Need RAS blade suggestion ...

[JimmyC]

Hey All,

I would like a suggestion for a 10" blade (crosscut) for a Craftsman radial arm saw, I've been told to use a negative grind. I've used the saw for years and have fought the other blades the whole time. I am looking for areasonably priced blade. Thank you all for any suggestions.

Thank you in advance,

Jimmy

 

[jmauldin]

Yes, definitely use a negative hook (5 degrees). I have a Craftsman RAS that I have used for over 20 yrs. I have only had a Forrest blade on it, and in all that time I have had it sharped (by Forrest) once. The problem is the thickness of the blade. Recently I purchased the Freud LU91 thin kerf that is designed for a sliding compound miter saw. I am very impressed with it, and it is much cheaper (about half).

I like a RAS because it can cut a wider board (12"), whereas a miter saw, unless it is a 12" sliding miter saw, can't cut that wide. One thing, I spent about 1/2 day "truing" the saw so that it cuts perfectly square. I NEVER change that 90 degree angle. If you need to cut other angles, make jigs and use them to cut the angle desired.

Hope this helps.
Jim in Mayberry

 

[DaveO]

Jimmy, I use a Hitachi 310878 40 tooth, ATB neg. angle blade that I got at Lowes just down the street. It was about $30-40. I generally use my RAS for only rough cross cuts on long/wide stock and as a dedicated dado saw. I get nice clean cuts with it, and it doesn't want to climb towards me, but I am not looking for perfect finished cuts either.
MTCW,
Dave

 

[JimmyC]

Dave,
That sounds exactly like what I'm looking for. If I need to make smoother cuts at a later date I'll buy a second blade. Right now all I plan to use the saw for is 90 deg. cuts and dadoes.

Thank you,

Jimmy