I have a basic understanding of cross-cutting vs. ripping, and why different shaped teeth work better in one application vs. the other. The blade that came with my DeWalt contractor saw was a "combo" blade, which I believe aims to be good at both cuts but probably without excelling at either.
I quickly upgraded to what I believe is an 80 tooth Diablo blade (10 inch), the best I could find at what you folks call the big orange store or something like that, and I'm very happy with the results. But lately, I've taken things to the next level and experimenting with Padauk, Zebrawood, Ebony etc., and it's not so smooth of an operation. Crosscutting was alright save the ebony though with care, I got through it without burning it.
After crosscutting, I moved on to ripping the Padauk, and it wasn't easy. I had to clean up the edges afterward by sanding even after a couple of light passes over the edge. So I got to thinking, what is that 80 tooth Diablo blade meant for? I don't remember it being marketed to any application in particular, and my guess it's specialized for cross-cuts.
To go a little easier on the saw and to keep things safe, I'm wondering if there is a high-quality rip blade I should be using to get through these really nasty woods? If the edge isn't perfect, I don't mind, I can clean it with jointer or sand it. First priority is to get a nice straight cut safely and a little easier on the saw.
I quickly upgraded to what I believe is an 80 tooth Diablo blade (10 inch), the best I could find at what you folks call the big orange store or something like that, and I'm very happy with the results. But lately, I've taken things to the next level and experimenting with Padauk, Zebrawood, Ebony etc., and it's not so smooth of an operation. Crosscutting was alright save the ebony though with care, I got through it without burning it.
After crosscutting, I moved on to ripping the Padauk, and it wasn't easy. I had to clean up the edges afterward by sanding even after a couple of light passes over the edge. So I got to thinking, what is that 80 tooth Diablo blade meant for? I don't remember it being marketed to any application in particular, and my guess it's specialized for cross-cuts.
To go a little easier on the saw and to keep things safe, I'm wondering if there is a high-quality rip blade I should be using to get through these really nasty woods? If the edge isn't perfect, I don't mind, I can clean it with jointer or sand it. First priority is to get a nice straight cut safely and a little easier on the saw.