The only negative I read about this planar is how bad the blades are. Will this be a problem for a weekend woodworker? Just how bad are they?
154617
All blades dull. You can't avoid that with any planer. For the money, this planer is great.
154618
I wouldn't worry too much about this with the extra set you have four edges before you would have to be concerned. I have run almost 1000 board feet of oak through mine and haven't noticed any major snip yet & I am very happy with the machine itself besides the package is a great deal. Hope you enjoy it.
154619
I have only used mine for a couple of months, on walnut, oak, purpleheart and cedar. Can't say for sure, but probably at least 500 board feet. No problems yet. I do take it easy, very light passes and for sure no nails in the wood. The cost of new blades is not outrageous. And there is always the option of adding the helic head(?) which offers several advantages. Bottom line, however, is that I don't really think the blades are so "bad". This is a really nice machine.
154620
Have run 5-600 BFT of cherry and maple through the machine. Am just now changing the blades. Excellent machine. Very tough.
154621
The blades are not the best. It depends on how much you use them and what kind of wood you are planing. You will have to replace them after a short time.
154622
Should be fine for a weekend woodworker...I have run around 750' of poplar that I pulled from an old house that had upteen coats of white oil base paint, cleaned up very nice...and around 100' of 7/8 kiln dried poplar to build a vanity and wall cabinet for my son's house and the blades are still very sharp. Will probably try and run some red oak through sometime before the new year for projects to build later...
1042313
This is a great saw, a real workhorse. I am not familiar with the Skill77, but if your only consideration is weight, maybe you would be better off with a lighter cheaper option. I personally did not think this saw was heavy; it was about the same as my old Millers Falls 6 3/4 inch and way more comfortable and efficient. I wish I had a left hand blade years ago.
462126
I'm not going to try it for you, but they are quite sharp, and with a block of hard-wood beneath (emd grain would likely be best), a heavy hammer and a sharp blow they do quite well. I'd be doubting more than a couple of layers of velt at a time, but do not actually know. I like the cutters. They have served me well, what little I've thus far used them. Good purchase.
827565
I agree with Gordon...the saw I purchased went together perfect and the performance was as well. Only thing I can think of is that it was damaged at manufacture or while being shipped. What size tile are you working with and how far out is the cut?. You might call Bosch and see what info they have for you. I am very pleased with the saw, it is built very well..only thing I thought was unnecessary is the plastic splatter guards, useless and only get in the way.Also....for those of you who don't like the available stands for this saw I have an option. I also purchased the Bosch Easy Up and with some inistrute, metric bolts made one killer saw/ stand combo. I agree with Gordon...the saw I purchased went together perfect and the performance was as well. Only thing I can think of is that it was damaged at manufacture or while being shipped. What size tile are you working with and how far out is the cut?. You might call Bosch and see what info they have for you. I am very pleased with the saw, it is built very well..only thing I thought was unnecessary is the plastic splatter guards, useless and only get in the way.Also....for those of you who don't like the available stands for this saw I have an option. I also purchased... » Read More I agree with Gordon...the saw I purchased went together perfect and the performance was as well. Only thing I can think of is that it was damaged at manufacture or while being shipped. What size tile are you working with and how far out is the cut?. You might call Bosch and see what info they have for you. I am very pleased with the saw, it is built very well..only thing I thought was unnecessary is the plastic splatter guards, useless and only get in the way.Also....for those of you who don't like the available stands for this saw I have an option. I also purchased the Bosch Easy Up and with some inistrute, metric bolts made one killer saw/ stand combo. « Show Less
1884872
I haven't seen the "bad reviews" on the HD site. However, I am very happy with my Makita track saw. Have used it mostly for cutting plywood sheets, but also to straighten edges on various types of wood. It has done a great job for me.
1391719
If money were no object then I'd probably go for something more like a Lie-Nielsen dovetail saw (or something along those lines). But for the price this is probably as good as it gets. But I wouldn't say its "ideal" for joinery ...however I use mine for making dovetails and box joints ... and it does a good job.
2197471
The outer blades alternate the inner blades are flat. I've cut plenty of box/finger joints and they've been ok. On longer dados if the wood lifts at all you'll get grooves - use a feather board and you'll be fine. Full disclosure I'm a weekend hobbyist not a fine furniture guy.
