Irwin 80T blade

[poolhound]

I know Irwin are not renowned for their fine blades but I happened to be in my local rockler this morning and noticed they had some 10" 80T finishing blades priced at $25 with 50% off. So for around $13 and change it seems like they may be worth a try as thats less than the cost of one sharpening for a good blade.

Has anybody used this blade? Is it even worth paying $13 or is it just a POS?

BTW I was looking to cut some quality ply and wanted to minimize chipout. I do have a fairly good 50T blade but it still chips a bit even with a ZCTP. I felt a nice new 80T blade may do the trick.

[cgallery]

I've gotten to the point where I pretty much always make my cross cuts w/ my cut-off sled. This provides plenty of support under the wood (thus preventing chip out), and assures me of getting nice, square cuts (even if the piece didn't start life square).

Another alternative (I haven't tried this but I've read it works) is to lower the blade to 1/16" or even 1/32" and "score" the bottom of the panel. Then raise the blade and cut the panel again. This scoring cut changes the geometry at which the teeth hit the veneer, applying less downward pressure and more forward pressure.

You can also apply masking tape on the bottom of the panel before cutting. Remove the tape slowly and don't pull it straight up and you'll reduce chip out quite a bit.

But I like using the sled.

BTW, Irwin blades were once made by Leitz in Germany, but they are now made to much lower standards in China, I believe. I doubt the blades are of decent quality. That is why I suggest other attacks (some of which are free) on the problem.

[poolhound]

But I like using the sled.

I just made a panel sled last weekend, I will give it a try with one of my existing blades and see how it works.

[Knottscott]

The Irwin Marathon blades are made in New Zealand....not made to the same standard their German Leitz made "Woodworking" series blades were....just a very average stamped steel big box blade IMO, but for $13 you can't get hurt too badly. It should cut okay for a short while and then will fade, and won't be worth resharpening.

[poolhound]

The Irwin Marathon blades are made in New Zealand....not made to the same standard their German Leitz made "Woodworking" series blades were....just a very average stamped steel big box blade IMO, but for $13 you can't get hurt too badly. It should cut okay for a short while and then will fade, and won't be worth resharpening.

That was my thought, next time I am passing I may get one, as you say it cant hurt for $13. I just checked on getting one of my others sharpend and that was going to be $17.