What's the best all-around beginner's saw blade?

james.miller · Post by **james.miller** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 11:02 pm

For plywood/MDF etc I prefer a HI A/T type blade. The cheapest I have seen is the Ananti by Freud, I saw them at Lowe's.

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 11:26 am

dusty wrote:I have been using Shopsmith sawblades for about twenty years. During that time, I believe they were manufactured by Freud. However, I believe that is no longer true. Presently, Shopsmith sawblades are manufactured by Amana.

This is a fairly recent change - I don't know whether it is for the good or not and I may never know. I have five recently sharpened and one almost brand new Shopsmith blade. These may last the rest of my woodworking future.

Are these domestically produced? Also, have you had any problem using them in alignment?
BPR

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 1:05 pm

Are they domestically produced? I believe the answer is yes but does anyone know for certain these days?

Have I had any problem with alignment (because of the blade)? Absolutely not and I doubt the answer would be any different for almost any blade today. Manufacturing technology has taken many of the variables out of the process and even the cheaper blades are better than they used to be.

There will be opposing opinions because that is what opinions are. My Shopsmith blades are fine for everything I do.

If that ever is not true - I have a Forresst WWII that was given to me for a birthday (I believe). I keep it hanging in the shop just in case the task arises that dictates I use it. My daughter or grandson will likely be the first heavy users of that blade.