Table Saw Blades

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TABLE SAW BLADES

There is an enormous selection of table saw blades out there, and picking the right ones for your particular needs can be confusing. But don’t worry, the choices aren’t as difficult as you might think, and you won’t have to cut back on groceries to get the blades you need.

THERE ARE FOUR BASIC BLADE TYPES, determined by the shape, or grind, of their teeth. They are fl at top grind (FTG), alternate top bevel (ATB), combination (ATBR), and triple-chip grind (TCG)

FTG blades have teeth whose top edges are square to the saw plate. Also called rakers, these teeth attack the wood much like a chisel chopping out the ends of a mortise. They’re fast cutting and durable, but don’t produce a clean surface. They’re designed to rip, sawing perpendicular to the grain.

The teeth on ATB blades are angled across the top edge, with every other tooth “leaning” in the opposite direction. The shape of the tooth causes it to shear the wood fibers cleanly using a slicing motion. The steeper the bevel angle, the cleaner the teeth cut, but the quicker they dull. Most 40-tooth ATB blades are marketed as “all-purpose” blades.

Combination blades consist of 50 teeth arranged in sets of five, with four ATB teeth followed by a raker tooth (thus the ATBR designation.) The ATB teeth are designed to crosscut cleanly while the raker teeth aid in ripping. Combination blades are also considered “all-purpose” blades. The teeth on a TCG blade alternate between a raker tooth and a chamfered tooth. The chamfered tooth roughs out the cut, while the following FTG tooth cleans it up.

How to Change a Table Saw Blade

Table saws are used on job sites and in garage workshops for cutting wood. Mount your table saw to a workbench or sturdy table before using, and never mount your table saw with the blade directly in line with yourself or another person. A table saw is every builder's dream tool, but safety precautions and proper rules must be followed. When setting up the table saw or during maintenence, always unplug the tool, especially when changing the saw blade.

Step 1 - Remove the two screws that hold the blade plate to the top of the saw table, and lift off the plate.

Step 2 - Insert a small allen wrench into the arbor hole on top of the saw table. Use the longer end of the allen wrench.

Step 3 - Rotate the saw blade manually until the allen wrench drops into place, preventing the blade from turning.

Step 4 - Place the smaller end of a larger allen wrench into the socket head cap screw on the side of the blade.

Step 5 - Turn the screw with the allen wrench counterclockwise until it is loosened. Take off the screw, the washer and then the table saw blade.

Step 6 - Install a new table saw blade. Replace the washer and then the screw. Using the allen wrench, tighten the screw.

Step 7 - Replace the blade plate and tighten the table top screws securely.

Tips & Warnings

Always keep the blade plate at least 1/32-inch from the blade. You can slide the blade plate away or toward the blade, depending on the thickness of the blade.

Never change a table saw blade without first unplugging the tool. Be careful when changing a table saw blade. The blades are very sharp.

Some common brand of table saw blades available in the market.

1, Oshlun SDS-0842 8-Inch 42-tooth Stack Dado Set with 5/8-Inch Arbor

- Our 16 piece stack dado sets are perfect for woodworker’s who want a premium cut at an affordable price. The high tooth count saws and chippers produce smooth bottom dado cuts ranging from 1/4-inch to 29/32-inch.

The precision ground C-4 micro grain tungsten carbide tips stay sharp longer and cut through all types of hardwood, softwood and plywood with the greatest of ease. Full body chippers make for an easier setup and less vibration when compared to other sets that feature wing style chippers. Each set also includes detailed setup instructions, a shim set for fine adjustments and a full color storage case.

2, Forrest WW10407125 Woodworker II 10-Inch 40 Tooth ATB .125 Kerf Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor

- With this all purpose blade for table saws you can rip and crosscut 1" 2" rockhards and softwoods resulting in a smooth as sanded surface. With 20° face hook, ply veneers will crosscut with no bottom splinter at moderate feed rates. Double hard and 40% stronger C4 carbide will give up to 300% longer life between sharpenings. Ends blade changing (one blade does rip, combo and crosscut), second-step finishing and cutting 1/16" oversize to allow for resurfacing.

3, Hitachi 998862 8-1/2-Inch 60-Tooth ATB Carbide Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor

- Hitachi's premium 8-1/2-Inch miter saw blade offers the best cutting performance available. The carbide teeth are brazed with three metals allowing the tips to withstand extreme impact for maximum durability. The precision ground thin kerf allows for tight, clean, precise and fast cuts. The steel blade is laser cut keeping it flat and true for lasting performance making this 60-tooth saw blade ideal for producing ultra fine and smooth finishes in decorative moldings, veneer, laminates, soft and hard woods.

4, Skil 75140 10-Inch 40 Tooth ATB General Purpose Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor

- Founded in 1924 as the Michel Electric Handsaw Company and renamed Skilsaw, Inc. in 1926, SKIL has become one of the most recognized and powerful brands in the power tool industry. From circular saws and jigsaws to sanders and drills, SKIL power tools are engineered to deliver the high-performance and durability that today's growing population of Do-It-Yourselfers demand. Every product of the growing line of SKIL tools is the result of extensive end-user research, consumer input, computer assisted design and rigorous testing, both in our laboratories and in the field. SKIL Power Tools are products of the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation.

.... and many many more quality brand available today. Select the best fore your woodworking needs.