Folks, we heartily welcome back the man you know as KnotScott! You’ve seen him in forums, but now he’s taken his show on the road! Find out the latest news, tips, tricks and debates from the wide world of woodworking forums as KnotScott guides you through the best woodworking forum threads of recent days!

What Bandsaw To Get: See what models are being talked about for hobbyists in the popular $400-$500 price range.
Woodwhisperer Forum

Molding Head Cutter: Ever wonder what a molding head cutter could do for you that a router can’t? Read on to see the variety of opinions on this unusual accessory.
Woodwhisperer Forum

Best Glue: Here’s a thread that sheds some light on woodworking glue brand and type preferences. WoodNet

‘27 Model “T” Truck: There have been some truly remarkable projects posted on these forums over the years, but few that caught my attention the way John Fry’s endeavor has. Here’s what happens when you combine great craftsmanship with a very worthy application.

Also see Routing the flamed bed for the 27 “T” (PIX)

Enjoy!
WoodNet

Best Miter Gauge: There are a host of excellent aftermarket miter gauges available. Read what other woodworkers use, and what they like and don’t like about them.
LumberJocks

Let’s Talk “Drill Press”: Want to know what to look for a drill press?
WoodNet

Do I Really Need a High Dollar Table Saw?: This discussion takes us on a philosophical journey about what we really need to get the task done, versus what we want or think we need. Some definite food for thought…
WoodNet

Previous Posts by KnotScott:
Knotscott’s Forum Thread Picks: Maloof’s Passing, Common Woodworking Errors, Planers and More!

KnotScott’s Wide World of Woodworking: Saw Stop Blades, Hot Router Deals, Classic Table Saw Debate and MORE!

Woodnetter devildog1024 stirred up a whole mess of conversatin’ when he asked: “What do you do with your power tool cases? I have a dozen stacking up in my shop. Throw them out or keep them?”

Woodnetters responded. I counted their responses.

Before digging in, I observed a pattern: the guys who keep their tools mobile (contractors/nomadic types) vs. the shop-use only guys who don’t move their tools around much. Obviously, the mobile guys hang on to their cases for dear life, while the shop-use guys sold, recycled, donated the cases.

That said, there were a number of shop-use onlies who kept the cases to store the tools… and a couple that built shelving to fit the cases… but ONLY if space was not an issue.

Also, I was surprised that there’s such an aftermarket demand for cases… I saw prices ranging from $5-$25 each.

The list below is in order of frequency of mentions. #1, “tool transportation,” was mentioned 11 times by Woodnetters, and #13, “target practice,” was mentioned once.

Ok, enough observation ;P I now humbly submit to you 13 Things to Do With Power Tool Cases:

1) Tool transportation (jobsite transport, moving, etc): 11
2) Recycle/trash them: 8
3) Store tools in them: 8
4) Sell them: 5
5) Store chargers, accessories and manuals in them: 5
6) Save for when/if selling the tool: 3
7) Modify them for storing other items/tools (blades and bits): 3
8) Store tools in them until storage is built/cleared: 2
9) Built cabinet to store the tools in cases
10) Donate them to Habitat for Humanity
11) Compost/worm container
12) Locators for crab pots – sealed with silicone
13) Use for target practice

In case you were wondering, yes the last three are my favorite… And they’re in order (11, 12, 13) of how you could get the maximum use out of a single case ;)

Thanks to WoodNet:
What do you do with your power tool cases?

More Resources for Hoarders, Cheapskates and Other Woodworker Types:
Lumber Salvage: The Top 10 Sources for Cheap, Free and Recycled Wood
Woodworking Through the Economic Crisis: 11 Resources for Stretching Your Woodworking Budget
28 Ways to Recycle and Reuse Sawdust and Woodchips
Woodworking with Pallets: A Guide to Finding, Breaking Down and Building with Pallets
The Harbor Freight Buying Guide
11 Ideas for Wood Cut Offs
11 Cheap, Recycled or Free Items Useful in the Wood Shop
Cheap, DIY Clamp Alternatives
The Cheapskate Woodworker Quiz

This 15 planer comparison should give you a good idea on which planers are the most popular, and provide a starting point for making your planer purchase decision!

Top 9 15″ Planers, According to Woodworking Forums:
1) Grizzly 15 Inch Planer: 88 Overall Recommendations

Grizzly G0453: 30 Recommendations
Grizzly G0453Z: 14 Recommendations
Grizzly G1021X2: 11 Recommendations
Grizzly G1021X: 7 Recommendations
Grizzly G0551: 6 Recommendations
Grizzly G1021Z: 1 Recommendation

2) Powermatic 15 Inch Planer: 35 Overall

Powermatic 15HH: 21 Recommendations
Powermatic 15S: 14 Recommendations

3) Delta 15 Inch Planer: 30 Overall

Delta DC-380: 10 Recommendations
Delta X5: 5 Recommendations
Delta 22-780x: 4 Recommendations
Delta 22-790x: 4 Recommendations
Delta 22-785X: 1 Recommendation

4) Jet 15 Inch Planer: 17 Overall

Jet JWP-15HO: 4 Recommendations
Jet #708529: 2 Recommendations
Jet JWP-1rDX: 1 Recommendation

5) Yorkcraft 15 Inch Planer: 14 Overall

Yorkcraft YC-15P: 4 Recommendations

6) General International 15 Inch Planer: 12 Overall

General International 30-115: 4 Recommendations
General International 30-125: 4 Recommendations

7) Steel City 15 Inch Planer: 6 Recommendations

8) ShopFox 15 Inch Planer: 6 Overall

ShopFox 1742: 3 Recommendations

9) King Industrial 15 Inch Planer: 5 Overall

King 385-FX: 1 Recommendations
King Industrial CT380C: 1 Recommendations

More Planer Resources:
14-16″ Planer Reviews from ToolCritic
Selecting a 15” Planner, Fixed vs. Moveable Bed *LINK*
G0453 15″ Planer ?
POWERMATIC 15HH Thickness Planer
grizzly 1021×2 or grizzly 0453z
Planer differences ???
Yorkcraft planer review
workshop accident (injury while changing planer blades…)

