Using Circular Saw Blades on a Table Saw

Charlie… dont know for sure but I believe that the motors are set for max rpm for the diameter of the blade and if you reduce the diameter you have a different speed at the tooth… if that make sense.

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theoretically I would think that the depth of cut is the only factor, however. the larger blades are also heavier which contributes to a more stable cutter, which would result in a cleaner cut – theoretically speaking.

another thing to consider is the rotational speed – I’m not sure of the numbers, but I think that a TS turns faster RPMs than a circ-saw, which might shorten the life of the circ-saw blade if used on a TS. but I really am too lazy to look up the RPMs for the machines right now.

all in all – I think it’s doable, but why not just use a good full size blade – there are some good ones out there that dont break the bank…

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Larry, you’re right….obviously the larger the diameter, the faster the tooth speed. I’m not sure how that would translate into cut quality.

Sharon, I hadn’t considered different motor RPM’s.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

I’ve been using D0724X/A 24T from Diablo for a long time with no issues at all for some ripping and crosscutting, in fact yesterday I got D0760X/A “Ultrafinish 60T” to cut some venner plywood and I totally love it, like the review says, not much noise, less dust and cleaner cuts. I never thought I should not use a 7 1/4” blade on the TS

-- The things I make may be for others, but how I make them is for me.

I use a classic Delta Homecraft TS and good 7-1/4” saw blades are a LOT cheaper than good 8”. Thinner kerf too. I keep one 8” around for those times I need the extra cutting depth. I also used it on my previous Delta Shopmaster (all I could afford) and the smaller blade would breeze through what the stock sized 10” had no chance of cutting. Under a certain dollar amount, I think a TS should come with a smaller blade. They just don’t have the power to run a full cut with a 10” blade.

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go for it Charlie … I’ve used smaller blades many times and the only downside is depth of cut

-- keeping myself entertained

my dado head is 8”

-- -erik & christy-

I don’t think going smaller should hurt.

I think a smaller thin kerf would be more stable than a large thin kerf.

Dado blades are smaller in diameter, so I don’t see no harm.

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yep i use small blades all the time. go for it!

i don’t personally understand the point in putting a 7 1/4” blade in the table saw. I understand for thinner cuts and cheaper prices but you won’t get the height you want if you’ree cutting a thick piece or a long pitch angle. And those blades get so dull so quickly. I personally have the 10” freud (diablo i think its called [the red blade]) and i don’t regret buying the beauty.

-- My purpose in life: Making sawdust

Not a stupid question at all Charlie. Before posting my comment to the review, I tried finding any info I could online. I guess my concern was the RPM, the depth of cut, and the stability of the blade. Kind of like routers. If I have a table mounted router, my preference is a 1/2 inch shank because I am pushing the wood into the blade, not the other way around. When you run wood into a cutting surface, the stress is much greater. To me, that is one of considerations taken into account when they design the size and shape of the blades in question. Yes, a dado blade is smaller in size than some circular saw blades, but look at the thickness and the quantity of the cutters. They are substantially weighted. I personally do not see much gain in going with circular saw blade even with a price savings of 10-15 bucks. Wood magazine had quite a list of tablesaw blades with a lot of life and quality for around a thirty dollar purchase. The blade would last longer and the cuts would be more precise, and you wouldn’t be limited to a cutting depth of just over an inch. Just my humble opinion :)

-- There is little that is simple when it comes to making a simple box.

I think is very simple, if you need the thin kerf but height is not a problem go with a small blade, if height is an issue, then go with the standard 10”, I second Mark I do also have the 10” Diablo full kerf, it is a great blade.

-- The things I make may be for others, but how I make them is for me.

I have try it, but I rather use a 10’’ blade.

-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker

Good choice for a blade alonso :) the diablo is worth the cost

-- My purpose in life: Making sawdust

Charlie – The teeth on smaller diameter blade make a tighter arc than those of a 10” blade, which translates to the equivalent of a steeper hook angle. It should be fine for ripping, but I suspect it’ll be a mixed bag for ultra fine ply cuts. Most plywood blades have a fairly low hook angle. Smaller blades will work, and may even be easier to spin, but I doubt they’ll cut as cleanly on a critical fine cut. Keeping the height on a smaller diameter blade low should help some, but I don’t think it’s worth passing up a good blade for.

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