Sunday, October 4, 2009

TENRYU GM25540 Gold Medal Combination Table Saw Blade

If you’re anything like me, you like simplicity. You’d like to have one tool that will do a multitude of jobs – and do them all well. Who wants to be changing blades on a table saw just to go from cutting fine-veneered plywood to crosscutting or ripping solid wood for stiles when you’re building a cabinet?
The problem is, most all-purpose or general purpose blades don’t do ANY of those jobs particularly well – they’re compromises at best. A few, however, do test out well enough to satisfy all but the most demanding of woodworkers, people who are willing to have $300-400 in blades sitting around and will take the time to change them frequently.
In their May 2008 issue, Wood Magazine compared several general purpose, combination saw blades and the Tenryu Gold Medal (GM25540) was chosen as the best in its class. Yes, it even beat out the Forrest Woodworker II! Since the Forrest WW is probably the most recognized blade on the market, that’s quite a feat. It also tells you something about the quality and precision of the Gold Medal.

Now, also consider that Forrest has their WW II on sale for $114.30 and you can buy the Gold Medal for only $94.50 at regular price from Just Saw Blades. Which one would YOU buy?

By the way, in a past issue, February 200, Wood Magazine rated this combination table saw blade as “the quietest cutting blade in our test….” and that was up against some pretty well-known and highly regarded competition. The reason it’s the quietest? Simple. It creates the least vibration! With laser-cut expansion slots filled with resin bond and a run-out of less than .002″, it’s no wonder the Gold Medal Series combination blades will give you clean, precise and quiet cuts. Ripping, crosscutting or working with plywood and wood composites – even double-sided laminates – this blade will do it better than about any other. And with the tough C4 carbide honed to a mirror-finish, it’ll do it longer, too!

The Gold Medal Series includes the 10″ 40 tooth reviewed here and 12″ and 14″ models, both with 60 teeth. You can order either of them easily and securely online- and expect great service from Just Saw Blades.

NEWS FLASH! The Tenryu Gold Medal 10" General Purpose saw blade is now available in a full 1/8" kerf! And Just Saw Blades has it. Same blade, same price, just a more standard .126" kerf.