1114269
i have diablo blades on every saw i own, and i would not hesitate to cut treated lumber with any of them. go ahead, cut something.
752675
I would think it would be okay depending on what you plan on cutting, smaller diameter stuff would be okay. If you don't have a solid shaft you may want to stay away from running blades all together though. As far as blades go the the one I bought has too many teeth and didn't cut nearly as good as the Japanese blade I had with 40 teeth or so.
174720
I have other brands and sizes of miter saws that I use for general carpentry work. I purchased this Bosch 8.5 in. saw because in my opinion it is the Cadillac of miter saws. It has a range of cutting 12 in. wide boards at 90 degrees and 8 in. boards at 45 degrees. Very reasonably priced for what it will do. Has carrying handle and is very portable. I don't think you can go wrong with this saw. I have been very pleased with it.
448592
I wouldn't hesitate to try it. The cut is very close. The blade is thinner than most saw blades. It is flexible so you can get it to lie flush against the surface. There is a medium tooth side and a fine tooth side. You may require a tad of sanding or a sharp razor knife to finish if there is a splinter left. edit: I see the suggestion that it may be too large for flush cutting. I would say that all depends on how tight your work space is. I have cut many delicate materials with this saw and it does everything I've ever tried t on. That said, if you have a huge saw budget, get as many saws as you wnat. This one does a lot for one tool. I wouldn't hesitate to try it. The cut is very close. The blade is thinner than most saw blades. It is flexible so you can get it to lie flush against the surface. There is a medium tooth side and a fine tooth side. You may require a tad of sanding or a sharp razor knife to finish if there is a splinter left. edit: I see the suggestion that it may be too large for flush cutting. I would say that all depends on how tight your work space is. I have cut many delicate materials with this saw and it does everything I've ever tried t on. That said, if you have a huge saw budget, get as many saws... » Read More I wouldn't hesitate to try it. The cut is very close. The blade is thinner than most saw blades. It is flexible so you can get it to lie flush against the surface. There is a medium tooth side and a fine tooth side. You may require a tad of sanding or a sharp razor knife to finish if there is a splinter left. edit: I see the suggestion that it may be too large for flush cutting. I would say that all depends on how tight your work space is. I have cut many delicate materials with this saw and it does everything I've ever tried t on. That said, if you have a huge saw budget, get as many saws as you wnat. This one does a lot for one tool. « Show Less
399710
I used my saw to cut treated 2x6 lumber on my pier. It ripped right through cleanly and quickly. A bit hard on the battery use though, so you're going to need extras. Overall, I was impressed and pleased with my purchase.
1890230
You have a nice saw. I believe you have a 1" arbor so this blade will work fine. The one problem I have with Forrest blades is they seem to want to spread throughout the shop one you use one, you'll want them everywhere, I have five including a dado for the table saw. Keep the pitch off with a good resin cleaner. If they become dull from use or you hit a nail (made me sick when I did) send them to Forrest to have them reconditioned, it will be money well spent. Be safe, have fun.bob
1601003
I have only used the Freud FI102 on oak wood and have not had any problem with it at all. It is working very well for the short time I've had the blade. It has probably made in the area of 250 or 300 biscuit cuts so far and as of yet everything is great. I would give the blade a 5 out of 5 if I was rating the blade.
2019960
I haven't used mine extensively. The blade is fairly thin, the handle is pretty rigid, the lock seems pretty secure. It would depend on what you mean by hard use. I sure wouldn't try prying or batoning with it. It sharpens well and holds an edge pretty well. It's great at slicing with it's full flat grind. I like it. There is now a very similar model just a little bigger with a thicker blade, I think it's called the Eland. You might want to investigate that before making up your mind. I think either would be a very good buy considering how little they cost.
1742709
Sounds like this saw may be just what you need. It's very simple to operate and the blades don't easily break or come loose. It has more than adequate power for most wood projects. I actually used it mostly on fiberboard but some wood and a little bit of thin sheet metal. It did everything I asked of it except cut a straight cut which all depends on the operator. If this is in your price range I think you'll be quite satisfied with it.
2215729
Yes, it's a great planer. I have used it a lot and it is doing a great job. The two speeds in feeding the wood through the planers makes a big difference. The tables and extra blades makes a better deal, but it is still a great planer. The blades are sharpen on both sides and the tables give you extra support, but really you need to support the board to help from getting to much snipe.