Tenryu blade: Overpriced, or a cut above?
My wife cashed in a honey-do list coupon for some crown molding work next weekend.
Before she picks out her favorite profile we discuss and choose a profile, I know I have to upgrade the stock blade in my 12-inch compound miter saw. I'm making neat miter or scarf joints, here, not chopping 2x4s.
So I asked TOH general contractor Tom Silva, and he clued me into his favorite miter saw blade, the Tenryu.
But this thing goes for 90 bucks. $90! Is it worth it?
There are some general rules of thumb when selecting blades. The greater the teeth per inch (TPI), the smoother the finished edges will be. These blades are ideal for thin materials and cross cutting.
Fewer TPI blades are better for quickly ripping thicker stock. The kerf, or width of the cut, is another opportunity for confusion: thin vs. standard kerf? Generally, thin kerfs reduce waste material, cut faster and easier while the blade tips stay cooler—which means longer life.
Standard kerfs are generally heavier duty blades, requiring a beefier saw to run them, and tend to remain straighter through tough cutting tasks.
There are a whole host of other features to consider when picking a saw blade, but I'm still undecided.
What do I really get for the extra money? Do you guys use a different blade for cutting molding vs. 2x4s?
Let us know in the comments below.
In the meantime, here's what you need to know about sharpening the blade you already have.
Posted by Sal Vaglica | Categories: Power Tools | Permalink
(3) Comments
If the blade you've got is in good shape I'd just use that. If you've been using it for years or have hit a nail with it or some some such I'd certainly buy a new blade. In either case you can always make a test cut and see how it turns out before buying a new one. I put up some crown molding this past weekend and the stock blade on my rather new DeWalt miter saw gave me excellent cuts.
Also keep in mind that with molding if you're coping your inside corners the quality of the miter cut isn't that big a deal since you'll probably have to file and sand the joint anyway. It also depends on what material you're using and if its going to be painted or stained.
Another advantage of the thin kerf blade is its ability to "upgrade" an underpowered saw. The thin kerf makes a clean cut while asking less of the saw's motor.
If you're on a budget, outfit a less expensive saw with a quality blade (it doesn't work the other way around).
Tenryu is a fine blade. The caliber here is for finish work. Tom Silva is right on the money when he recomended this blade to you. Tenryu is a Japaneese company. They have been producing blades for many years. I bought one of their blabes for my mitre saw for finish work. This blade cuts smooth! Tenryu is definitely worth the money. You will have this blade for many years, and you will not be disapointed.