>> 17 More Top Tool Comparisons from Tool Crib
8″ Jointer Comparison: Delta vs. Grizzly vs. Shop Fox vs. Yorkcraft and more!
Top 7 Cordless Circular Saw Comparison: Makita vs. DeWalt vs. Milwaukee and MORE!
Top Five 10 Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saws of 2009
Top 9 Woodworking Shop Vac Smack Down: Ridgid vs. Festool vs. Fein and More
Top 16 Trim Routers: Bosch Colt vs. Makita vs. PC310 vs. Ridgid R2400 and MORE!
Top 10 Hybrid Table Saws: Craftsman vs. Grizzly vs. Steel City vs. Jet and MORE!
Cyclone Dust Collectors: Gorilla vs. Clear Vue vs. Grizzly
Best 14″ Bandsaws: Grizzly vs. Rikon vs. Powermatic vs. Laguna and More
Table Saw Fence Buying Guide: Biesemeyer vs. Unifence vs. Vega vs. Incra
The 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Showdown: PC vs. HF vs. Bostich vs. Senco and MORE!
Combination Blade Showdown: Forrest vs. Freud vs. Tenryu and More
Best Plunge Router: DeWalt 621 vs. Bosch 1617 vs. Festool OF 1400
Dovetail Jigs: Leigh vs. Akeda vs. Porter-Cable and More
7 Best Sandpaper Brands: Klingspor vs. Norton vs. 3M in the Sanding Supplies Showdown
Compact Drivers: Bosch vs. Milwaukee vs. Rigid
Most Used Belt Sanders: Porter Cable vs. Dewalt vs. Bosch
Best Table Saw Miter Gauge: Incra vs. Osborne vs. Kreg
The 11 Top Woodworking Power Tools That Give 100% Satisfaction or Better

Tags: 15, inch, planer

In this track saw comparison I read through several forum threads discussing track saws and counted up the purchase recommendations. I did not use any of these tools myself! I hope that this comparison of recommendations, plus the links to my sources, will help you to make a better decision on how to spend your heard earned dollars.

Track Saw Comparison:
1) Festool TS 55 (or 75)

Votes: 13
Dewalt DWS520SK vs Festool TS55EQ – long with pictures (best comparison thread I’ve ever seen)
Festool TS 55 Circular Saw in Action video
#5 on Top 5 Woodworking Tool Companies with the Best Customer Service

2) EurekaZone (best buy on a budget)

Votes: 8
EurekaZone Forum at SMC
#2 on Top 5 Woodworking Tool Companies with the Best Customer Service
DIY Table Saw Alternative: EZ Guide + Circular Saw (From 2 years ago, when I first discovered tracks + circ saws)

3) Dewalt DWS520SK Track Saw

Votes: 3
Dewalt Track saw owner

4) Makita SP6000 + Rail System

SP6000 Video (Canadian)

Cutting Grid for Breaking Down Sheet Goods:
Knock-Down Sawhorse Cutting Grid

Track Saw Forum Threads:
Which track saw?
Dewalt DWS520SK vs Festool TS55EQ – long with pictures
Festool Saw with Guide Rail, or Dewalt Tracksaw?
Dewalt Track saw cost
Table saw vs. Track saw
Dewalt TrackSaw vs Table saw?
Festool T55/75 vs cab saw..

More Resources:
Talk about ways to cut down sheet goods
Getting Sheet Goods Home: 9 Ways to Reduce the Pain
15 Free Table Saw Outfeed Plans: Mobile Tables, Folding Tables, Outfeed Stands and More!
How To Calculate Board Feet for Your Woodworking Projects

Heck. Before I offer my five reasons to get a 6″ I’ll even run through some of the most common annecdotes on why to get an 8″:

“I found my 6 inch jointer was almost useless. Top quality hardwood must finish to 6 inches wide to earn the FAS grade, which means that it must start at least 6 1/2 inches wide, which means even the narrowest boards won’t fit on a 6 inch jointer. Since wide boards bring a premium, I think you will find most boards are between 6 and 8 inches wide.”
-Charlie Plesums

“I bought the Grizzly 6″ jointer, 7 months ago and within the first month started kicking myself for not spending the extra money for the 8″ one. If you are into getting rough cut lumber from a sawmill, air drying it and then flattening and planing the boards–which is what I do for my stock– 8″ is the minimum. Right now, I’m looking to upgrade to a 10″ jointer.”
-Chet Parks

“I sold my Delta 4 years ago and bought a used General 480 8″ machine. Wow…. the longer bed is the most important feature to me, then the HP then thirdly the width.”
-Jim Shaver

“Everyone who buys a 6 and has space for an 8 wishes they had the 8.”
-sroxberg

Etc, etc, etc… Read a bunch more in the forum links below.

Now here are 5 reasons to get a 6″ instead of an 8″:
1) You have the cash now for a 6″ and won’t have the cash for an 8″ anytime soon… and you’re rip-rarin to start working on projects.

2) You want to get a jointer and a planer at the same time and have limited cash for the foreseeable future.

3) You have limited space and simply can’t fit the 6″ jointer in your workshop.

4) Your projects don’t include overly wide or long boards (often 8″ Jointers are recommended because of longer beds).

5) You read J Grout’s guide to Jointing 11″ wide boards on a 6″ jointer: Jointing wide boards

“When I first started flattening stock on a jointer, I found that many times the material was wider than the jointer I had. I went through the “cut the stock down and re-glue” phase, then a friend and mentor showed me how to accomplish this task without cutting up wide stock. Basically the job is pretty straight forward. It involves the use of an auxiliary guard, which replaces the factory-supplied hinged guard, a set of winding sticks, and a good eye.”

If none of those 5 fit you then, well, 8 inch or more it is!

Jointer Resources from ToolCrib:
7 Table Saw Jointing Jig Plans: Straight Edge, No Jointer

6 Inch vs. 8 Inch Forum Debate Resources
Jointers 6″vs8″ help!
6″ ridgidjointer and a ridgid planer vrs a 8″ grizzly jointer
General 6″ Jointer or BusyBee 8″?
8 inch vs. 6 inch jointer
Jointers – 6″ or 8″?
6 vs. 8 jointer
NEED ADVISE ON A 6 OR 8 JOINTER.
More on Jointers
Please help me choose a jointer!
Sorry! Another jointer question
6 or 8 Inch jointer
Joiner 6″ or 8″

Tags: 6, inch, jointer, over, 8, inch

Primary negatives cited:
-frequent battery pack burnout/replacement in daily use situations
-when deviating off of the line, binding eats a lot of batteries
-sacrifice torque for convenience

Primary suggestions noted:
-LI is the only way to go, end of story
-18V or higher
-Use thin, sharp blades (ie replace factory blade asap)

That’s enough ado. Check out the top 7 cordless circular saws.

