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I agree that a table saw is a lot more than just a tool for ripping. However, I have to disagree with accuracy of the Radial Arm Saw. I have a DeWalt RAS that is over 60 years old, and this saw makes precision crosscuts. I have never had an issues with this saw. It stays aligned for long periods of time, and I wouldn't trade it for anything when it comes to making quality crosscuts.
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I have a Delta rip blade that does a fine job on ripping but is hardly a thin kerf. I have a Freud thin kerf rip blade that was quite inexpensive and does a good job too.
Surprisingly the Freud blade does a reasonable job cutting up 1/4" thick ply (I was too lazy to change the blade and was pleasantly surprised by the result. A zero insert would have made it entirely suitable for that purpose.
Cheap enough and it saves material and uses less power on the rips.
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i found 2 thin kerf blades a a flea mkt both in package brand new Freud as far as ripping they do a great job seems as the guy that sold them to me was just wanting to get them out of hands might have been warm
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(10-24-2016, 08:04 AM)smoothjazz27 Wrote: I agree that a table saw is a lot more than just a tool for ripping. However, I have to disagree with accuracy of the Radial Arm Saw. I have a DeWalt RAS that is over 60 years old, and this saw makes precision crosscuts. I have never had an issues with this saw. It stays aligned for long periods of time, and I wouldn't trade it for anything when it comes to making quality crosscuts.
I agree. I also have an old Dewalt ras, and it's my go to, for crosscuts, unless it's small parts being cut. Then the small ts sled is used.
I long for the days when Coke was a soft drink, and Black and Decker was a quality tool.
Happiness is a snipe free planer
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I use a Forrest rip blade. It cuts so fast and easy that one should have all the safety equipment on the saw and make sure you have a push stick handy before starting the cut. I was told that it was designed to be used with a feeder. I know there will be several people who will chime in about how they always use all the safety equipment and so on. But I live in the real world and this response in not the place for it. I am saying that it cuts quickly and with little resistance and it is a good blade to be extra careful with.
Also I believe it is a 20 tooth blade not a 24 and not all teeth are flat toped so it gives a fairly good finish. Expensive, yes, but it also cuts edge sanding time by more than half.
Tom