C Deck CX, Tough On Blades!

Joe Wood

Been hearing the nice comments on C Deck CX so I went ahead and tried it. I agree, very nice stuff, but man is it murder on blades! Especially saber saw blades! We were using the Progressor wood blades, and they'd dull out after only maybe 20" of cutting .. Didn't notice it as much with the circular saw blades, but I bet they got almost as dull.

Do I want to stick with wood cutting S Saw blades, or is there a another type blade that will last a little longer?

Here's the project, decking around a spa, inside of a tower. We devised sliding MDF scribing templates so we could scribe and fit both ends of the board, then after the scribe was perfected, we'd use the template to flush trim the actual deck board.

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Joe Wood

It's probably trashing the router bit too.

What the heck is in this stuff that dulls blades so quickly I wonder? Seems like whatever it is, it's got to be harder that the carbide??

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BuiltByMAC

Don't know how different CX is from the TT XLM line - I've had no problems with blades on the XLM on my last project, though I wasn't jigsaw cutting nearly the amount you are...

Just wanted to add, smart thinking with the template -

Mac

Guisbuild

Joe,
excellent idea on the use of that jig....

I have noticed that a better thicker blade will cut and clear the cut better and last longer....a wider carbide tip and narrow width blade itself.

I use only spiral up/down bits to help clear the path of any router dust...cooler blade/bit=last longer.

mike

neolitic

Looove that template!
Give yourself a pat on the back
from me.

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Joe Wood

Thought you'd like that template :-) Probably saved us from alot of waste, being able to cut the decking one time. When finished, we ended up with one 14" long piece as extra, that's cutting it real close!

Here are two more shots of it when it was still full length ..

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RobertCDF

As one who uses Correct Deck CX on a daily basis I can tell you the best way to go is a LOWER tooth count. I use 6 TPI on the jigsaw and it helps them last a little longer. I use 24 tooth in the 7 1/4 Circ and I try to get 24 tooth for the table and chop saws. All diablo blades except the jigsaw. I use bosch progressors for the jigsaw.

If you need to rip with a circ or table saw the blade will overheat fast. If you can keep the blade coming out of the material 1/2"+ it will help keep it cooler. Also on the jigsaw if you have the orbital seting then use it. I have a 0-4 and usually have it on 3 till I need it to be dead nuts. Then I will set it to 0.

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Joe Wood

Appreciate that info Robert. Yep, we were using the progressors for the jigsaw, but man! Unbelievable how quickly they dulled!

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John Hyatt

Looking Good Joe Mon! I am loving that old scrib and the top handle tool box. Tools like that keep a Man remembering where he came from.

I am still pluging along with the S American lumber trying my best to stay away from the man made, it probley easy for me with the George only two days shipping away. J.

Joe Wood

Oh yea, my old tool box. Made that back in '77 ..

OMG JohnMon! That's over 30 years ago!

I've replaced the bottom twice, but other then that it's still hangin in there, toting tools around ..

just like you and me! :-)

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neolitic

Looks like about the same time you bought
that Porter-Cable!
Least that's when I bought one
that looked like that.
Wonder how many of those green toy store
looking ones will last that long.

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MartyCD

Nice project! Wish I had a hot tub like that.
It is true we do recommend fewer teeth - it makes the blade clear better. When it gums up in the gullets that's when it complains. Sometimes you can get a little extra life out of blades by spraying them with silicone which is usually sold for sunroof slides, etc (I buy it at NAPA). It keeps the material from sticking to the blades.
If projects like this ever call for it, we do offer a router bit which matches the Fastenator. So you can rout the groove in a ripped board, etc. You can get it on the website, or if any of you regular posters want one just PM me and I'll send you one.
Marty

Joe Wood

Ouuu, I have need of one Marty. Don't see any way to PM you though.

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neolitic

Click on his name.
Then click on "Send
a private message...."

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Joe Wood

Hey Marty, can you recommend a specific Bosch saber saw blade?

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