1) Makita
Makita BSS610 LXT

Ranking:
9 Overall Makita Recommendations
3 Makita LXT recommendations
Ranked “Best Cordless”: ConsumerSearch
Makita’s 18-volt LXT Lithium-ion Circular Saw
Makita – LXT400 Cordless Combo Kit
“The 6-1/2-in. circular saw was sturdy and powerful, with excellent controls and adjustments. A dust blower kept the cutting line clear, and an LED light aimed at the leading edge of the blade was a genuine help when I was working in any conditions less than bright sunlight. I didn’t like the saw’s horizontal grip, but the light weight of the battery pack compensated by making the tool easy to handle.”

2) DeWalt
DEWALT DC390B 18-Volt Cordless Circular Saw

Ranking:
12 Overall DeWalt Recommendations
9 Recommendations: DEWALT 18V

DeWalt DW939 Cordless 6 1/2″ Circular Saw Lumber Jocks Review

3) Milwaukee
Milwaukee 0730-22 V28 Lithium Ion 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw

Ranking:
8 Overall Milwaukee Recommendations
1 Milwaukee 18V Recommendation
5 Milwaukee V28 Recommendations

Mike Guertin in Fine Home Building:
“On my last few remodeling projects, I set aside my corded circular saw and relied solely on the new cordless Milwaukee V28. Even though I was crosscutting 2x lumber, ripping full sheets of 3/4-in. plywood, and trimming MDF (medium-density fiberboard) panels, I had to keep reminding myself that I was using a battery-powered saw.”
Milwaukee – 0730-20 V28 Cordless Circular Saw

4) Ridgid
Ridgid R845 Cordless Circular Saw

Ranking:
10 Overall Ridgid Recommendations
4 18V Recommendations
5 24V Recommendations

Ridgid R922 18v Cordless Combo Pack Review (including Circ Saw)

5) Ryobi

Ranking:
10 Overall Ryobi P500 Recommendations
1 Don’t Buy counter-recommendation
Ranked “Best Budget Cordless”: ConsumerSearch
“it is what it is… with the proper expectations you won’t be disappointed”
Ryobi Cordless Saws – Ryobi Fan expressing adulation

6) Bosch
CCS180 18V Litheon Circular Saw

Ranking:
5 Recommendations

7 tie) Hilti
Hilti WSC 70-A36 Cordless Circular Saw

Ranking:
1 Recommendation

7 tie) Hitachi
Hitachi C18DLP4 18-Volt Lithium Ion 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw

Ranking:
1 Recommendation

7 tie) Panasonic
Panasonic EY3551GQ 18-Volt NiMH 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw

Ranking:
1 Recommendation

>> Forum Sources:
Cordless Circular Saw Recommendations
cordless circular saw? Recomended or not
Need advice on cordless circular saw
Lowe’s Firestorm cordless circular saw advice
DeWalt cordless circ saw
Good Cordless Tools
24V Circular Saw R885
6 1/2″ cordless circ saws – blade speed
People with cordless tools, still use corded ones?
corded vs. cordless? your vote = my purchase…(Long)
buyers remorse – just venting on my cordless vs corded dilemma
Cordless Combo Kit
Another Cordless bites the dust
Cabinet installation tool kit (2004)
Scribing a Template to Fit A Countertop Between Three Walls
Cutting notches (best method ?)

>> Other Sources
Consumer Search on Circular Saws
Circular saws: Plug them in – anti-cordless circ saw propaganda from Consumer Reports
Lithium-Ion Hands On -Though I value the effort that went into the Tools of the Trade overview of Lithium Ion cordless tools, they don’t explain the hierarchy of the tools, or indicate if there’s any preference of one tool over the other. Also, they only talk about the positives. Good overview, but not super useful for decision making in my opinion.
Bosch 18-Volt Cordless Circ Saw (2002)
Cordless Circ Saw videos

>> More Circular Saw Articles from ToolCrib.com
Woodworking Without A Table Saw
Best Circular Saw Under $100
Q/A: Converting a Circular Saw into a Table Saw
DIY Table Saw Alternative: EZ Guide + Circular Saw
Getting Sheet Goods Home: 9 Ways to Reduce the Pain

>> More Top Tool Comparisons from Tool Crib
Top Five 10 Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saws of 2009
Top 9 Woodworking Shop Vac Smack Down: Ridgid vs. Festool vs. Fein and More
Top 16 Trim Routers: Bosch Colt vs. Makita vs. PC310 vs. Ridgid R2400 and MORE!
Top 10 Hybrid Table Saws: Craftsman vs. Grizzly vs. Steel City vs. Jet and MORE!
Cyclone Dust Collectors: Gorilla vs. Clear Vue vs. Grizzly
Best 14″ Bandsaws: Grizzly vs. Rikon vs. Powermatic vs. Laguna and More
Table Saw Fence Buying Guide: Biesemeyer vs. Unifence vs. Vega vs. Incra
The 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Showdown: PC vs. HF vs. Bostich vs. Senco and MORE!
Combination Blade Showdown: Forrest vs. Freud vs. Tenryu and More
Best Plunge Router: DeWalt 621 vs. Bosch 1617 vs. Festool OF 1400
Dovetail Jigs: Leigh vs. Akeda vs. Porter-Cable and More
7 Best Sandpaper Brands: Klingspor vs. Norton vs. 3M in the Sanding Supplies Showdown
Compact Drivers: Bosch vs. Milwaukee vs. Rigid
Most Used Belt Sanders: Porter Cable vs. Dewalt vs. Bosch
Best Table Saw Miter Gauge: Incra vs. Osborne vs. Kreg
The 11 Top Woodworking Power Tools That Give 100% Satisfaction or Better

Though there are significantly more than 5 10 inch SCMS out there, only 5 got repeat mentions from woodworking forums…

If you’re having trouble deciding between a 10″ or 12″ check out: Buying miter saw question 10″ vs. 12″ See the similar Sawmill Creek thread too: 10″ VS 12″ Compound Miter Saw.

In regards to sliders vs. non sliders for fine woodworking we defer to Mr. Lumber Yard in woodnet “…sliders have their place but I’ll take my Bosch 12″ Dual Bevel non-slider any day of the week for fine WW over any slider.”

If you’re looking to improve the accuracy of your SMCS after purchase we direct you to the sage words of WoodNet’s Mr. Bill_de: “I have a Bosh 12″ which wasn’t too accurate until I put a Forest Chopmaster on it. The original blade was labeled “Construction” and that’s what it was good for. After awhile I realized while it was much better, it was still lacking something. For critical work I started using the hold down. Voilà!”

