No replies expected just had to tell you....

[Ken Massingale]

Well, after several years of hearing how darn great the woodworker ll saw blades were I finally ordered one just minutes ago. I am so excited I'm about to wet myself.

Morning Mac,
The others might let you off but I won't.
The big question is, Did you wet yourself?!!

[gwyneth]

Long, long ago when I was about two tools into what I had no idea would be an alternate universe, we almost accidentally visited the Portland, ME, WW show during vacation. I knew I didn't know anything, but I had no idea how much 'anything' included.

It was a very slow day there and the nice Forrest people spent some time talking to us. What I did not understand then and have come to learn: the less expensive the tool, the more you should buy a great blade or bit. That yes, it can make sense to spend more for the blade than the tool, even to the extent of buying a $100 Forrest blade for a $95 Sears or Skil bottom of the line bench saw.

This is counterintuitive for many people, as it was for me, until I read some article by Sandor Nagazycski (sp?) that attempted to solve the Beginner's Dilemma (whether to spend less or more for a given tool). He pointed out that a great blade or bit can make up for a surprising amount of tool engineering, and that you can probably keep using that blade or bit when you upgrade.

I have no idea whether this theory would apply to the extent that a cheapo Sears saw with Forrest's best blade would outperform a Unisaw with Harbor Freight's worst blade.

But I'm convinced that it is definitely valid when comparing two machine/blade combinations with similar total prices--i.e., that for $200, a $100 saw with a $100 Forrest would beat a $180 saw with a $20 blade.

[cabinetman]

I've got to make a comment about Forrest blades. Waaaay back the first RAS I ever bought was from Sears and it was on sale. It was a 9", (I didn't know any better). It came with a steel blade. Well, when that blade got trashed, Forrest was about the only blade I could find with carbide tips in a 9". IIRC the blade was over $100, and in the early '70's that was a lot for one blade. But, when you have to earn a living with your tools, there are sacrifices that must be made.

That blade made a big difference, and a Forrest believer out of me. It made me learn more about the differences in blades. So, enjoy the money well spent.

[lcm1947]

Just so nobody can say I forget things here is my review of the WWll blade that I bought back in December as promised. I just used it today. Yeah I know but I just don't rush into things. Anyway, I am blown away with the smooth cutting ability that this blade producted. I cut plywood, MDF and pine 2x4' and Red Oak. WOW! I am so impressed I doubt that I will ever own a different type blade. As a matter of fact I fully intend to buy another the next time they go on sale. That way I'll always have a spare for when the other is being sharpened. I'm no expert but I can't imagine any other blade producing a smoother cut. I was a little worried that since it was a thin blade that maybe it would bend a little when cutting a real thin slice off a board. So I cut about a 1/8" slice off of the edge of a 16" 2x4 and it was perfect. No blade distortion what-so-ever. Talk about smooth. Anyway I am extremely pleased as you can tell. Now I can only compare it with the original BT3100 blade , which by the way is not a bad blade at all, plus a Freud TK806 which is a 80 tooth blade and a DeWalt 60 tooth ( not sure of the model right now ) but that's enough for me. Anyway thought that I'd post my simple little review for your pleasure. Oh and Ken I was fully clothed just for the record.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Sounds like it. I am sending PM with link to other site reviews.

[lcm1947]

Well I just got home and pulled the WWll out. The teeth are all uniform. No offsett or spaces between any of the teeth. All exactly in line one after the other. So is that the old one do you suppose?

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Jeff, I'm at work right now but I'll sure check tonight and let you know. Is the newer model supposed to be better? Sounds like the older model was a big hit I can't imagine why you'd fix something if it wasn't broke and such a success?

You know, I probably shouldn't have even brought it up in this thread since you are happy with what you have. There are minor changes in the new WW such as a flat raker tooth incorporated in the design. This would make flatter bottoms for dados, etc. However, my guess would be that the raker tooth will create a little less finer of a cut.
If you decided upon the WWII over the Ridgid Carbide TS2000, then you should be happy with the older style WWII since the newer WWII is closer in design to the TS2000.
You are right about looks however. I have saw a couple of "ugly" WWII's but not the voids that you discuss. I would check with Forrest and make sure those are ok.

[lcm1947]

Jeff, I'm at work right now but I'll sure check tonight and let you know. Is the newer model supposed to be better? Sounds like the older model was a big hit I can't imagine why you'd fix something if it wasn't broke and such a success?

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Since it's a 40T blade, probably every eighth tooth will be flat, skipping 7.
Then there'll be 5 flat teeth and between them 3 left and 4 rigtht beveled
or vice versa.
other wise it doesn't come out too even.

Unless they changed the tooth count.

You engineers and your silly math.

[LCHIEN]

Every 7th tooth would be flat (according to what I remember from another thread).

Since it's a 40T blade, probably every eighth tooth will be flat, skipping 7.
Then there'll be 5 flat teeth and between them 3 left and 4 rigtht beveled
or vice versa.
other wise it doesn't come out too even.

Unless they changed the tooth count.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Every 7th tooth would be flat (according to what I remember from another thread).

[lcm1947]

Jeff I'm not sure. How does one tell? It's the thin blade 40 tooth. That's all that I know.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Mac, is this the new version of the WWII?

[lcm1947]

Yes Loring, sadly I admit I read the whole thing.

[LCHIEN]

Thanks for the replies and yes I will post again after using it. Well she'd been more excited had I mentioned she could spend that $89.00 on shoes I suppose. Not to worry Ken. I had anticipated doing that so have decided I'd go naked the very first time I used it. Now isn't that a pretty vision. Sorry I just had to ruin everybodys breakfast.

did you read this thread?

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...ht=nude+yankee