5 replies to this topic

[jimmykx250]

A while back i bought some 12" chop saw blades and 2 of them were dewalt brand. One was considered a fine cut (high tooth count) and the other a general prep blade. They both have this yellow coating over the teeth and about 1" back towards the center as well. These blades cut like crap right out of the box and im wondering if anyone has any experience with this? I figure i could use some paint thinner and strip it before they go into the recycle bin. Any input would be appreciated.

[John Fitz]

I have 3 DeWalt 12" blades. One is the blade that came with the saw. It came warped - at first I thought the saw was terrible because it vibrated so much.

I didn't know any better so I picked up a 2 pack (DeWalt) - a general purpose (32T) and a "fine cut" (80T). They cut ok - not great. I used the 80T blade for a bunch of Azek (outdoor deck project) and it worked fine but now both blades are relegated to construction lumber use (I.e. Outdoor projects, PT lumber, etc) where I don't want to use my nicer blade.

[jimmykx250]

John Fitz, on 08 February 2012 - 03:06 AM, said:

I have 3 DeWalt 12" blades. One is the blade that came with the saw. It came warped - at first I thought the saw was terrible because it vibrated so much.

I didn't know any better so I picked up a 2 pack (DeWalt) - a general purpose (32T) and a "fine cut" (80T). They cut ok - not great. I used the 80T blade for a bunch of Azek (outdoor deck project) and it worked fine but now both blades are relegated to construction lumber use (I.e. Outdoor projects, PT lumber, etc) where I don't want to use my nicer blade.

My fine cut is so bad it barely makes it's way through cedar! It almost seems like this yeloow coating is preventing the blade from doing what it's supposed to do. These blades are clean too!

[thewoodninja]

I actually use the Dewalt 12" Precision Trim blade (96 tooth). It's completely coated with the yellow coating. This blade is an $80 blade. Based on my experience with the Dewalt blades sold at the big box stores, I doubt the Precision Trim blade is even made by the same company because the quality is 100% better. I think it also helps that it isn't a thin kerf blade. I stopped using thin kerf blades about 4 years ago. I find the extra mass of an 1/8" kerf blade helps keep it more stable.

[Brian VanVreede]

Keep it around for just was John was saying, construction grade projects. You never know when you may have to cut a piecce of wood that may have nails still hiding in it. Also if you ever need to cut vinyl, just turn the blade backwards and you'll be able to cleanly cut siding!

[Wood-butcher]

Jimmy, it's not the coating, it's the quality. Those yellow blade just aren't what they used to be. If you are stuck with shop ata big box try a diablo blade. I have had really good luck with these and thew out the others.