Without further ado, here are the top five 10″ Sliding Compound Miter Saws of 2009 (thus far…):

1) Makita LS1013FL

Ranking:
45 Forum Recommendations
Woodworker’s Journal “Close Second” Pick June 2008
Makita in Fine Woodworking – no special award in 2006
Editor’s Choice 2004 Popular Woodworking
Makita LS1013 Dual Slide Compound 10″ Miter Saw Problems
Price at time of publication: $452.46

2) Hitachi C10FSH

Ranking:
22 Forum Recommendations
Woodworker’s Journal Third Place, Bargain Pick June 2008
Hitachi Review in Fine Woodworking 2006 – no special mention
RokJok’s big Hitachi but on WoodNet: “* * * B U T * * * there is one thing that I hate on [my Hitachi]. Changing from partial-depth cuts (cutting a dado) to full-depth cuts (to cut off the one piece you forgot to cut with the rest of the batch ) or any other cut depth change is a huge P.I.T.A. !!!! That is due to the saw’s depth adjuster being a threaded rod with jam nuts (a wing-nut above and a couple hex-nuts below a threaded piece of casting) to lock the depth. That arrangement doesn’t allow for quick changes.”
Price at time of publication: $361.63

3) Bosch 4410

Ranking:
10 Forum Recommendations
Best Overall Workbench Magazine 2007
Best Overall + Reader’s Choice Fine Woodworking 2006
Editor’s Choice 2004 Popular Woodworking
Price at time of publication: $543.99

4) Festool’s Kapex KS 120

Ranking:
6 Forum Recommendations …Note – I did not include Festool Forums ;)
Woodworker’s Journal Top Pick June 2008
Gary Katz Tests the Kapex (Video + Pics)
Price at time of publication: $1300

5) Chicago Electric SCMS by Harbor Freight

Ranking:
2 Forum Recommendations
Chicago Electric – 90891 Sliding Compound Miter Saw in Fine Woodworking 2006
Price at time of publication: $119.87

Source for Magazine Review Input:
Consumer Search Miter Saw Review Sources

Forum Threads Reviewed:
If you were going to buy a new sliding compound miter saw
Your pick for most accurate Compound Miter Saw or SCMS
10 Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw- SEEK ADVICE
Which 10 inch sliding miter saw?
Bosch 4410 vs Makita LS1013
sliding compound miter saw, Dewalt
10″ SCMS – Dewalt? Bosch?
Hitachi SCMS Problems Anyone?
Makita vs Bosch SCMS
HELP! Sliding miter saw recommendations
I need miter saw advice!!
if you were to by a SCMS today which would it be?
Advice for a newbie on a compound miter saw?
10” SCMS – Bosch 4410 or Makita LS1013
Sliding Compound Miter Saw recommendations.
Bosch 4410 SCMS Impressions (Long)
The new milwaukee scms is the schizzle!!
Makita LS1013L 10-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw With Laser
Makita Compound sliding miter saw

Good Reviews but Too Old for Consideration:
2004 Popular Woodworking Review of 10″ Sliding Compound Miter Saws (PDF)
2003 Workbench Magazine review of 12″ SCMS (PDF)
2002 Tools of the Trade SCMS Review
2001 Comparison Test: 8 Sliding Dual Compound Miter Saws

>> More Top Tool Comparisons from Tool Crib
Top 9 Woodworking Shop Vac Smack Down: Ridgid vs. Festool vs. Fein and More
Top 16 Trim Routers: Bosch Colt vs. Makita vs. PC310 vs. Ridgid R2400 and MORE!
Top 10 Hybrid Table Saws: Craftsman vs. Grizzly vs. Steel City vs. Jet and MORE!
Cyclone Dust Collectors: Gorilla vs. Clear Vue vs. Grizzly
Best 14″ Bandsaws: Grizzly vs. Rikon vs. Powermatic vs. Laguna and More
Table Saw Fence Buying Guide: Biesemeyer vs. Unifence vs. Vega vs. Incra
The 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Showdown: PC vs. HF vs. Bostich vs. Senco and MORE!
Combination Blade Showdown: Forrest vs. Freud vs. Tenryu and More
Best Plunge Router: DeWalt 621 vs. Bosch 1617 vs. Festool OF 1400
Dovetail Jigs: Leigh vs. Akeda vs. Porter-Cable and More
7 Best Sandpaper Brands: Klingspor vs. Norton vs. 3M in the Sanding Supplies Showdown
Compact Drivers: Bosch vs. Milwaukee vs. Rigid
Most Used Belt Sanders: Porter Cable vs. Dewalt vs. Bosch
Best Table Saw Miter Gauge: Incra vs. Osborne vs. Kreg
The 11 Top Woodworking Power Tools That Give 100% Satisfaction or Better

Tags: best, 10, inch, sliding, compound, miter, saw

>> Trim Routers: the What, When and Why
>> A Note on Variable Speed (just say no)
>> A Note on Pat Warner Bases (just say yes)
>> Top 16 Trim Routers
>> Router Table Plan for a Trim Router: 3-in-1 Multi-Tool
>> My Trim Router Expert Review Sources
>> Forum Trim Router Recommendation Sources
>> More Trim Router Resources
>> More Top Tools Comparisons from Tool Crib

>> Trim Routers: the What, When and Why
First and foremost some of you are asking why a trim router (aka laminate trimmer, laminate router or palm router)???

Here’s why – it’s small, gets into tight corners, is easy to control with one hand, offers greater precision on smaller jobs, trims edges like a champ. As RFeeser says in the WoodNet thread What’s so good about a trim router? “It’s the difference between a tack hammer and a framing hammer.” The funny thing is that many trim router users find themselves reaching for their trim routers as much as or more than their full size routers.

Note, most folks would NOT recommend that a trim router be your first or only router. Lumber Jocks sum this sentiment up nicely here: Thoughts on Bosch Colt Palm Router as first (and initially, only, router) If you’d like to read a bit more discussion to wrap your brain around the different applications of spinning cutters see the luthier forum discussion Dremel vs. laminate trimmer vs. router: which jobs for each?

One final consideration – Trend has begun making “hybrid” routers. They have more power than trim routers but still fit comfortably in one hand. The Trend T4 plunges, which was an ongoing forum gripe.

