IthacaDoc Posted June 14, 2019 Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 Hi everyone.. New to this forum! I'm a semi-experienced amateur woodworker, mostly limited by time and workspace. I built a nice desk for my daughter a few years ago, forcing myself to learn some new joinery techniques. Now it's time to finally build a couple built-in bookshelves that will flank our fireplace. I've spent a long time getting the design drawn up. I have a lovely Grizzly 0715P that has been serving me well. I replaced the stock blade with a Freud Premier Fusion after I purchased the saw. Rip and crosscuts are beautiful, but I did find that the 2 1/4 HP is a bit light for the full-kerf blade. The new bookshelves will be made from sapele since the old fireplace mantel was mahogany. This will be my first experience with gluing up boards from lumber. Since I don't have the space for a jointer, I'm hoping my table saw (with a jig) will suffice. So here's my question: Should I purchase a new Thin Kerf Premier Fusion or try the Freud Thin Kerf Glue Line blade? The Fusion is a bit more expensive, but that's not a big concern. Based on my full kerf blade, I can't imagine a better glue line, but I was hoping to get your input. Obviously changing out blades is annoying, so if I the combo Fusion will be just as good, I'll go with that. Thanks very much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnG Posted June 14, 2019 Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 I have the full kerf Glue Line Rip blade and it is great (just remember that it doesn't leave a flat cut, so it isn't good for box joints or splines). I just have a little jobsite saw and the full kerf GLR blade cuts easier than the Freud Diablo 40t thin kerf combo blade I have. Changing blades on my saw is a pain, but I still prefer to do that over using my combo blade on everything. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted June 14, 2019 Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 Welcome the the forums Doc. I use Feud Rip and Cross Cut full kerf blades and I have less hp then you do and the only thing that slows me down some is something like 8/4 maple. I think some thing that really helps is cleaning the blades regularly. I am a little hesitant about thin kerf because of the potential for deflection. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IthacaDoc Posted June 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 JohnG and Chet, thanks for the comments! The sapele is harder than any other wood I've cut, although most of my projects have involved 3/4" plywood. I think I'll give the Fusion a try and see how it goes. If I have to switch to a thin kerf, I'll also need a new riving knife which adds another $50. I was already thinking about cleaning that blade, so thanks for the reminder! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted June 14, 2019 Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 Agree with Chet - get a dedicated rip blade, rather than a 'thin kerf' combo blade. And a hand plane. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IthacaDoc Posted June 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 Thanks, wtn Definitely need to learn about using a hand plane. Zero experience with them and I have a hard time even fathoming how to make a long flat surface with a hand tool! (But I realize that's just my inexperience) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted June 14, 2019 Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 3 minutes ago, IthacaDoc said: Thanks, wtn Definitely need to learn about using a hand plane. Zero experience with them and I have a hard time even fathoming how to make a long flat surface with a hand tool! (But I realize that's just my inexperience) Trust MY experience - it is much easier to make a long, flat surface with a hand plane, than with an under-sized jointer... 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted June 14, 2019 Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 (That picture I will never forget) To learn about handplanes check out the book by Chris Schwarz (but first check my spelling). 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IthacaDoc Posted June 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 Will do, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted June 16, 2019 Report Share Posted June 16, 2019 I used to run thin kerf blades in my PM66 but SS recommends they be a certain thickness and the Freud blades are to thin so I sold them and bought full kerf versions. I use Freud blades almost exclusively (I have a few Forrest and a Forrest dado stack) and the glue line rip is a great blade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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