John Hedges
10-11-2007, 2:31 PM
A few months back I was getting a new TS (PM2000http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yellowbiggrin.gif) and figured I'd get some new blades to go along with it.
Up till then I had been using a WWII and various Freud blades, with the WWII being the one that stayed on my old saw most of the time.
I ordered 3 blades from Carbide.com (which I highly recommend BTW).
- FS Tool L55250 (50T ATB+R) $ 47.93 on special
- FS Tool L03250 (40T ATB) $ 51.12 on special
- FS Tool L22250 (24T TCG) $ 76.65 -
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS - All of these blades seem to be very well made with a lot of carbide on them, so they should last for many many sharpenings. I like the clean simple look of them as well.
L03250 (40T ATB) impressions:
After getting to use all of them I have found that I REALLY like the L03250. so much so that when my WWII came back from sharpening and I put it on the saw, after a few cuts I reinstalled the L03250. It just seems to cut a little cleaner and truer. I even cut some birch ply with very little tearout on the bottom. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
L55250 (50T ATB+R) impressions:
When I initially asked about FS TOOL blades, someone commented that they had this blade and while it wasn't bad they much preferred their 50T Infinity blade. After using this blade I do not doubt that assessment. I would not be particularly impressed with this blade as a General Purpose Combo blade, however I got this to use for tenoning to get a flatter bottom than an ATB blade leaves. To this end this blade works very well and I would buy it again for this purpose (particularly for the price).
L22250 (24T TCG) impressions:
I initially ordered this blade because I have been less than impressed with the my Freud Glue Line Rip Blade. I am sorry to report that I am no more impressed with this blade. I would not go to glue up with the edge left with this blade (as I would not do with the Freud). This is a beast of a blade with a .145 kerf (most blades are ~.125). This blade seems like it would be well suited in a production shop ripping thick hardwood (over 2"), all day long. For now I think I will continue to rip with the 40 tooth blade as that cut does produce an edge which is ready for glueup.
In Conclusion:
I know that there are a lot of really good blades out there so I don't want to start a war over which one is best. I do recommend the L03250 40T ATB, especially for the money.
Up till then I had been using a WWII and various Freud blades, with the WWII being the one that stayed on my old saw most of the time.
I ordered 3 blades from Carbide.com (which I highly recommend BTW).
- FS Tool L55250 (50T ATB+R) $ 47.93 on special
- FS Tool L03250 (40T ATB) $ 51.12 on special
- FS Tool L22250 (24T TCG) $ 76.65 -
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS - All of these blades seem to be very well made with a lot of carbide on them, so they should last for many many sharpenings. I like the clean simple look of them as well.
L03250 (40T ATB) impressions:
After getting to use all of them I have found that I REALLY like the L03250. so much so that when my WWII came back from sharpening and I put it on the saw, after a few cuts I reinstalled the L03250. It just seems to cut a little cleaner and truer. I even cut some birch ply with very little tearout on the bottom. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
L55250 (50T ATB+R) impressions:
When I initially asked about FS TOOL blades, someone commented that they had this blade and while it wasn't bad they much preferred their 50T Infinity blade. After using this blade I do not doubt that assessment. I would not be particularly impressed with this blade as a General Purpose Combo blade, however I got this to use for tenoning to get a flatter bottom than an ATB blade leaves. To this end this blade works very well and I would buy it again for this purpose (particularly for the price).
L22250 (24T TCG) impressions:
I initially ordered this blade because I have been less than impressed with the my Freud Glue Line Rip Blade. I am sorry to report that I am no more impressed with this blade. I would not go to glue up with the edge left with this blade (as I would not do with the Freud). This is a beast of a blade with a .145 kerf (most blades are ~.125). This blade seems like it would be well suited in a production shop ripping thick hardwood (over 2"), all day long. For now I think I will continue to rip with the 40 tooth blade as that cut does produce an edge which is ready for glueup.
In Conclusion:
I know that there are a lot of really good blades out there so I don't want to start a war over which one is best. I do recommend the L03250 40T ATB, especially for the money.