>>A Note on Variable Speed
I read time and again that variable speed is not a needful function on the trim router. For example, here’s challagan over in Router Forums: “There test showed that there just wasnt any advantage for the size of bits that these machines will use in having variable speed. Basically if the VS is needed then you are using too big of a bit in the machine. So if anyone is interested in this unit save the extra 20-25.oo and get the non VS machine.” Here’s that whole thread for anyone who’d like to read more: Laminate trimmer – is VS important?

>>A Note on Pat Warner Clear Bases for Trim Routers
Get one. Your trim router experience will improve because of increased bit visibility. This is the message I got time and again from forum goers. It doesn’t appear that he makes bases for all the available trim routers (who could?). He does have one for the Bosch PR20, which took the #1 trim router spot in our trim router top 10.

>>ToolCrib.com’s Top 16 Trim Routers
So let’s get crackin’. Here’s the ToolCrib.com top sixteen trim routers.

1) Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Palm Grip
There really was no contest for the #1 spot. All reviews and discussions point inevitably and relentlessly towards the Bosch PR20. Save yourself $20 bucks and go for the non variable speed. And BEWARE… some woodworkers had major issues with the Bosch that got them in a rage and posting horrible reviews due to spindle lock problems… we cover how to handle that below.

Ranking:
33 Purchase Recommendations from Forums
2 forum recommendations for the PR10e non variable speed version that’s cheaper.
#1 Editor’s Pick by David Thiel for Popular Woodworking
Best Overall by Roy Berendsohn in Popular Mechanics
Overall winner: John White for Fine Woodworking, June 25th, 2008
Highest Rating: Richard Tendick for American Woodworker in Mar. 2007
Top Ranking by Chris Marshall in Woodworker’s Journal, Dec. 2006
5 out of 5 Stars from Canadian Woodworking
#1 Overall: Bosch PR20EVS Brent Hull for Tools of the Trade in 2005
The Bosch Colt Palm Router Revisited: Rockler re-reviews the Bosch Colt based on customer feedback
Bosch Colt Palm Router Kit Review by Chris Baylor
Bosch PR20EVSK Palm-Grip Router Kit Review by Tom Hintz
Bosch Colt Variable – Speed Palm Router Kit PR20EVSK 3 Stars at Epinions

4of5 stars, 62 customer reviews in Amazon

NOTE: Shaft Wrench Spindle Lock Problems with the Bosch Colt!!
“There is a shaft wrench available free from Bosch. I called and requested it after reading about its availability on the WoodNet fourm. P.N. is 2610993579

Bosch Customer Service # 800-346-4103

I called Bosch at the number in the post and spoke with Mark. I told him I was looking for the part number in the post. He immediately knew what it was. Said they have them and if you mention there is a problem with the spindle lock they will send it out at no cost.”
wjt on WoodNet in Bosch Colt… you need three hands

>>Bosch Trim Router Forum Discussion
Bosch Colt palm grip Router
Bosch Colt PR20EVSK in Consumer Search
Bosch Colt V. Ridgid
Bosch Colt small router (question)
Porter Cable 7310 vs. Bosch Colt PR20EVSK
Bosch Colt
Festool 1010 vs Bosch Colt

2) Porter-Cable PC310
Though it’s no longer in production the PC310 takes second spot due to the heavy emphasis it gets from Pat Warner and many of the early trim router adopters.

Ranking:
7 Forum Recommendations
Pat Warner recommendation: “In my view, the PC 310 is the best of trimmers, not cheap, not perfect but a great tool nevertheless.”
No longer in production, may still be some PC310s left at Betterley Tools.
PC 310 trim router is lots nicer now! (SMC)

3) Ridgid R2400
The Ridgid is a steady performer with consistent good results in expert tests and from forum members. It has a tendency to run hot though.

Ranking:
14 Forum Recommendations
Top Ranking by Chris Marshall in Woodworker’s Journal, Dec. 2006
#2 Overall Brent Hull for Tools of the Trade: “Ridgid comes next. Just about everything is well thought through. The accessories are basic but well made, and although the base isn’t the best, the lifetime parts and service warranty is a great feature.”
“During testing we were pleasantly surprised by the power offered in such a small package. On the opposing side, the base design makes visibility difficult. This is the first trim router manufactured under the Ridgid name and while they got a number of things right, we still see room for improvement.” – David Thiel in Popular Woodworking October 22, 2008
“The fine-adjustment thumb wheel should be larger.” – Roy Berendsohn in Popular Mechanics
-multiple complaints that it runs too hot to handle
Ridgid Heavy Duty Laminate Trimmer Review by Tom Hintz
“Ridgid’s new R2400 laminate trimmer has several nice features and one glaring liability. The tool feels good in the hand, and height adjustments are easy. The variable-speed motor has a soft start and is quiet even at high speed. Bit changes, however, are awkward. Instructions suggest removing the base first, but that’s easier said than done. If you leave the base on, there is barely enough clearance to work a pair of wrenches on the collet.”
Kim Carleton Graves on the Ridgid R2400 for Fine Woodworking

Ridgid R2400 Trim Router in HGTVPro

“simple, basic machine, nice fence, no fine adjustment; very nice soft start” – John White for Fine Woodworking

Ridgid Laminate Trimmer
Bosch Colt V. Ridgid

4) Harbor Freight Chicago Electric Trim Router 44914
What the #%^$&$# is a Harbor Freight tool doing in the top ten? You’ve heard of the Harbor Freight Gems, right? We call them Harbor Freight tools that are “Good Enough…” This is one of them. The LOW cost/good-enough-quality ratio PLUS the number of forum recommendations buoyed this trim router up in our rankings. As always with Harbor Freight though… BUYER BEWARE.

Ranking:
10 Forum Recommendations
3of5 Stars LumberJocks: Harbor Freight 1/4″ Trim Router
3of5 Stars LumberJocks: Harbor Freight 1/4″ Trim Router
A bit of a scary situation with HF Trim Router from review:
“I was flush trimming 3/4 cedar attached to a 1/4 melamine/hardboard template last night and the bit climbed about 1/4” upwards out of the collet. I can deal with a lot of short comings, but that is a bit scary. I tried to check the variables (bit, collet, etc.) and couldn’t put my finger on the problem. The bit shank is fine and the collet was prperly tightened. That leads me to believe the collet must have loosened under load. I might have to stick to my Bosch trimmer.”

