Replacement blade for 12" miter saw?

[Tim Burke]

I need to replace the stock blade on my DeWalt 705 miter saw. The blade that came with it gave OK service, nothing special though - DW3126, 60t thin kerf blade.

I see that Home Depot has a DW3128, 80t thin kerf blade. Either 1 for $50, or a 2 pack of the same blade for $50 :confused: . Also, they have a Freud Diablo D1280X 80t thin kerf for $55. Are either of these worthy of consideration? Or do I need to step up a notch in price? Looks like the $100 range is the next price range. I do more trim/finish carpentry than fine woodworking with this saw.

Looking at blades in any price range, thin kerf seems to be about the only style offered.

Thanks

[CPeter James]

No matter what blade you get, be suure that it is designed for a miter/slider type saw. One with a zero or negative tooth hook angle. A blade with a positive hook will grab the wood and the results can be dagerous. I have the scar in my chin to prove it. Spend the money for a Forrest Chopmaster of a Ridge Carbide blade. The difference is dramatic. Again be sure tha blade does NOT have any positive hook.

CPeter

[Aaron Beaver]

I would say the Forrest Chopmaster as well.

[scott spencer]

You shouldn't need a TK for a CMS, and I'd especially try to avoid it with a 12" blade. The Forrest and Ridge should be excellent but are pricey....same with the Freud LU85R012.

As opposed to the Diablo, you might consider the DeWalt DW7649 from Amazon for $65 shipped. It's closer in quality to the Freud LU series. It's part of DW's top Series 60 Woodworking line. I've tried the 10" version, the DW7647, and was pretty impressed. C4 carbide, negative hook, ATB grind, made in the UK, full kerf, laser cut, etc. Very nice blade at a reasonable price that should work well for your application.

http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/B00008K2TR.01._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW7649-Crosscut-Woodworking-Blade/dp/B00008K2TR/ref=sr_11_1/104-6405719-2839928?ie=UTF8

[Russ Massery]

I would stay away from thin kref blades on a miter saw. I found and others that they deflect to much. I have the DW708. I liked the 60 series dewalt blade till I used a Forrest chopmaster.

[John Piwaron]

I thought the stock blade that came with my DW705 was pretty good. Until I got a Forrest Chopmaster. Holy Cow, what a difference.

Get a Chopmaster. It's awesome.

[JayStPeter]

I have one of those DW blades and a chopmaster. The DW is my rough blade and the chopmaster my final cut blade. I use the DW for PVC pipe, rough lumber during prep, Al, and other tough duty cuts. I had an Amana blade on my old 10" miter saw that I liked a little better than the chopmaster I have now. I would step up if you want the super smooth cuts and minimal tearout.

Jay