Craftsman 10 In Table Saw Blade 180 Tooth with 5/8 in Arbor (1 Pack)

Craftsman tools have been a staple in my workshop for years, and their 10-Inch 180 Tooth Table Saw Blade (Model CMAS210180) caught my attention for a recent project involving various materials, including plywood, vinyl, and soft metals. As someone who values precision and durability in my tools, I was eager to see how this blade would perform under different conditions.

Design and Features

The first thing I noticed about this blade is its exceptionally high tooth count—180 teeth on a 10-inch diameter. This high tooth count is typically a good indicator for making smooth, fine cuts, which is crucial for finish work. The blade is constructed from high-speed steel, which promises durability and longevity. Craftsman also highlights the fully-hardened plate designed to maintain true cuts and the precision-ground teeth intended for smooth, clean cuts.

Performance on Various Materials

Plywood

For my initial tests, I mounted the blade onto my table saw and began cutting through 3/4-inch Baltic birch plywood. The blade delivered exceptionally smooth cuts with minimal splintering, which is often a challenge with plywood. The fully-hardened plate seemed to keep the blade running true, and I didn't notice any wobbling, which can be a common issue with lower-quality blades.

However, as I continued to work on larger plywood sheets, I noticed the blade started to dull quicker than expected. After about an hour of continuous use, the cuts weren't as clean, and there was a noticeable increase in resistance. This led to some burning on the edges, indicating that the blade was struggling to maintain its sharpness over extended periods.

Vinyl and Soft Metals

Switching to vinyl, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the blade performed. I used it for cutting vinyl fencing and some vinyl plank flooring. The cuts were clean and precise, with minimal chipping. For crosscuts on the miter saw, the blade worked flawlessly in its normal rotation. However, for longer cuts on the table saw, I found that reversing the blade's rotation helped to prevent chipping, a useful trick for those working with vinyl.

When it came to soft metals, the blade also held up reasonably well. I used it for some small projects involving aluminum and found that it cut through the material with ease. The high tooth count helped to produce clean edges, and there was no noticeable wear on the blade after these cuts.

Hardwood and Larger Lumber

This is where the blade's performance started to falter. I attempted to cut through some 3/4-inch oak hardwood flooring and noticed that the blade struggled significantly. The motor on my table saw choked, and the blade produced a lot of smoke and burning on the wood. It became clear that this blade is not designed for thicker, harder woods. The teeth did not open the cut wide enough to allow the inner portions of the blade to run freely, causing it to dull rapidly and lose efficiency.

Durability and Longevity

Durability is a mixed bag with this blade. For lighter materials like vinyl and thin plywood, the blade performs admirably and maintains its sharpness for a reasonable amount of time. However, for more demanding tasks involving hardwood or MDF, the blade's lifespan is notably shorter. After just a few hours of cutting MDF baseboards, the blade became dull and started smoking, which is far from ideal.

Ease of Installation and Use

One of the standout features of this blade is its ease of installation. The 5/8-inch arbor fits snugly onto most standard table saws and miter saws, and I had no issues getting it set up. The blade is also relatively lightweight at 1.7 pounds, making it easy to handle during installation and adjustments.

Value for Money

At its price point, this Craftsman blade offers decent value, especially for those who need a blade for occasional use on lighter materials. For more intensive tasks, investing in a higher-end, carbide-tipped blade might be a better option. While this blade is significantly cheaper than some premium alternatives, its lack of durability for tougher jobs means that you might end up spending more in the long run on replacements.

Final Thoughts

The Craftsman 10-Inch 180 Tooth Table Saw Blade is a specialized tool that excels in making fine, precise cuts on materials like vinyl, thin plywood, and soft metals. Its high tooth count and fully-hardened plate contribute to its ability to produce smooth, clean edges, making it a good choice for finish work and delicate projects.

However, its performance drops significantly when tasked with cutting thicker, harder materials like hardwood and MDF. The blade tends to dull quickly under these conditions, leading to increased resistance, burning, and ultimately a shorter lifespan. For those who frequently work with such materials, a more durable, carbide-tipped blade would be a more reliable investment.

In conclusion, I would recommend this Craftsman blade for DIY enthusiasts and professionals who primarily work with lighter materials and need a budget-friendly option for fine cutting. Its ease of installation, smooth cutting performance, and affordability make it a worthwhile addition to your toolkit for specific tasks. However, if your projects involve a lot of hardwood or MDF, you might want to consider a more robust blade to ensure consistent performance and longevity.