Irwin Blades

[steve_ma]

Rockler has the Irwin Marathon 40T and 60T blades for like $35. Are these good blades at that price?

[Knottscott]

In absolute terms, they're not great blades IMHO. The body's are stamped steel, the carbide is small and soft, and I doubt they're sharpened incredibly well. Getting a good price on them takes the sting out of the equation but won't leave you with a great blade.

I think you'd be better off getting one good blade with that same money. Amazon has the Freud LU88R010 60T for $41 delivered after 10% promo....fantastic blade. They also have the LU86R010 40T for ~ $36 delivered. IMO the LU88 is the better bargain at that price.
http://www.amazon.com/Freud-LU88R010...839928?ie=UTF8
http://www1.epinions.com/content_226312687236
http://www1.epinions.com/content_227985493636

Holbren has the Tenryu RS25540 40T for $25 delivered...also a good blade and a great value.
http://holbren.com/product.php?produ...4&cat=0&page=1

[LCHIEN]

Rockler has the Irwin Marathon 40T and 60T blades for like $35. Are these good blades at that price?

A while back they were selling the Marathon 40T at 2 for $19.95 at ACE hardware... I don't think $35 each is their best price. And I sure don't think it's a premium blade.

here's a pic of that 40T Irwin Marathon next to a Forrest WWII
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...t=WWII+compare

[steve_ma]

Thanks alot....I did buy the Tenryu 40T blade and thats what I have on the table saw now. I appreciate the links to the Freud blades

[final_t]

Actually I have found the Marathon blades to be very, very good for their price range. I used one for several years and was more than happy with the cut quality and durability.
Of course they are not as good as a WWII, but they are what, 1/3 to 1/4 the price, depending on sales and etc?

[Knottscott]

Thanks alot....I did buy the Tenryu 40T blade and thats what I have on the table saw now. I appreciate the links to the Freud blades

For those interested in the Tenryu, the price is going up soon from the promo price of $25 delivered to $35 delivered....still a good value, but ten bucks is ten bucks.