Freud LU87R012 12 in. Thin Kerf Rip Blade

The Freud LU87R012 12 in. Thin Kerf Rip Blade is built for woodworkers, cabinet shops, and contractors who need a dedicated ripping blade that does not waste power. This is a table saw blade designed for ripping hardwood and softwood. Model Number LU87R012. With a 12 inch diameter, 30-tooth ripping layout, and 1 inch arbor, it is aimed at table saws and radial arm saws that need fast feed rates, less strain on the motor, and dependable cut quality in solid wood.

What makes this blade matter is the thin kerf. Freud rates it at .094 inch, which means the blade removes less material than a full-kerf blade. In real shop terms, that gives you two clear advantages: the saw works less to make the cut, and you waste less stock. If you are using an underpowered saw, that matters right away. Feed pressure stays more manageable, the motor does not feel as loaded, and you can keep moving through rip cuts without forcing the tool.

The tooth layout is set up for ripping, not general-purpose compromise. The 30-tooth design, paired with a 20 degree hook angle, helps the blade pull through long grain quickly and clear chips efficiently. That is the right setup when the job is turning rough or dimensioned lumber into usable parts. Freud also calls out this blade for heavy-duty ripping on underpowered saws, which tells you exactly where it earns its keep: repeated rip cuts where feed speed and reduced motor load matter more than ultra-fine crosscut finish.

Freud uses its TiCo HI-Density Carbide ripping blend for the cutting edges, and that is not just brochure language. Better carbide matters because ripping creates heat and steady edge wear, especially in hardwood. A good carbide formula holds an edge longer and gives you more usable life before sharpening. The larger tooth format also supports repeat sharpening over time, which is a practical advantage if this blade is going to live on a shop saw instead of being treated like a disposable accessory.

The blade also uses Freud's Perma-Shield non-stick coating. On the job, that helps reduce blade drag and heat buildup while also fighting off corrosion and pitch accumulation. Resin and pitch are what turn a good blade into a sluggish one, especially when you are ripping a lot of construction lumber or softer species. A coated blade that stays cleaner runs smoother, puts less stress on the saw, and needs less time at the cleaning bench.

Freud lists the ideal working range as 3/4 inch to 2-3/4 inch material thickness. That gives you a clear idea of where this blade performs best: typical hardwood and softwood ripping, thick stock processing, and routine table saw work in a cabinet shop or serious home shop. It is also shown as suitable for plywood and OSB in Freud's application markings, though its real sweet spot is straight ripping in solid wood rather than finish-grade sheet good work where a finer tooth count would usually be the better call.

Compatibility is straightforward. The Freud LU87R012 12 in. Thin Kerf Rip Blade fits saws that take a 12 inch blade with a 1 inch arbor, and manufacturer and supplementary data both point to table saws and radial arm saws as the intended platforms. If your saw can accept those dimensions, this blade gives you a dedicated ripping setup instead of asking a combination blade to do everything halfway well.

Who should buy it? Anyone doing a lot of rip work in wood and wanting faster, easier feeding from a lower-power or older saw. If you mostly crosscut trim, cut melamine, or need polished finish surfaces straight off the saw, this is not the first blade to reach for. But if your day involves breaking down hardwood, softwood, chipboard, plywood, or OSB with an emphasis on ripping efficiency, this blade is built for that exact job.

Diameter 12 in Tooth Count 30 Arbor Size 1 in Kerf .094 in Plate Thickness .071 in Hook Angle 20° Ideal Material Thickness 3/4 in to 2-3/4 in Weight 1 lb

Freud LU87R012 12 in. Thin Kerf Rip Blade for saws that need a little help

This is a smart buy if you want a real ripping blade that lets a modest table saw cut like it has more muscle than it does.

• Who it's for: Woodworkers and contractors doing repeat rip cuts in hardwood or softwood, especially on older, smaller, or lower-horsepower saws.
• Why it stands out: The thin kerf reduces load, the carbide is built for ripping, and the coating helps the blade stay cleaner and run cooler.
• Worth knowing: This is a purpose-built rip blade, not your finish crosscut blade. If your work leans toward fine plywood edges or trim-grade crosscuts, keep a second blade around.

• What kind of saw does this blade fit? It is intended for saws that accept a 12 inch blade with a 1 inch arbor, including table saws and radial arm saws.
• What material is this blade designed to cut? It is designed for wood, with manufacturer information focused on ripping hardwood and softwood. Supplementary application info also points to plywood and OSB use.
• Why choose a thin kerf ripping blade? A thin kerf removes less material, which helps the saw cut with less effort, improves feed rate, and reduces waste.
• What stock thickness is it best for? Freud lists the ideal working range as 3/4 inch to 2-3/4 inch thick material.