July 23, 2023
Imagine yourself tirelessly cutting through an oak using an ordinary hand saw, and you seem to be not making any progress at all. You have been profusely sweating and already exasperated. Well, this is just an imagination exercise, yet, this could really happen to you if you would underestimate the oak’s strength. So, before something like this happens to you, it will be of great help if you learn more about oak and its properties.
Oak is a hardwood, and being a hardwood, it is stubborn and not easy to cut. If you use the ordinary hand saw to cut through it, you might end up enervated and frustrated. So, rather than belaboring yourself in cutting through the oak, you should instead find the best table saw blades to make your cutting job easy.
2 Types of Blades That Most Suitable for Ripping Oaks
Choosing a table saw blade depends more on the kind of cut that you want to make on the oak. Because oak is characterized by heavy graining, it can split or chip quickly, resulting in a less desirable cut. Hence, it will be helpful to use an extremely sharp cutting tool to get excellent cuts. Oak is also susceptible to burning, which can damage your blades. Hence, it will be best if you would carefully choose the table saw blade when working with oak. If you intend to rip or crosscut through the oak, you should instead consider these two types of blades:
1) Crosscut Blade
The crosscut blade comes with a greater number of teeth as compared to a ripping blade. It features around 80-90 teeth that can cut against the grain of the wood. It cuts against the oak grain or any hardwood, while the ripping blade cuts along the wood fibers.
The teeth of the crosscut blade are smaller, which can make a clean cut, and it’s being designed for such a purpose. Its myriads of teeth make very fine sawdust as this blade precisely cuts across the grain.
You can use the crosscut blade for ripping hardwood like oak. Moreover, you can use it to make cross-grain cuts on plywood. You can also use it to cut composite materials like veneer, plastic laminate, and MDF.
2) Combination Blades
The combination blade is the most common type of table saw blade. It is a 10-inch all-purpose saw blade whose teeth number from 32 to 50 teeth. You can use the combination blade for various woodworking tasks. You can also use it like a ripping blade or a crosscut blade simultaneously.
The combination blade is not as refined as the crosscut blade or the ripping blade. Nevertheless, it is a good starting blade if you are new to woodworking or if it is your first time utilizing a table saw. Besides, you can use it for cutting oak and other natural wood.
Moreover, you can use it for cutting pressure-treated lumber like wood beams and MDF. You can also utilize it for making precise and quick cuts on lumber and crosscuts on composite materials or natural wood.
Best Table Saw Blades for Ripping Oaks
A question people often asked me whenever I’m discussing woodworking is all about the most recommended table saw blades for ripping oaks and other hardwoods. In this article, I have collated a list of the best table saw blades to consider when working on oaks and other hardwoods:
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1) Freud 10″ x 50T Thin Kerf Combination Blade (LU83R010)
If you want an easier-to-handle and more precise table saw blade, you better gift yourself with the Freud LU83R010. This blade is within the affordable range of table saw blades. So, you can surely afford it. Yet, when it comes to quality, this blade separates itself from the rest of the table saw blades in the market today.
This industrial saw blade is meticulously crafted and makes use of the best materials at hand. It also comes with an innovative design that you would surely appreciate. Moreover, it features a 50-tooth blade and comes with TiCo Hi-Density Carbide Blend for optimum performance.
The Freud LU83R010 also features anti-vibration slots that are laser-cut for reducing sideways movements and vibrations. These slots extend its blade life and render a splinter-free and crisp finish. This blade also is protected by a non-stick coating (Perma-Shield) that prevents this blade from corroding.
This LU83R010 remains stable even if under heavy loads. It minimizes heat and friction when it is at work. Besides, it is around 1.8 pounds heavy, and a limited lifetime warranty is attached to it. It may not be the most appropriate for cutting thick pieces of wood, yet, it will still do its job as ripping common thickness oak woods as possible.
2) Oshlun SDS-0630
If you are desirous of a premium blade, you better consider the Oshlun SDS-0630. It features a high TPI count that produces smooth cuts ranging from 1/4 inch to 29/32 inch. It also features carbide tips that stay sharp and precise for handling any hardwood. Moreover, it is easy to set up with its full body chippers. It also exhibits less or zero vibrations as well as less heat.
The Oshlun SDS-0630 has a slight advantage over Freud SD208 because it comes with more teeth than Freud SD208. Nevertheless, it is not as clean as that of the DW/Delta 7670. It may require a shallower cut in some instances if you want to achieve the appropriate desired depth.
You will indeed have no issue with the Oshlun SDS-0630. Besides, you will find the cuts that it produces perfect and satisfactory. Moreover, this blade will rival even those blades on the higher end of the blade spectrum.
3) Metabo HPT 10-Inch Blade
Another excellent option of a table saw blade for oak woods is the Metabo HP 115435M. The Metabo HP 115435M can get your wood cutting done in no time. You can use it for your table and miter saws as well. You can also use it for plywood, hardwood, MDF, finish lumber, and even softwood.
This premium blade is of high-quality Japanese steel. Thus, you can expect it to be durable, and it will not waver in cutting precisely. With this superior blade, you can easily cut through dry wood. It can also perform different types of cuts, like crosscuts and ripping-cuts. It can also do miter cuts as well.
