I have a craftsman 10" - 3 HP , I am cutting some rough cut oak . What is the best blade to use ?

Hi! cb1420, welcome to AMHD :)


i have a craftsman 10" - 3 HP , i am cutting some rough cut oak . What is the best blade to use ?One important item you left out is whether you are ripping or crosscutting.

Check this link:
rockler.com/Saw Blade Selection Guide (http://www.rockler.com/articles/display_article.cfm?story_id=85)
While your there check out the Saw Blades 101 (http://www.rockler.com/articles/display_article.cfm?story_id=72) link, and click on the first more info in the Recommended Blades column.

With your 3hp motor you should be able to handle the thicker (more than ⅛ inch) blade

Borrowed from more info at the above link.
In general, blades with fewer teeth and a stronger positive hook angle are more aggressive and feed faster than blades with more teeth and a less aggressive hook angle. Blades recommended for crosscutting hard and soft wood generally have between 60 and 80 teeth (for a 10" blade). A blade with fewer teeth - a 60 tooth blade with a hook angle of greater than 10 degrees - is a good choice for crosscutting blade that will also rip at a moderate feed rate. A quality 80 tooth blade with a hook angle of 10 degrees or less will produce exceptional crosscuts and will outperform most 60 tooth blades with more difficult material, like veneered plywood, but will be less effective for ripping wood.

Saw Blades 101 (http://www.rockler.com/articles/display_article.cfm?story_id=72) will explain in greater detail.

Now, expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $80 for a good quality blade, but you might be able to check at a big box for a better price.

K

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