New Freud Next Generation Premier Fusion Saw Blade

Freud has come out with a new combination saw blade that they claim is the best general purpose saw blade on the market. They have made improvements to their 10″ Premier Fusion blade in both full kerf (P410) and thin kerf (P410T) styles.

Freud is branding the new blade as the Next Generation Premier Fusion Blade. Retailers might still have the previous blade style in stock, and since Freud hasn’t changed the model number, you should look for their Next Generation markings.

Freud describes these blades as having a radical tooth geometry that produces an incredibly smooth and polished surface finish with minimal friction or resistance.

The improved blades are engineered with a new Fusion Trio tooth design that features a special grind for each tooth’s top, sides, and face. There’s a high angle 30° ATB grind at the top side of each tooth, a double-sided (dual bevel) grind at each side, and an axial shear face grind on each face.

The high angle ATB grind is said to provide clean top and bottom cuts in all materials, including plywood and melamine materials which are especially prone to tearout, the double side grind is said to provide a polished surface with better-than-220-grit-sanded smoothness, and the axial shear face grind is said to dramatically improve the feed rate by up to 30% and reduce power draw by up to 35%.

Freud says that the blade provides smooth and clean rips cuts and cross cuts in hardwoods, softwoods, thick lumber, laminates, melamine, and even plywood.

Additional features include Freud’s TiCo high-density carbide alloy (teeth only),their red Perma-Shield blade coating that reduces friction, blade drag, corrosion, and pitch buildup, and laser-cut vibration slots that help to extend blade life and reduce sideways movement that could cause splinters.

Woodworkers can use this blade in miter saws, table saws, or radial arm saws.

Cutting Capacity: 3/8″ to 3-1/2″ crosscuts, and 3/4″ to 1-1/2″ rip cuts.

The 10″ blades have 40 teeth with an 18° hook angle, and a 5/8″ arbor hole.

It looks like the pricing is the same as with the previous style of Premier Fusion blades. Freud has a list of local suppliers that are now carrying the Next Generation blades.

More Info(via Freud)

Why no “buy now” link? Since the new blade style shares model numbers with the older style blades, you’ll want to buy this in-person where you can confirm that you’re getting the new blade.

Looking for something different? Here’s our review of Diablo combination, general purpose, and ripping saw blades.

First Thoughts

It’s a bold move for Freud to call this the best general purpose blade on the market, but our experience with the brand makes me optimistic and trustworthy.

The one niggle I have is that Freud reused the model number, making it difficult for woodworkers and other users to ensure they’re buying one of the newer style blades online. Some of us don’t like having to trek out to the nearest lumberyard or supplier when there are better prices and to-your-door delivery options online. Plus, according to Freud’s dealer list, no store in at least a 50 mile radius carries these new blades yet.

One do-it-all saw blade means fewer blade changes, but dedicated crosscutting, rip cutting, and specialty material blades can often offer better performance.