 'em. As some of you know I am not a Ridgid fan by any stretch, but I put that aside for this test.
I've been using Freud blades forever in all my saws. One day I go to HD to buy another one for the SCMS and they were out of the 40 & 60 tooth Freuds, so I glanced over and saw a 60 tooth Ridgid blade. It was only a few dollars more (and the only other choice for a decent blade) so I bought it.
I put it on (it's been there now for a few weeks) and got glasss smooth cuts, just like the standard Makita Blade.
So then last week I saw them in the 7.25" size for circ saws. At $3 more than the Freud, I pondered it awhile, but then decided to try it too. I was pleasantly surprised that it actually cut through wet PT Pine better than the Freud. We've have been using it now for a few days and remain impressed.
So Saturday, I went out for a new blade for the 1023. Knowing that I have tuned the saw to the best of my ability I was anxious to see the cut quality. The last blade on there was a cheapo Avenger and it left saw marks galore I almost detoured over to Rockler to get a Glue Line Rip blade just to try it, but since I have had very good luck so far with the oither Ridgid blades, I took the plunge.
Wow! I am impressed to say the least. Not only do I not have ANY saw marks (I am new to this BTW), but the surface is very close to one that has been jointed. Count me as happy!
I bought the 50 tooth thin kerf (3/32") combo blade at a cost of $45.99 and it produces the same flawless cut in both ripping and crosscutting modes. I highly recommend the Ridgid saw blades for anyone wanting a good clean cut under $50.
I've been using Freud blades forever in all my saws. One day I go to HD to buy another one for the SCMS and they were out of the 40 & 60 tooth Freuds, so I glanced over and saw a 60 tooth Ridgid blade. It was only a few dollars more (and the only other choice for a decent blade) so I bought it.
I put it on (it's been there now for a few weeks) and got glasss smooth cuts, just like the standard Makita Blade.
So then last week I saw them in the 7.25" size for circ saws. At $3 more than the Freud, I pondered it awhile, but then decided to try it too. I was pleasantly surprised that it actually cut through wet PT Pine better than the Freud. We've have been using it now for a few days and remain impressed.
So Saturday, I went out for a new blade for the 1023. Knowing that I have tuned the saw to the best of my ability I was anxious to see the cut quality. The last blade on there was a cheapo Avenger and it left saw marks galore I almost detoured over to Rockler to get a Glue Line Rip blade just to try it, but since I have had very good luck so far with the oither Ridgid blades, I took the plunge.
Wow! I am impressed to say the least. Not only do I not have ANY saw marks (I am new to this BTW), but the surface is very close to one that has been jointed. Count me as happy!
I bought the 50 tooth thin kerf (3/32") combo blade at a cost of $45.99 and it produces the same flawless cut in both ripping and crosscutting modes. I highly recommend the Ridgid saw blades for anyone wanting a good clean cut under $50.