: Can anyone tell me is there are thin kerf saw blades around like the freud
: diablo 7 1/2 inch blade but with a 1" arbor ?

: Thanks,

: George

"Thin Kerf" is a relative term not an absolute measurement. A saw with a 1" arbor is meant to take 12 inch or 14 inch sawblades. Those are pretty thick, and a "thin kerf" blade in that diameter would be close to the standard kerf size of a standard 7 1/4 inch blade. While you'll get some savings (less lumber turned to sawdust) with a large diameter (12" or 14" thin kerf blade) it won't be quite as good as using a smaller diameter blade.

Freud makes a "Diablo" thin kerf blade in 12 inch diameter with a 1 inch arbor hole, for miter saws. The thickness of the blade is about .09, which is under and 1/8th of an inch, so you'll get some savings and it will cut easier. These should be fairly easy to find. Ace hardware has them listed online, and if they've got 'em, then any store that deals in sawblades should be able to find one for you. Here is the URL for their website: http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(so3fbs55011p0lagtorgg03n)/ProductDetails.aspx?SKU=2131563

Dewalt also has a 12 inch thin kerf blade: DEWALT DW3128 BLADE SAW THINKERF 12"80T which is on Ace Hardware's site at: http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(so3fbs55011p0lagtorgg03n)/ProductDetails.aspx?SKU=2092088

I couldn't find a reducing adapter which would go on the end of your arbor and let you use blades with 5/8" arbor holes. I've probably seen them somewhere, but if they are no longer on the market it wouldn't surprise me. Such a setup might be a bit floppy, which is not what you want for clean cuts, or safety.

On the other hand, I have heard of people who drill out the arbor holes on sawblades so they can use them on saws with larger arbors. If you have a drill press and some good clamps, chuck a 5/8 steel rod, or drill bit, in the drill press and use that to get the blade centered. Then clamp that blade in place, insert a 1" drill bit, and pray it doesn't go off center--cause if you screw up, the store won't take that blade back and let you exchange it for another one.

If this sounds too daunting, a machine shop might do the work for you for a nominal fee. Considering that a 7 1/4 inch thin kerf blade is available for under $12, while that 12" one is about $35. If the machine shop charged you as much as $20 for drilling one hole (probably closer to $5 to $10), you'd still be dollars ahead, and you'd have a thinner kerf. And you'd have a contact with someone who could do the job on other blades in the future, which might let you get some good 10" blades at bargain prices and use them on your saw.

Just a thought. Hope this helps

PGJ