This is The Only Three Table Saw Blades You’ll Ever Need. In this post, I’ll show you the three main types of blades that will cover the overwhelming majority of your woodworking needs. I’ll also show you why you need each of them. Enjoy.
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Table Saw Blades
The table saw is the bread-and-butter of any woodworking shop. It’s a useful tool that allows you to create a lot of different parts and pieces, which can then be assembled into any infinite number of projects.
Though the table saw will come with a blade typically, you really need to look at expanding the capabilities of your tablesaw by using multiple blades. The good news is depending on what you buy they don’t have to be expensive.
More good news is that you can take an already capable tool and extend its abilities even farther just by getting a couple more blades. I’ll show you the three tablesaw blades that you need coming up in the post, why they are important, and when you should be using them.
See Also: The Secret to the Most Profitable Woodworking Projects to Build and Sell
The Ripping Blade
Just like the table saw is the workhorse of the woodworking shop, the ripping the blade is a workhorse of the table saw. This is a medium tooth count blade to a low tooth count blade and specifically designed for cutting rapidly.
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These blades only have about 20 to 30 teeth on them, and they are sold for the specific purpose of ripping stock too width. When you have a blade like this, you can mow through material very quickly.
The vast majority of the time that you are using your table saw, this is the blade that will be installed. It’s going to do the majority of the work, and you will find that you have it installed as the normal blade that is used on the saw.
In general, unless you have a specific reason to remove this ripping blade, leave it on all the time. This is the standard blade, and it’s good for the majority of applications.
See Also: 19 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Woodworking
Fine Cutting Blade
Your first specialty blade is the fine cutting blade. This will have a high tooth count, typically 80-100, and is used to make very fine cuts with an absolute minimum of tear out or tooth marks left from the sawing process.
This is used any time you need to make a delicate cut and you want those cuts to be as smooth as possible in the end. It takes a blade with a lot of teeth to carefully remove material as it’s making the cut, and that’s where this blade excels.
You can also afford to buy a little nicer version of your fine tooth blade because you won’t use it that often. It’ll last a lot longer for that reason, and you’ll also benefit from the extremely fine and nearly mark free cuts that it makes.
See Also: 10 Best Woodworking Projects that Sell Well
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Dado Blade Set
The final blade that you need to really take your table saw to the maximum potential is a dado blade set. A dado is a long pocket that’s cut into a piece of wood, and you could also look at it as a long channel that’s created in a piece of wood.
These are useful for a lot of different woodworking applications, and they can be a little difficult to make with a standard saw blade. They can definitely be done, but it takes a lot more time, effort, and a higher chance of making a mistake.
When you look for a dado blade set, be aware that they’re going to cost a little bit more than a regular table saw blade. However, this is a stacked set of blades with chippers that allow you to create that wide slot, or dado very easily, so you are getting more in the package than just one blade.
You are getting a lot more metal for your money so to speak, so it’s definitely worth buying a set that you can be proud of. Also, since you won’t be using it as often, it will tend to last a little longer than you’re ripping blade as well.
See Also: Tall Table Saw Fence for Re-Sawing
Storing Your Table Saw Blades
Storing your table saw blades can be a little bit of a challenge in the beginning, especially because it’s such a weird piece and you really can’t hold it very well. There are a number of different ways to do it, but the first thing you should think of is being safe.
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Table saws are capable of cutting through wood, so their blades are also capable of cutting through your skin without an issue. Even a motionless blade can cut you if you’re holding it wrong, so you want to find a good storage method that keeps them out of everyone’s way.
If you have a reusable package for your blades, consider storing them back in their original packaging when they’re not in use. Another thing you can do is make some slotted boxes that you can put the blades in.
Finally, you can make posts or pegs on a wall in the shop to hang the blades,or buy something already made for the job. Saw blade storage is pretty easy if you spend the time to get it right, and it’s definitely worth it to protect your blades.
Well protected blades last longer. That means you get more for your money. This way, you get all the benefit of the full capabilities of your tool, and you don’t have to buy replacements unnecessarily.
See Also: 29 Ways to Maximize Your Woodworking Shop Layout
Saw Blade Tips and Tricks
Once you have your three blades, the best way to get better with them is to just use them. Here are a few tips and tricks to get you going:
- Even if you don’t immediately have a project that you need to make a dado for, pull out your dado blade and start playing with it.
- Cut something with your ripping blade, and then change to the fine tooth blade and cut something with it as well. Notice the difference.
- When you change your blades, make sure to fully secure and power down the saw, and make sure that there’s no way they can accidentally turn back on.
- Make sure you carefully tighten the blade every time you change it, and follow the directions in the manual completely every time you do.
- The more you play around and practice, the better you will be with your table saw blade set.
See Also: A Beginners Guide to Woodworking
Your Action Assignment
Now that you know about these three good blades that you need for your table saw in order to get the maximum functionality, it’s time to take action. Start your search, and get those blades into your woodworking shop.
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Make sure that the lades each fit your particular table saw. There are specialty blades made for nearly every size of saw, you just need to look. It makes no sense to pick up something that doesn’t fit well.
After that, just have fun with the blades. Use them all, and get used to using them all. The more you play around with them, and the more you experiment in your shop, the better you will understand how to use your tools.
If you have any questions on these three table saw blades that you need to make your table saw the most effective, Please Post a Question and I’ll be glad to answer them. Happy building.
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