The Metabo HPT features a precise tension balancing that can reduce blade vibrations. With laser-cut precision, it can cut through different materials and hold the noise at a minimum level. Moreover, it does not easily rust because of its electrophoresis coating. Thus, you can expect an excellent performance from this blade, and it is a good choice for ripping oaks.
4) CMT 215.050.10 Industrial Combination Blade
The CMT 215.050.10 is another excellent choice for ripping and crosscutting materials like oak. Equipped with huge gullets, it can cut deep into any material without causing that material to splinter. This blade features a laser-cut heavy-gauge plate. This blade is made of German steel, 46-48 Rockwell in hardness for producing excellent cuts.
Its micro-grain carbide teeth can last longer and deliver precise and smooth cuts. Moreover, it comes with expansion slots for reduced noise. It also comes with an anti-vibration design.
Its non-stick PTFE coating keeps this blade cool during operation. It also reduces the buildup of the pitch while protecting it against corrosion.
You can use CMT 215.050.10 for radial arm saws, miter saws, and special saws. You can also utilize it to cut plywood, chipboard, and hardwood material without any issue or problem. Its carbide teeth deliver excellent and smooth cuts without breaking down.
The CMT 215.050.10 has a flat tooth that does not leave a perfect flat cut. Nevertheless, it is a reliable blade for making crosscuts and ripping cuts, and you can use it for ripping oak.
5) DEWALT DW3106P5D60I
DEWALT DW3106P5D60I is less expensive, and affordable table saw blade. It is excellent for crosscuts with its 60-toothed blade that offers a reduced noise operation without heating up. It also features a slim kerf for quick and smooth cutting.
It features a computer-balanced plate for enhanced finish, improved precision, and reduced vibration. It also comes with a wedge shoulder design that renders more steel behind every tip for enhanced accuracy and durability.
However, you may find this blade transferring yellow paint to the material that you are cutting. Besides, it may exhibit kickbacks, which may be due to the angle of the teeth. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a blade that delivers what you pay for, you should consider the DW3106P5D60I as a good option.
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Buyer’s Guide: Factors to Consider When Buying a Table Saw Blade
Besides knowing the most recommended table saw blades in the market today, you must be mindful also of the following essential factors to consider when choosing a blade. You can check out these important factors to zero in on the best table saw blade effortlessly:
Blade Type
It is good to note that table saw blades come in four standard types, namely: FTG (Flat Top Grind), ATB ( Alternate Top Bevel), ATBR (a combination of ATB and FTG), and TCG (Triple Chip Grind). It would help to remember that the blade type you will avail of will play a crucial role in how you would cut your material.
It is also good to note that each type of table saw blades brings in different end-results. So, beforehand, you should know the type of cut you would like to produce and how you would like your materials cut before you zero in on a specific type of blade that would address your cutting needs.
Teeth Geometry
Different manufacturers of table saw blades usually come up with combinations when designing their blades. You will notice, for example, that each type of saw blade has a patented shape and design. This difference in designs and shapes will produce different results.
Every blade has teeth, angled at a certain degree. Moreover, each saw blade has a specific profile. However, the combination of the blade’s angle and profile creates varying cutting styles and results. As you try to use a wide variety of table saw blades, you would soon develop a blade type preference.
Laser Cut Plates
Nowadays, manufacturers of table saw blades make use of laser-cutting technology. This cutting-edge technology makes the newly manufactured blades stronger and sturdier. With better manufacturing technology, modern blades come out flat and better in handling vibrations when operated. Hence, when choosing a saw blade’s brand or model, choose the one with laser-cut plates.
Insert Plates
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leoThe space from where the saw blade protrudes is called the insert plates. The insert plates are a crucial consideration when buying a table saw blade. You need to know, for example, the insert plates’ specifications before zero in on a specific blade. Nonetheless, you can have your insert plates customized for your needs.
Size and Power
Another important consideration when purchasing table saw blades is the size and power of the blade. You only have two size options for blades (size 6 inches or 8 inches). The 8-inch blades provide deeper cuts. However, they will require more powerful saws for powering them. On the other hand, the 6-inch blade is also a great choice, and you can power it with any table saws.
So, each option comes with pros and cons. However, as a rule, you should go for a blade that matches the power of your table saw.
Compatibility
You may find blades that are not compatible with your table saw, given the many manufacturers of table saw blades at hand. Therefore, at the onset, you should only buy a blade that you can use with your table saw. Moreover, you must know the table saw blade specifications and figure out beforehand the blade that fits your table saw specifications. Check also for the Teeth per Inch (TPI), the hook angle, and the material specifications before zeroing in on a specific brand or model of table blade saw.
Conclusion
Ripping or crosscutting through the grain of the oak is not an easy thing to do. If you do it manually using a hand saw, you may end up exasperated and enervated. A better option is to use a table saw equipped with the most appropriate type of blade to achieve your desired results. If you’re still confused about which kind of blade to purchase, you can check out the abovementioned succinct factors to consider when purchasing a table saw blade. It would be best if you also referred to the abovementioned most recommended blades for table saw to facilitate your search for the ideal table saw blade.
Other Top-rated Table Saw Blades
Jason is a 40-year-old woodworker, carpenter and author who have been involved in the woodworking and woodcraft industry with 17 years of experience. He is expertise in technical aspects, woodcraft and furniture building projects.