Delta has recently introduced a new line of premium full-kerf saw blades. These premium blades are designed with several ‘practical blade enhancements,’ such as: a 50% increase in the size of carbide to allow for additional re-sharpenings, refined geometries for an improved cut, and reduced noise for a quieter cut.
Okay, let’s get this straight – Delta’s new premium blades are designed to cut better, cut quieter, and last longer. Sounds great to us!
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A few more details… the premium saw blades are laser-cut with rim expansion and harmonic body slots – this helps to reduce vibration and cuts down on noise. Tri-foil brazing with induction heating technology is used for perfect tip alignment to help reduce the risk of tip loss and scoring marks in the cut.
Delta refined their design by listening to the likes, dislikes, and cutting techniques of more than 200 professionals in over 100 woodworking shops. Listening to user feedback is a great practice that we wish more companies followed.
Finally, Delta’s new blades are manufactured in Shelbyville, KY, with domestic and foreign materials. These premium saw blades range in price between $75 and $130 depending on functionality, tooth count, and application, and we’ve also seen a few of the styles selling for slightly less.
Delta also deserves props for their downloadbale pdf Quick Reference Guide, which is extremely informative and helpful. For example,
John says
Nice features but I doubt the average user will sharpen their own carbide blades. Also, if anyone does try to sharpen their own carbide tools, please look into the material data sheets on carbide, it’s not good for your health to be grinding without a respirator and dust collection system.
Stuart says
John,
Delta maintains a list of authorized sharpening centers on their website. You’re right, not everyone will want to resharpen their blades, and for the most part that’s okay since a factory-sharpened blade will last an extremely long time under regular usage.
But, serious DIYers and professionals will typically use several different styled or sized blades, and they may use those blades more frequently or rigorously. These types of users would appreciate the option to have their blades resharpened. I imagine that re-sharpening perhaps 2 or more dull blades is more cost effective than replacements would be.
John says
True Stuart, I just don’t want people getting the idea that they should try sharpening their own carbide tools on a grinder at home. I’ve been around people who grind tungsten and carbide, or machine things like carbon fiber in their small enclosed garage and it always makes me cringe.