Well I was cutting some extension jams to finish off a window that was replaced. I noticed my saw was not cutting straight and there was a lot of movement in the slides. I bought the saw in 2006 from Lowes, it is a Kolbalt. I figured I should upgrade since well I could. I went to Lowes and bought a 12 inch Bosch dual bevel compound saw. I like the idea I could put it closer to the wall and a few other things.
A few weeks ago I went into Lowes and they had 10 inch 40T two pack blades on clearance for $25.00 a package. So me being me I grabbed 4 packages which is all that was left. I like the 40T on the miter saw. I have a 10 inch TS also so they won't go to waste but they will be around for a long time.
Now my question, with the larger diameter blade should I jump up in number of teeth?
Thanks
Mike
12 inch miter saw blade number of teeth.
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Re: 12 inch miter saw blade number of teeth.
#2
Short answer, yes. The longer answer is more complicated. First a few facts: A 12-inch blade has 20% larger circumference than a 10-inch blade. If they have the same number of teeth (equal pitch) and are spinning at the same speed (e.g., on the same miter saw), there would be the same number of teeth per revolution engaging the wood, although slightly fewer in the wood at the same time because of the larger spacing between teeth. Depending on the quality of the blade and the accuracy of the saw mechanism, this will result in a somewhat rougher cut, which is why a lot of folks use a 60- or 80-tooth blade on a miter saw, regardless of blade diameter, since the saw is a cross-cutting (vs ripping) machine and more teeth in the cut results in a smoother cut surface.
Another variable worth mentioning is the rake of the teeth. Positive tooth rake -- say, +10 or +15-degrees -- is desirable for ripping, while slightly positive rakes and even negative rakes are recommended for cross cutting. Radial arm saws in particular should have negative rake blades because of their tendency to pull themselves into the wood. Negative rake and high-tooth-count blades are recommended for melamine-coated board because they don't pull chips out from the surface as readily, but this shouldn't be an issue with your miter saw.
I'd say, go for a 48-60 tooth blade for most work.
Ellis
Re: 12 inch miter saw blade number of teeth.
#3@Elllis.
Thanks. I knew about the negative rake, I learned that here many years ago. I hope this is the last miter saw I have to buy. I decided to go big, because the saw this is replacing I got on clearance a long time ago, and has treated me well for most of the construction work I have done. Now I am trying to get into a little more cabinet and furniture making.
Enjoy