Expert: Jamie Yocono - 7/30/2011

Question
I need a new saw blade for my Bosch 12" compound miter box. What would you recommend, Diablo, Dewalt, Bosch, etc.?

Answer
Steve,

There are only two blades I use in my shop; after all the years of woodworking that I've done, this is a no-brainer for me.

I use Forrest blades on just about everything I own - all four tablesaws are equipped with them. The Forrest Woodworker II blade is my go-to blade, and I swear, the first one I owned stayed razor sharp for three years. It never was quite as sharp after I had it sharpened, but that first time...wow.

On a side note, I usually return my blades to Forrest when they need to be sharpened. It's easy and they really inspect the blade well, welding on new teeth if it needs it.

A few years ago, a buddy of mine gave me an H.O.Schumacher blade, and I didn't think I was going to be that impressed with it. But wow - it was a great blade. I managed to find them on sale at Hartville Hardware in Ohio, and bought a few. Now - the supply of them seems to have dried up. But if you can find one of those, I highly recommend that brand, too. A great blade. I keep an 80 tooth in my chop saw, and get very nice cuts.

So there you have it - Forrest blades (IMHO) are the best, but Schumacher blades are a close second. Those are the only ones I use. Good luck, I hope this helps. Write back if you have more questions.

Jamie in Vegas.



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Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
My woodworking blog: www.wooditis.blogspot.com