Choosing a Slider Blade

Advice on blade choices for a sliding table saw. March 27, 2012

Question
I'm about to take possession of a slider (never had one before), and want to buy a high quality blade for plywood and MDF/particle composites, most with veneer two sides. I have a scoring saw on this machine but still value minimal veneer chip-out on the bottom of the cut when the scorer is not up. I have a 30mm arbor on the main blade and can take up to a 16" blade I think, though for plywood I'd probably prefer to keep it to 12" or 14" at most. What are the best blades out there for plywood on sliders? I would mostly alternate between this new plywood blade and a 14" Forrest WWII for solids, which comes with the machine.

Forum Responses
(Cabinetmaking Forum)
From contributor B:
The Freud high-ATB blades have worked very well for me. I've used the FS high-ATB in the past with good results, but they're more expensive and QC was hit/miss. I'd suggest spending the time to get the scoring system dialed in - much better blade life and consistent cutting with a 72-tooth triple chip and the scorer.


From contributor J:
The best I've used so far for double sided melamine and hardwood veneers is the Forrest Hi-AT blade. Not cheap, but it cuts significantly better than the WWII. I use Freud's double sided melamine blade with good results also, but still not quite as good as the Forrest. Also the Forrest seemed to hold its sharpness longer.

From contributor S:
If you are using a scoring blade, you can use a triple chip grind for maximum tool life. There are many good panel saw sets out there.

From contributor M:
Any of the industrial blades will have a good lifespan. I prefer Leitz and Flai (a less expensive Italian brand). TCG (triple chip grind) is necessary if you intend to cut more than 10 sheets of melamine at a time. ATB will give good cut on the top and bottom for about 5 sheets before it is wasted. For ply I use either my high tooth count ATB crosscut blade or a high tooth count combination blade.

I like a 65 to 70 tooth combo blade for ply and for quick solid wood part sizing. I always use an 80+ tooth Hi-ATB blade for cutting door parts to length. If you process solid wood, do yourself a favor and get a nice sturdy ripping blade. A good slider will straight line lumber better than a jointer and way better than a rip saw.


From contributor D:
Forrest makes a great plywood blade. We use it on our slider. We use tons of 2 sided finished maple ply, with perfect cuts time and time again. Forrest also makes great chop saw blades.
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