Blade meets Nail?

[Ronn W]

Will a carbide TS blade survive and encounter with an 18" gauge brad nail that is inside a piece of wood without damage?

[drzaius]

It depends. I've cut them with no issue, but I also ruined an almost new blade when an 18 Ga brad took out several teeth.

[Mark J]

Not if it is a SawStop.   Otherwise, it's like Dr. Z said, maybe.  I've had good luck, but if you know the nail is there maybe there's an alternative (assuming it can't be removed).  Maybe TS or BS close to the nail and through cut witha hack saw?  Use an inexpensive/disposable blade? 

[Von]

I've cut them without noticing at the time but don't doubt other stories.

[Beechwood Chip]

I've cut through them on a Sawstop and nothing happened.  No electrical path from the blade to my body.

But, you should do everything you can to avoid it.  And if you can't avoid it, I'd use a blade you don't mind damaging.

Since I've got a Sawzall with a demolition blade, I'd probably use that to cut out the nail and then make the precise cut on the table saw.

 

[Ronn W]

Thanks, all. I will remove the foam from the top of my gluing form and try to locate the nails.  If I can't avoid one, I will use and old, cheap blade.  If I had thought 13 steps ahead i would have located the nails out of the way.