Your thoughts on thin kerf ripping blades?

[Rick M]

I have several thin kerf combo blades but my rip blades have always been full kerf. Been told for years that thin kerfs deflect too much for ripping. What say you guys?

 

[Canuck]

I have been using the Freud Thin Kerf Glue Line Rip Blade - LM74R010 for about 3 years now and haven't noticed any deflection. I primarily use it on 3/4 - 4/4 red oak stock. It has been a great blade. (Probably due for a resharpening soon.) I also haven't seen a need for a stabililization plate with the blade. (Note: I use a Sears zipcode saw - 22124 w/1.75 HP motor)

Great blade IMHO.

Wayne

 

[Berta]

I also use a thin kerf blade. Never noticed a problem. Could those folks have had the blade sticking up way too high?

 

[ScottM]

I have thin kerfs on my under powers Craftsman. I have not seen any real issue on deflection. Only knock is my splitter is designed for full kerf blades so at times it is hard to get a rip cut started through the splitter.

 

[Bill Clemmons]

While I have a number of blades, my "go to" blade for a fine rip cut is a thin kerf. Two things that may help reduce deflection: use blade stabilizers on both sides of the blade; keep the blade height as low as possible to make the cut.

 

[bluedawg76]

I have been using the Freud Thin Kerf Glue Line Rip Blade - LM74R010 for about 3 years now and haven't noticed any deflection. I primarily use it on 3/4 - 4/4 red oak stock. It has been a great blade. (Probably due for a resharpening soon.) I also haven't seen a need for a stabililization plate with the blade. (Note: I use a Sears zipcode saw - 22124 w/1.75 HP motor)

Great blade IMHO.

Wayne

+1

 

[Rick M]

Thanks everyone, looks like a thin kerf rip is in my near future.

 

[batk30msu]

You could look into this:

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/tls/3975946522.html

I good way to see if you like the thin kerf for a bit of a price break. note: this is not the glue line rip thin kerf.