Full kerf or thin on 3HP

From what I have read, thin kerf saw blades are more useful for saws lacking in horse (1.5 or under) and that on higher power saws they can take a bit of a hit on stability.

David

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

Full, unless you want to save wood loss. Thin kerf requires less
power, not a problem usually with a 3HP saw. Thin kerf blades
flutter in some cuts. Full kerf blades it is much less often a problem.

I prefer to stick with full kerf blades, since full kerf are generally the same across manufacturers (.126 or just a thou over 1/8”). This keeps all my zero-clearance fences/sleds as zero-clearance. Everyone’s thin kerf is just a bit different.

-- Optimists are usually disappointed. Pessimists are either right or pleasantly surprised. I tend to be a disappointed pessimist.

I have the same saw, and switch between blades alot, using thin kerf and full kerf. As was said, saving material is a primary use for thin kerf. Not a worry with your saw.

-- Randy "You are judged as much by the questions you ask as the answers you give..."

Full kerf. Less blade wobble with a full kerf and if you you have the horsepower then go with the full.

Apparently nobody uses a splitter or riving knife.
Haven’t seen one mention of it in this discussion.

-- Michael :-{| Diapers and politicians both need to be changed often; and for the same reason.

With that much power I’d use full kerf unless I had lots of expensive wood to cut. Thin kerf is easier for a smaller saw to spin.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

I use a thin kerf blade with a stabilizer. On very rare occasions, the stabilizer gets in the way and I remove it.

I have a 2 hp motor on my ts. Even if I had a more powerful saw, I would probably stick with a thin kerf and a stabilizer. Why waste the wood and create more sawdust?

In my opinion, the stabilizer compensates for almost all of the extra wobble in a thin kerf blade.

-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal it.

I have both kerf sizes and for some reason just seem to use my full kerf more often. Mine is one a 1.5hp hybrid saw and I have not had any trouble ripping 5/4 hardwood.

I don’t think it matters most of the time. My standard kerf blad is nicer (WWII) so I use that. My saw came with 2 riving knifes so I can use both standard and thin.

-- Although the voices aren't real they have some pretty good ideas.

I do the same as Rich. I have a 3 HP saw and I use the thin kerf blade with the stabilizer. I like the way it cuts (I actually think it cuts faster) and like Rich said I probably would stick with it no matter what the HP.

-- Wayne - Plymouth MN

OK I’ll mention it. Splitters and riving knives are a waste of time and effort serve no practical purpose and are always in the way.

As to whether you should use a thin blade:
There are reasons you might want to have one in your arsenal not the least is the saving on lumber when you are slicing many thin strips. They are especially useful when making your own decorative inlay banding because they waste less of your work.

A down side is they deform easily. One ding and it may be curtains for your blade.

-- When the moderator chooses sides, his site sucks.