Forum Discussion:
Chicago Electric ¼-inch trim router, Model 44914 Forum discussion

5) Craftsman 28212 Trim Router

Ranking:
2 Forum Recommendations
Best Value: Roy Berendsohn in Popular Mechanics
Best Value: John White for Fine Woodworking, June 25th, 2008
5of5 Stars in LumberJocks Review

Craftsman 27715:
“Considering the $100 price we would have liked to see a collet lock on this router, and we would certainly expect a base that doesn’t slip during operation.”
David Thiel in Popular Woodworking October 22, 2008

Forum Discussion:
Sears Palm Router (RouterForums)

6) Makita 3707FC Laminate Trimmer

Ranking:
3 Purchase Recommendations from Forums
Editor’s Pick by David Thiel for Popular Woodworking
“During testing we found the Makita to have reliable power and the quietest operation of any router in the test. The Makita is comparable in performance and visibility to the Bosch, earning it an Editor’s Choice Award. The fine adjust is less convenient than on the Bosch, and we would have liked to have a spindle lock. That, mixed with the highest price in the test, makes it finish in second place behind the Bosch, but still worthy of recognition.”
“no fine adjustment, but nice machine, very basic and sturdy with good set of accessories” – John White for Fine Woodworking

Makita 3708FC: “Somebody overlooked the fine-adjustment knobs, which are annoyingly small. Also, the shaft that connects the knobs is too short. One careless turn too many unthreads the fine-adjustment assembly, which then falls apart.” Roy Berendsohn in Popular Mechanics

Could’a Been: Makita 3708FC: “The Makita is a mixed bag: The work light and plastic base were great, but the the nuts, bolts, and washers required for adjustment, along with the handle design, could use improvement.” Brent Hull for Tools of the Trade

7) Festool Trim Router
If you’re a Festool user you won’t be swayed AWAY from it. If you’re not a Festool user then you won’t be swayed TOWARDS it. That’s Festool for ya ;) By all accounts you will absolutely love your Festool trim router.

Ranking:
“superb manufacturing, fit and finish ; more for specialty machine work ; very limited range in bit size” – John White for Fine Woodworking
MFK 700 Modular Router: Member Feedback
In the Shop: Festool MFK 700
Festool 1010 vs Bosch Colt

8) Ryobi Cordless 1+ Trim Router:

Ranking:
3 Forum Recommendations
“an adequate machine in situations where you can’t use corded – bearings in the collet aren’t great” – John White for Fine Woodworking
Ryobi One+ Cordless Trimmer/Router
Any Experience with the Ryobi 18V trim router?

9) Trend T4 Hybrid Router
There is not yet a great deal written about the Trend T4. Initial reaction from reviewers and users tells me there will be. It’s defining a new class of tool (hybrid router) and it has plunge functionality. You can be certain that the big league tool manufacturers are watching how this rookie performs.

Ranking:
2 Forum Recommendations
Hybrid plunge router has plenty of power
Trend T4 review
Trend Router

10) Porter-Cable 97310

Ranking:
#1 for Laminate Work: Porter-Cable 97310 “If you do a lot of laminate work, the Porter-Cable is an ideal system. The basic tool design and base setup were the simplest and cleanest.” Brent Hull for Tools of the Trade (2005)

11) DeWalt DW673

Ranking:
“During testing we found the DeWalt to have good power, but the base design makes it very difficult to see where the cut is taking place.” David Thiel in Popular Woodworking October 22, 2008
5 Stars in Epinions DW670
Kim Carleton Graves on the DW673K for Fine Woodworking
“Advantages: The DeWalt is nicely balanced and has a side switch that can be operated with one hand.
Disadvantages: I couldn’t change the bit without taking off the base.”
4of5 stars in Amazon, from 6 reviewers
DeWalt D26670
“DeWalt (or Porter-Cable) should find a better way to mount the base to the motor so that you can slip the base on and off in seconds instead of fiddling with small parts. A tool this simple deserves simple base-mounting.”
Roy Berendsohn in Popular Mechanics

Forum Discussion
Used DeWalt Laminate Trimmer – Worth It?

12) Freud FT750T Trim Router

Ranking:
“While priced competitively with most of the pack, the Freud router is lacking in features, ergonomics and power.”
David Thiel in Popular Woodworking October 22, 2008
“-too heavy use for horizontal work -no fence, no way to add it”
John White for Fine Woodworking, June 25th, 2008
Forum Discussion
Freud FT750T Laminate Trimmer / Router (TalkFestool.com)

13) Grizzly H7790 Trim Router

2 Forum Recommendations
“While the Grizzly H7790 was significantly less expensive than the other routers in the test, we didn’t feel that its performance and ease of use gave it enough of an advantage to call it out as a winner based on price.”
David Thiel in Popular Woodworking October 22, 2008

14) Porter-Cable 7310

Ranking:
6 Forum Recommendations for the PC7310
“When compared to the similarly priced models in the test, the Porter-Cable tool falls short in performance and visibility.” David Thiel in Popular Woodworking October 22, 2008
Porter Cable 97311
“Advantages: This Porter-Cable model felt great in my hand, the switch is well placed, and the machine is stable.
Disadvantages: The round vertical-adjustment knob, which was only slightly knurled, was difficult to tighten. Vertical adjustment for the 90° base was hit or miss: The bit fell and tilted as I adjusted the height, then rose and straightend as I retightened the knob.” Kim Carleton Graves on the PC 97311 for Fine Woodworking

15) Ryobi TR45K

Ranking:
RYOBI TR45KT: “Performance was slightly better than the Craftsman during cutting, and as mentioned, visibility was slightly better. One obvious benefit over the Craftsman is the $20 savings. Unfortunately, that still leaves it at an $80 price which doesn’t make up for a balky base attachment, minimal features and less-than-perfect visibility.” David Thiel in Popular Woodworking October 22, 2008

Ryobi TR45: The crummy cord—it’s as stiff as a piece of frozen rope. Roy Berendsohn in Popular Mechanics

Ryobi TR45 in RouterForums.com

16) MLCS Marvel 40 Trim Router
The Marvel 40 looks promising, we just didn’t have enough info on it to place with the others.

Ranking:
1 Forum Recommendation
Video: MLCS Marvel 40 1HP Trim Router Demo 1

>> Router Table Plan for a Trim Router: 3-in-1 Multi-Tool

This sweet little table makes it more of a PITA to use your trim router by hand. That’s why you need at least 2 trim routers!

>> My Trim Router Expert Review Sources:
The main benefit that expert reviews usually bring to the table are that they’re looking at multiple tools at the same time and comparing them based on the same standards. That’s why they have weight in the ToolCrib rankings.

