I've been using the blade that came with my skill table saw, and while it's been fine for ripping face frames, I've recently started on a delicate wall cabinet using 1/2 inch Baltic birch. Unfortunately, I experienced some tearing. I'm planning to veneer over it, so it's not a huge concern, but it got me thinking about purchasing another blade. I'm considering a CMT combination blade, but I'm curious: Will this blade perform worse for ripping? Do I really need a dedicated ripping blade, or can a combo blade suffice for my projects, which mainly involve plywood and dimensional lumber (like 3/4 inch red oak)? What setup should I aim for?
3 Answers
If you're just starting out, I'd recommend getting the ripping blade if you're feeling any hesitation when ripping. While some folks swear by their combo blades, having a dedicated rip blade could save you from frustrating struggles and yield better results on tougher materials.
A combination blade can handle ripping, but it might not be the fastest option. I suggest starting with a good combo blade but eventually picking up dedicated rip and crosscut blades as your budget allows. I usually rely on my combo blade for about half my projects, and switching blades isn't a big deal once you get the hang of it.
For the best edge on plywood, aim for a blade with at least 60 or 80 teeth on a 10-inch blade. This will help reduce tear-out significantly. If you're primarily working with birch ply, consider the CMT orange chrome panel blade—it really delivers clean cuts compared to basic blades.