I am trying to make some pull-out drawers for my kitchen cabinets and I am using 1/2" White Maple plywood that is finished on both sides. I have a 10" melamine 80 tooth blade which rips the material fairly well, but I am having some chipping with the crosscuts? Actually the chipping seams to be the thin finish itself? Is there a better blade that you could recommend for this material?
-John
Media, PA
Our Expert
I suggest that you begin by switching to the Amana Tool Double-Face Melamine Blade no.MSB1080. Unlike most other melamine blades, this blade has a sharper, 35 degree, bevel angle on the tooth tip.
Next, I'd take a close look at the saw; make certain that the saw is properly tuned. The blade should be absolutely parallel to the miter gauge slot. Also, I recommend that you use a zero-clearance throat plate and replace it as soon as it shows signs of wear. Finally, use a slow feed rate so that each tooth takes a small "bite".
