When it comes to enhancing workshop safety, SawStop table saws are a top choice due to their innovative safety mechanism that detects contact with your skin. However, not all saw blades are compatible with the SawStop technology.
This article will explain the compatibility issues and guide you through the best options for various cutting needs. Whether you're looking for new ripping, cross-cutting, dados or combo blades, we've got you covered with recommendations that ensure safety and performance.
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How Does a SawStop Work?
SawStop table saws send a small electrical signal through the blade. When conductive material comes in contact with the spinning blade, the signal is altered and detected by the brake cartridge activating the safety mechanism. The cartridge is shoved up into the blade to prevent further rotation while the entire saw blade assembly is dropping down into the saw cabinet. This all happens in an instant and is estimated to have mitigated 10s of thousands of severe accidents since coming to market in 2004.
Will any Sawblade Work with a SawStop Table Saw?
If you're replacing the factory blade and are wondering if you can use any sawblade with a SawStop, the answer is no! There are several features common to popular saw blades sold today that SawStop cautions against. Some of these features slow the detection mechanism down and others prevent the cartridge from stopping the spinning blade quickly - both resulting in more significant injury if a live blade comes in contact with your skin.
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What Types of Blades aren't Compatible with SawStop
The manufacturer offers the following guidance on blades to avoid using with your SawStop table saw.
Non-conductive blades such as diamond tipped blades
Lacquer-finished or coated blades (coated blades without the teeth coated are safe to use)
Blades with depth-limiting shoulders (also known as anti-kickback shoulder)
Dado stacks bigger than 8" are not recommended to use with SawStop
Dial-a-Width dado blades may take longer for the brake to fully stop the spinning blade and are not recommended to use with SawStop saws.
What Blades are Compatible with SawStop?
Steel or carbide-toothed blades without non-conductive coatings are confirmed to work well with SawStop systems. Non-conductive coatings can interfere with the detection mechanism, while uncoated teeth allow for proper operation of the safety feature.
Crosscut Sawblade Compatible with SawStop
Designed for cutting across the wood grain, crosscut blades provide smooth, clean cuts with minimal tear-out. These blades are ideal for precision work on hardwoods, softwoods, and plywood, making them perfect for tasks like furniture making and fine carpentry. Look for blades with high tooth counts (typically 60 to 100 teeth) for the best finish.
CMT Orange Chrome Crosscutting Blade
The CMT Orange Chrome Ultimate Crosscutting Blade is a top-performing saw blade designed for precision cutting.
With its 10" diameter, 80 teeth, and ATB (Alternate Top Bevel) tooth design, this blade is ideal for clean, smooth crosscuts on wood and other materials. Its kerf of .118" ensures efficiency and minimal waste.
Additionally, this blade is free from the signature orange coating found on many CMT blades, making it fully compatible with SawStop's safety system.
At under $100, it offers outstanding value for anyone seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Ripping Blades Compatible with SawStop
Ripping blades are built for cutting along the grain of the wood, prioritizing speed and efficiency over smoothness. They are ideal for tasks like breaking down hardwood boards or preparing lumber for projects. With fewer teeth (usually 24 to 30), these blades excel at quickly removing material while reducing strain on your saw.
Forrest Woodworker II
The Forrest Woodworker II 12-Inch Saw Blade (WW10307125) is a premium choice for precision woodworking. Featuring a 30-tooth alternate top bevel (ATB) design, it excels at delivering smooth, tear-free cuts on both softwoods and hardwoods.
Its hardened C-4 carbide teeth offer exceptional durability, requiring less frequent sharpening. This blade is optimized for ripping hardwoods up to 3 inches thick and is also capable of precision crosscuts, making it highly versatile for various woodworking applications.
Additional features include a 0.001-inch or less side wobble for precise cuts, a 20-degree face hook for smooth stock feeding, and a hand-
flattened plate that minimizes vibration and noise during operation. Designed for use with cabinet, table, hybrid, and circular saws, this blade is a reliable option for professional craftspeople and fine woodworkers alike
SawStop Ripping Blade
The SawStop Ripping Blade is designed to cut through both softwoods and hardwoods, making it versatile for various woodworking projects. It has a carbide-tipped edge and an alternating tooth bevel (ATB) design, which helps produce clean, professional cuts with minimal tear-out.
The expansion slots in the blade also reduce vibration, noise, and heat, which contributes to a smoother cutting experience.
