How to Buy Blades

Types of Saw Blades

• Rip Blade - cuts with the wood grain it often removes a great deal of wood with long cuts. This blade is essential for table saws. Rip blades vary in the number of teeth, the more teeth the smoother the cut.
• Cross Cut Blade - designed to cut across the grain. This blade is most often used for cutting shorter mitre cuts. These blades vary by the number of teeth. They also are distinguished by the top bevel on the teeth. When using this blade on the table saw, use a cross cut blade with a +10 degree. When using this blade on a mitre saw, use a cross cut blade with a -5 to 0 degree.
• Combination Blade - is a good general purpose blade. It can be used for cross cuts and ripping.
• General Purpose Blade - have 40 - 50 teeth per 10" blade.
• Melamine Blade - this blade is made to work with laminates to particleboard.
• Laminate Blade - this blade works with thicker laminates and medium density fiberboard (MDF).
• Slide Mitre Saw Blade - this blade will deliver a glass smooth cut.
• Carbide Blade - though more expensive, they are worth it. These blades can be resharpened over and over. One thing to remember is to never use a carbide blade if wood might have metal inclusions i.e. nails, bullets, or other things. This will ruin the carbide blade.

Blade Care

1. Do not drop blades. Even a short drop can ruin a blade.


2. Keep blades clean. Use Simple Green or 409 to remove build-up of resins. Do not over use cleaner.


3. Sharpen blades when feed becomes difficult.


4. Store blades flat on wood or cork surface. When stacking blades, place wood, cork or cardboard between blades.


5. Protect blades from rust. To remove rust use WD40 then run about 1-1/2 feet of scrap wood through blade before using on project.