Trim Routers by David Thiel of Popular Woodworking October 22, 2008
7 Routers Trim, Cut and Shape Woodworking: PM Lab Test (1-29-09) by Roy Berendsohn
Super Size: Bigger isn’t always better. Brent Hull for Tools of the Trade July/Aug. 2005
Video Tool Test: Trim Routers by John White

>> Forum Trim Router Recommendation Sources:
trim routers (RouterForums)
Trim Router Question (WoodNet)
Trim Router Advice (SawmillCreek)
Are there any Trim Routers that can… (SawmillCreek)
Laminate trim router reccomendations (SawmillCreek)
Trim Router Advice (Family Woodworking)
Trim Router recommendations (Router Forums)
Looking for a new laminate trimmer (Woodworking Forums)

>> More Trim Router Resources
Job-Site Router Techniques
trim router bit selection
Best Router Bits: Whiteside vs. Freud vs. Eagle America and MORE
Video: Using a Flush Trim Router Bit
Video: At Rockler: Festool MFK 700 Trim Router Set

>> More Top Tools Comparisons from Tool Crib
Top 10 Hybrid Table Saws: Craftsman vs. Grizzly vs. Steel City vs. Jet and MORE!
Cyclone Dust Collectors: Gorilla vs. Clear Vue vs. Grizzly
Best 14″ Bandsaws: Grizzly vs. Rikon vs. Powermatic vs. Laguna and More
Table Saw Fence Buying Guide: Biesemeyer vs. Unifence vs. Vega vs. Incra
The 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Showdown: PC vs. HF vs. Bostich vs. Senco and MORE!
Combination Blade Showdown: Forrest vs. Freud vs. Tenryu and More
Best Plunge Router: DeWalt 621 vs. Bosch 1617 vs. Festool OF 1400
Dovetail Jigs: Leigh vs. Akeda vs. Porter-Cable and More
7 Best Sandpaper Brands: Klingspor vs. Norton vs. 3M in the Sanding Supplies Showdown
Compact Drivers: Bosch vs. Milwaukee vs. RigidMost Used Belt Sanders: Porter Cable vs. Dewalt vs. Bosch
Best Table Saw Miter Gauge: Incra vs. Osborne vs. Kreg
The 11 Top Woodworking Power Tools That Give 100% Satisfaction or Better

Tags: trim, router, reviews,, trim, router, comparison

Here’s what you’ll find in this article:
What is a Hybrid Table Saw? A Working Definition
When You Should Go for a Cabinet Saw Instead of a Hybrid
ToolCrib.com’s Top 10 Hybrid Table Saws
Hybrid Table Saw Ranking Resources

If you like this article then sign up for our email newsletter >> You can browse the ToolCrib.com newsletter archive here >>

Update: See the New Ridgid R4511 Granite Top Hybrid Table Saw. It’s liable to rank highly on this list once we get more information about it!

What is a Hybrid Table Saw? A Working Definition
In short, a hybrid table saw is larger than both the benchtop and contractor style table saws and smaller than the cabinet saw in terms of amperage. Some other key distinctions of the hybrid table saw include:

>usually cheaper than a cabinet saw
>has a cabinet for better dust control
>the motor’s inside the cabinet
>typically runs on 110v circuit
>often use contractor-style trunions

If you enjoy arguing on the internet you might appreciate the overly long semantical warfare of this WoodNet thread debating the difference (or lack thereof…) between cabinet saws and hybrids. It’s occasionally funny if you appreciate “zingers” and open hostility low-end cabinet saws vs. “high end” hybrids.

Also see:
Dumb question… what the heck is a “hybrid”?
Hybrid Table Saws
DIY Network: Exploring Hybrid Saws

When You Should Go for a Cabinet Saw Instead of a Hybrid
The Craftsman 22124 got 24 forum purchase recommendations, more than any other hybrid saw out there. I didn’t count them all, but I bet there were TWICE that many recommendations that woodworkers get a cabinet saw instead of a hybrid. Over and over (and over and over and over) woodworkers recommend to each other on forums that they spring for a low-end or used cabinet saw instead of a hybrid. This is not always an option for many woodworkers due to space, electric, or cash restrictions.

That said, if you’ve got upwards of $1,000 to drop you should at least consider the Grizzly 1023 (the #1 cheap cabinet saw recommendation by woodworking forum members).

ToolCrib.com’s Top 10 Hybrid Table Saws
Without further ado we proudly present the top 10 hybrid saws.

1) Craftsman 22124

Ranking:
24 Forum Recommendations
#2 ranking at Consumer Search >>

Craftsman 22124 Reviews:
Craftsman – 22124 Hybrid Tablesaw in Fine Woodworking
Craftsman Professional 10 in. Table Saw 22124 in Epinions
Craftsman Professional 10″ Hybrid Table Saw Lumber Jocks
Craftsman Professional 22124 10″ table saw in Lumber Jocks
Craftsman 221240 10-Inch Professional Tablesaw in Lumber Jocks
consumer review aggregation for Craftsman Professional 10 in. Table Saw
Craftsman Professional Table Saw Review in Palatable Woodworking

Forum Discussion on the 22124:
Craftsman 22124 compared to the GI 50-185M1 (sawmillcreek)
Sears 22124 vs Steel City 35670 saws (sawmillcreek)
Craftsman saw (woodnet)

List Price On 01-02-09:
$1199.99 >> (You can probably find it sub $800 if you wait for the right sale…)

2) Grizzly G0478

Ranking:
5 Forum Recommendations
Picked #1 at Tools of the Trade
#2 by Tom Begnal at Fine Woodworking
#2 in Popular Woodworking
#4 at Consumer Search

Grizzly G0478 Reviews:
Grizzly G0478 2 HP Hybrid Cabinet Saw Lumber Jocks
Grizzly 2 hp hybrid cabinet saw Lumber Jocks
4 1/2 stars with 11 reviews at Amazon

Forum Discussion on the G0478:
“Grizzly G0478 Hybrid Cabinet Table saw”
Grizzly G0478 or Jet JPS-10 (708482k)
Grizzly G0478 Cab Saw, anyone have one?
Before I leap, let me ask around! Buying the Grizzly G0478, (excellent grizzly fan flame war – funniest line: “Have fun humping your Griz when it arrives.”)
is this Grizzly hybrid a quality saw?
grizzly hybrid table saw

List Price as of 01/02/09:
$775.00 >>

3) Steel City 35670

Ranking:
6 Forum Recommendations
#1 in Popular Woodworking
#1 in Consumer Search

Steel City 35670 Reviews:
Steel City 35670 10 inch with 30-Inch fence, 1.75 hp, Cast Iron top in Lumber Jocks
Steel City 35900G in Consumer Search (a stoned, hybrid relative of the 35670)

