This blade excels at heavy-duty ripping of hardwoods and softwoods, delivering what Freud calls “glue-line” finish without additional sanding or jointing. At 4.9 out of 5 stars across approximately 40 reviews, contractors consistently report ultra-smooth cuts often described as “glue-line” ready and extremely low vibration without the use of dampeners.
Worth it for cabinet shops and contractors running high-volume ripping operations. The laser-cut anti-vibration slots dramatically lower vibration and sideways movement, eliminating the need for stabilizers. The precision-balanced blade body provides stability in high-volume and gang-rip operations.
Skip it if you’re cutting stock thinner than ¾”. The blade may struggle with thin stock (below 3/4”) compared to general-purpose blades. This is a specialized ripping blade engineered for an ideal thickness range of 3/4 inch to 2-3/4 inches.
Cutting Performance and Specifications
The numbers tell the story on this blade’s ripping focus:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 10 inches |
| Tooth Count | 24 |
| Kerf | 0.126 inch (3.2mm) |
| Plate Thickness | 0.087 inch (2.2mm) |
| Hook Angle | 20 degrees |
| Grind Type | FTG (Flat Top Grind) |
| Max RPM | 7,000 RPM (typical for Freud industrial 10” blades) |
| Arbor Size | 5/8 inch |
That 0.126” kerf is thick by today’s standards. You’re sacrificing material to get rigidity. The trade-off makes sense for production shops where blade deflection costs more than sawdust. The 20-degree hook angle pulls aggressively through material — exactly what you want for ripping.
The FTG (Flat Top Grind) teeth are the key to that glue-line finish. Unlike alternate top bevel teeth that score the wood fibers, flat-top teeth shear them cleanly. The extra-large flat-top tooth design provides a smooth, ‘glue-line’ finish without additional sanding or jointing.
Vibration Control and Build Quality
Laser-cut anti-vibration slots dramatically lower vibration and sideways movement, eliminating the need for stabilizers. That’s not marketing fluff. Users consistently mention extremely low vibration without the use of dampeners.
The combination of 0.087 inch (2.2mm) plate thickness and precision-balanced blade body for stability in high-volume and gang-rip operations creates a blade that runs true even under heavy feed rates. Gang-rip operations push multiple boards through simultaneously — any blade flex multiplies across the stack.
Perma-SHIELD Non-Stick Coating (Red) reduces blade drag, protects against corrosion, and prevents pitch buildup. In Montana’s variable humidity, that coating matters. Spring’s 94% humidity in places like Libby can cause rapid pitch accumulation on uncoated blades. Users note the effective non-stick coating reduces cleaning frequency.
Premium TiCo High-Density Carbide Ripping Blend for maximum performance and longevity backs up the durability claims. Reviews consistently mention long-lasting sharpness due to high-density carbide.
Applications and Comparisons
Machine compatibility includes stationary table saws, portable table saws, and radial arm saws. Suitable materials include hardwoods, softwoods, chip board, plywood, and laminates.
Freud positions several alternatives:
- LM74R010: 30-tooth ‘Glue Line’ ripping blade provides an even smoother finish but is slightly slower than the 24-tooth LM72R010
- LU87R010: Thin-kerf 24-tooth ripping blade requires less power and reduces material waste, but lacks the extreme rigidity of the heavy-duty LM72R010
The thin-kerf option tempts budget-conscious contractors. Don’t fall for it if you’re running production. That material savings vanishes the first time blade deflection ruins a glue-up.
The Limited Lifetime Warranty covers defects in material and workmanship for the life of the tool but does not cover damage from misuse, normal wear and tear, or improper sharpening. Freud recommends using a Freud Certified Sharpener to maintain warranty and performance.
Maintenance tips include keeping the blade clean of pitch and resin using dedicated blade cleaner, inspecting carbide teeth for chips regularly, and using certified sharpening services.
FAQ
What’s the minimum material thickness this blade can handle? The minimum thickness is 3/4 inch. The blade may struggle with thin stock (below 3/4”) compared to general-purpose blades.
Does this blade really eliminate the need for edge jointing? Users report the extra-large flat-top tooth design provides a smooth, ‘glue-line’ finish without additional sanding or jointing, with cuts often described as ‘glue-line’ ready.
How often does the coating need cleaning? Users note the effective non-stick coating reduces cleaning frequency compared to uncoated blades. Actual intervals depend on the wood species and moisture content.
Can this blade work on a portable job site saw? Yes, the blade is compatible with portable table saws. However, the heavy plate and aggressive hook angle work best with saws that have adequate power.
What’s the actual model number — LM70R010 or LM72R010? The provided search results for ‘LM70R010’ exclusively yield the model ‘LM72R010’, which matches the 10-inch 24-tooth carbide blade specification.
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