Shopsmith Forums

Cliffy wrote: Sun Feb 07, 2021 1:54 am The one saw blade this SS came with is an old rip blade well worn. Of course large bore.
If I wanted a good blade for the large bore adaptor would a SS blade be as good as any other or are there other options for the large bore saw blades?

I don't know who manufactures the Shopsmith carbide blades, but I hear they are good quality. There are a few premium carbide sawblade brands out there. I am partial to Forrest (https://www.forrestblades.com/), but Ridge Carbide (https://ridgecarbidetool.com/) also has some of their blades in 1-1/4" bore size. I think Freud also has at least 1-1/4" bore size sawblade but it looked like they didn't have many choices. Keep in mind that if you buy a high quality carbide tipped sawblade that can re-sharpen it many, many times.

Freud and Amana have, at times past, been providers of the Shopsmith blades. I don't know who provides them now. Does it make a difference if they are quality blades which I believe they are.

I think Mark's explanation re the 1 1/4 arbor size makes the most sense. The other advantages are valid, but I do not think they were part of the design consideration process back then.