My first thought was to try to steer you toward a Grizzly (dang good saw), but after reading more thought better of it

IMO a smaller diameter blade will not help, you'll have lower tooth speed. A thin kerf RIPPING blade is good, the Diablo is great, but don't expect to find someone local that can sharpen it. I use a Freud Glue Line ripping blade on my Grizzly, and it performs very nicely ripping 8/4 purple heart, cedar/basswood is no challenge.

Also, with the thin kerf blades, a blade stabilizer will help keep the blade from vibrating out of plane. And keep the blade clean of resin.

: I used a 5 1/4 blade that I had reamed out to 5/8 to fit on a belt
: drive contractor saw. It wouldn't reach high enough on my direct
: drive saw. Sped it up to the max safespeed of 7000 rpm and man
: did that work sweet. I suspect the 4 inch blade will not have
: the depth required. A 6 1/4lblade may be an option. The TS 2400
: Rigid saw is a good solid unit that is very strong.

: One question beside a sharp blade, is the electrical hookup on the
: saw. If the voltage is low or you have a light and or long
: extension cord it causes the motor to work harder and heat very
: quickly.

: Don