Circular Saw Thin Kerf Blades

[MountainDon]

So while I ponder what new table saw I want I have come to another question. The last time my trusty old Freud rip cut carbide blade was sharpened the shop recommended that I retire the blade when it next gets dull. That time has been here for a while. I noticed a few years ago that there are many thin kerf blades on the market. I've never used one. I tend to use blades and have them resharpened rather than buy something just because it's new. My Freud blades are so old they have the black teflon coating, not red.

So for those who have used both regular thick blades and the newer thin kerf, the question is do you like the thin? Are they stable (in a good brand like Freud or Forrest?)

I've never been troubled much by the speed of cutting with the old saw and thivk blade. But saving a tiny bit of wood with each cut is attractive. But maybe nothing to worry about in a home shop. 

[NM_Shooter]

I think the thin blades have become much better.  With the vibration dampening that is now employed, very clean cuts are made, and the thin kerf takes so much less HP to run.  I like them a lot. 

[MushCreek]

I was just ripping a bunch of 2X4's yesterday, and marveled at how easily the thin blade cut. It's a generic Ridgid that came with the saw. I think that's one of the secrets of cordless circular saws- they use a very thin blade. If you're doing very precision work, you might want to invest in a pair of flanges which further stabilize the blade. A good sharp blade, a properly set up saw, and a sensible feed rate will yield very nice results.

[Redoverfarm]

Don I figured Peg would chime in on this one.  I am sure that he will have the answers.   I do know that a really good thin kerf is quite costly.  I guess you have to figure your intended use to see if it will justify the extra expense. 

[MountainDon]

I have to admit the first time I encountered a thin kerf blade was when I bought the cordless saw I used to build our cabin.  I don't browse tool rows much anymore unless I need something.  I'll probably buy something if I do.

We have have different thresholds on determining what meets the definition of quite costly; but I know the difference a great blade makes from past experience so don't mind $75 to $95.   

[PEG688]

Freud Thin kerf blades are  about all I run these days .  So yes , they are the way to go IMO for table-saws . 24 tooth T/K Freud's for Home Despot  for ripping , the 80 tooth  T/K blades they have are great in compound miter saws as well  , or for  finish type plywood ripping on T/S as well.