If you're focused on precision and a quality finish, this blade's 5/8-inch arbor, 3mm kerf, and 15-degree rake angle should meet your needs. Plus, the professional-grade design ensures durability and reliability during extensive use - all at a much more affordable price point.
Combination Blades Compatible with SawStop
Combination blades offer versatility, capable of handling both crosscutting and ripping tasks. They are perfect for woodworkers who need an all-purpose blade for general use. Typically featuring an alternating tooth design with 40 to 50 teeth, these blades deliver a balance of clean cuts and efficiency.
SawStop Combo Blade
Known for its quality and compatibility with SawStop saws, The SawStop Combo Blade,
offers a combination of smooth cutting performance and durability.
Its design features a 40-tooth carbide-tipped blade with an ATB (Alternate Top Bevel) tooth configuration, making it versatile for both crosscuts and rip cuts.
This combination blade is built to handle a variety of materials while ensuring clean, precise cuts. Its carbide teeth are engineered for longevity, enhancing the blade's performance over time.
The blade is well-suited for woodworking tasks where both fine finish and efficiency are required. It is optimized for SawStop's table saws, ensuring a precise fit and efficient operation, which is especially beneficial for those looking for reliable and consistent results in their cuts.
Forrest Woodworker II Combo Blade
The Forrest Woodworker II 10" 48-Tooth Thin Kerf Saw Blade is a versatile, all-purpose blade designed for both ripping and crosscutting hardwoods and softwoods up to 2 inches thick.
Its 25° Alternate Top Bevel (ATB) tooth design ensures smooth, splinter-free cuts, while the 1/8" thin kerf reduces material waste and requires less power.
Crafted with high-quality C-4 carbide teeth, this blade offers exceptional durability and extended sharpness, providing a "smooth as sanded" finish that minimizes the need for additional sanding - arguably the worst part of woodworking!
Dado Stack Compatible with SawStop
Dado blades are used for cutting grooves, dadoes, and rabbets with precision. Essential for joinery work, these blades allow for clean, wide cuts in a single pass. An 8" dado stack is recommended for SawStop saws, paired with a dado-specific brake cartridge (Amazon) to ensure compatibility and safety.
The main difference is the larger width pawl designed to effectively grab the wider dado set.
SawStop 8" Premium Dado Set - $$$
The SawStop 8" Premium Dado Set (UPC 857766003475) is a specialized blade set designed for precise and clean cuts in both hardwoods and softwoods.
It features 24-tooth main blades with a -5° hook angle to minimize tear-out, and flat-grind chippers in various widths to offer flexibility in achieving accurate dado widths.
The set includes five chippers and six shims, allowing for a cutting range from 1/4" to 29/32".
With a maximum operating speed of 6,000 RPM, this dado set is compatible with SawStop's ICS, PCS, CNS, and JSS model saws, providing woodworkers with reliable performance for creating precise grooves and dadoes.
Freud 8" Pro Dado Set
The Freud SD208S 8" Pro Dado Set is a precision-engineered tool designed to deliver flat-bottomed grooves in materials like plywood, melamine, and solid wood.
With compatibility for saws equipped with safety brake technology, including SawStop, Jet, DeWalt, and Bosch, this set ensures both safety and performance.
It features two 12-tooth outer blades, three 1/8" chippers, spacers, and a shim set, allowing for adjustable groove widths from 1/4" to 7/8".
Freud's TiCo Hi-Density Carbide and Silver I.C.E. Coating maintain sharpness, reduce heat buildup, and prevent surface buildup, ensuring clean cuts, extended blade life, and does not inhibit SawStop's braking mechanism.
I use this dado set and am happy with the cut and it is much more affordable. The one gripe I have is the arbor hole seems to be a tad small and can be a chore to get the blades off the saw arbor. A quick filing could help this a lot.
What Saw Blade Do You Recommend with a SawStop Table Saw?
Finding the right saw blade for your SawStop table saw is crucial for ensuring safety, precision, and efficiency in your woodworking projects. The blades and dado sets highlighted in this article are excellent options that deliver outstanding performance while being fully compatible with SawStop's innovative safety technology.
We’d love to hear from you! What blades or dado sets have you found work best with your SawStop table saw? Share your recommendations, experiences, or questions in the comments below—your insights could help fellow woodworkers make informed choices.
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