Forum Discussions:
Anyone have the Steel City table saw 35670?
Sears 22124 vs Steel City 35670 saws
Steel City 65720 review
Jet ProShop vs SteelCity

List Price 01-02-09:
$1,099.99 >>

4) JET JPS-10

Ranking
13 Forum Recommendations
Tom Hintz reviewed and recommends this one regularly in forum discussions about hybrid saws
4 stars + 9 reviews in Amazon

Reviews of the Jet ProShop:
JET JPS-10TS ProShop Saw review by Tom Hintz

Forum Discussions:
“Jet ProShop Table Saw – Experiences or Opinions”
Jet Proshop vs TS3650 (Ridgid Forum)
Delta Hybrid or Jet Pro Shop (WoodNet)
Jet ProShop vs SteelCity

Video: JET ProShop Table Saw Review by Tom Hintz

List Price 01-02-09:
$999.99 >>

5) Woodtek 148-271

Ranking:
1 Forum Recommendation
#1 at Fine Woodworking for Value and Performance (which made this the most over-discussed saw of 2008…)
#3 at Consumer Search

Woodtek Reviews:
Woodtek – 148-271 Hybrid Tablesaw brief review by Fine Woodworking

Forum Discussion:
Wait for Woodtek 10″ Hybrid…or

List Price 01-02-09:
$929.99 >>

6) Dewalt DW746X

Ranking:
3 Forum Recommendations
#3 at Tools of the Trade

DeWalt DW746X Reviews:
DeWALT DW746X TABLE SAW
DeWalt Woodworker’s Table Saw DW746 (epinions)
4 stars, 17 reviews at Amazon

List Price 01-02-09:
$1,174.93 >>

7) Delta 36-717

Ranking:
2 Forum Recommendations

Delta 36-717 Reviews:
Delta – 36-717 Hybrid Tablesaw in Fine Woodworking
Delta 36-714 10-Inch Left Tilt Hybrid Saw Lumber Jocks
4 Stars + 34 Reviews at Amazon

Forum Discussion:
Delta Hybrid or Jet Pro Shop (WoodNet)
Delta 36-717 Hybrid/Biese BT3Central
Delta Hybrid SMC

List Price 01-02-09:
$1,149.00 >>

8) General 50-220C M1

Ranking:
1 Forum Recommendation

General 50-220C M1 Reviews:
General International Table Saw Model 50-220CL M1
General Int’l 50-200 Cabinet Table Saw Epinions

Forum Discussion:
General 50-220C Table Saw (SMC)

US Distributors for General >>

9) Shop Fox W1748

Ranking:
1 Forum Recommendation

List Price 01-02-09:
$979.99 >>

10) Hitachi C10LA

Hitachi C10LA Reviews:
Hitachi – C10LA Cabinet Saw – Roland Johnson in Fine Woodworking
Hitachi C10FL 10″ Stationary Table Saw Lumber Jocks

List Price 01-02-09:
$1,407.78 >>

Hybrid Table Saw Ranking Resources
The “forum recommendations” mentioned above are any time a forum member makes a purchase recommendation (”I have/had this saw and love/d it”) for a given saw. In the case of the Woodtek, which got great reviews from Fine Woodworking, there weren’t any forum/user reviews available so we ranked it lower than other more tried and true favorites. In cases where a saw had multiple thumbs up from magazines we ranked these above saws more popular in the forums. We tend to skew towards forum recommendations as a key indicator for making our recommendations though there are certainly issues of objectivity. That said, magazine reviews are far from objective too. ALWAYS try a saw before you buy to make sure it fits your needs and expectations. If you can’t try it, don’t buy it.

Pro Review Sources:
Hybrid Table Saws (Tools of the Trade)
Hybrid Saws (ConsumerSearch.com review aggregation)

Hybrid Table Saw Resources from ToolCrib:
Grizzly 1023 vs. Delta Unisaw and Craftsman Hybrid
A Table Saw Buying Guide: Benchtop vs Contractor vs Cabinet vs Hybrid

Hybrid Table Saw Forum Discussions:
Best Hybrid Table Saw?
Hybrid Table Saw
Hybrid table saws
hybrid table saw review
table saw
Newbie needs help picking out a hybrid table saw
contractor vs hybrid table saw
New Table saw
Wait for Woodtek 10″ Hybrid…or
is this Grizzly hybrid a quality saw?
grizzly hybrid table saw
New Tablesaw Purchase – Hybrid or Cabinet?
Need table saw recommendations/advice
Steel City hybrid saw with riving knife and granite top
table saw?
Hybrid Saws
Anybody got a Hybrid Table Saw?

I didn’t do any tests with these blades – the rankings/votes are based purely on each blade’s popularity in a forum. At the end of the post you’ll find the threads I counted along with info resources (…if you’re blade shopping because of bad cuts have you considered either cleaning or sharpening your current saw blades?)

Here goes – enjoy the showdown (cue tumbleweed, blowing sand and Sergio Leone music) :D

Forrest WWII 40T: 19

Epinions Review: Forrest Woodworker II 10 inch Saw Blade 40T-Thin Kerf W21014
Scott Spencer (aka knotscott) prefers and recommends the WWII 30T over the 40T (though ranks 40T HIGHLY):
“IMHO the 30T WWII makes a lot of sense as a primary blade and a beneficial alternative to the 40T WWII because of its wider operating range, depending on what you cut.”

Freud P410 Fusion: 17

Freud P410 Review in Fine Homebuilding (scroll down a little) >>
Freud LU84 and the LU83 were also mentioned a great deal. Spencer puts the LU88 over all other Freuds >>

Tenryu Gold Medal: 9

Impressions: Tenryu Gold Medal Blade (Review by The Wood Whisperer) >>

Ridge Carbide TS2000 from Holbren: 5

Old Fine Homebuilding Review of the Ridge Carbide >>

Infinity Combo Max: 5

Infinity “Nickel Armor” Combo Max review from Online Tool Reviews.

Leitz 40t combo blade: 4

>> My Forum Sources:
What’s the Best Tablesaw Blade (WoodNet.net)
Combination blade (SawmillCreek)
A good Table saw Blade (LumberJocks)

>> Resource Links
Table Saw Blade Comparisons by Scott Spencer
DIY Carbide Saw Blade Sharpening + 4 Blade Sharpening Services
ToolCrib.com’s Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Saw Blades and Router Bits