Saw Blade Comments

[steve-norrell]

Has anyone used "H.O. Schumacher + Sohn" saw blades? I have an opportunity to purchase a thin kerf, 50 tooth, HATB-VP, 10 inch saw blade (ID #156.013.157) to use on various species of wood as a combination blade, for crosscut and ripping. I will also use it on MDF.

Does the 'variable tooth design' do what they claim?

Any imput would be appreciated. Regards, Steve

[Knottscott]

Those blades are made by Leitz and were identical to the Irwin Woodworking series blades that were also made by Leitz. I've tried several of the Irwin branded versions including the 50T TK. It's a quiet and smooth cutting blade IMO. I'm not sure how much the HO Schumacher version is but at regular price, I think I'd opt for the Infinity Combomax Lite...sale prices on the Freud LU83R010 and DeWalt DW7150PT make them both attractive too.

You can view my rating of the blade compared to others and read my comments of it here.

[steve-norrell]

Dustmight,

Thanks for the response. It looks like the Leitz is a reasonable combination blade for a reasonable price -- and, I can get it right here in town, saving the obscene shipping costs to have it sent up to The Great Land.

And, more importantly, thanks for all the work that went into your analysis of all those saw blades. I am sure that I am not the only one who appreciates it.

Regards, SN

[Holbren]

I can't comment on the quality of the maker but one thing that caught my eye was the HATB grind. Assuming that's a steep angle ATB, then I would be concerned about cutting MDF. The reason is the steep angle creates more of a point at the tip of the carbide and that particular grind tends to dull quicker cutting any material. HiATB is typically used on 80T blades for veneer faced play and melamine where finish is more important than blade life. With that said, Freud went to a HiATB grind for the general purpose blade, most like for marketing so they can come out on top for cutting ply in the next saw blade managine test. Magazines never test blade life.

If the price is right, give it a try and let everyone know. I'm sure it's not a bad blade.

[Knottscott]

Hi Brian - I'm not sure why the Schumacher blades use the prefix "H" in front the ATB/R in the product details in some adds, because this is not a true "Hi-ATB" grind. The actual description on Hartville's site states that it's an "ATB+R - Alternating top bevel with raker teeth". No where in the rest of the description does it mention a Hi-ATB bevel. It's a straight forward ATB/R with the exception of the variable tooth technology, and is identical to the Irwin WWing version.

Do you ship Tenryu blades to the "great land"? That RS25540 will hold it's own against the Schumacher.

[Holbren]

Thanks for the clarification, strange that they would put the H in there.