For those of you that are not happy with either the quality or the service that Forrest is putting out these days please READ ON! I have been a Forrest user for over 30 years and have no complaints about them. They do make a good blade. However, I have been reading postings recentely about dis-satisfied customers complaining about one thing or another.
About two years ago I needed to go to Fall River, MA to buy a few 10" saw blades for a new table saw in addition to my 16" Tannewitz XJ which I use in the mill for most work but has a 1 1/8" stub arbor and 14" diameter blades. While going through the selection of blades an older gentleman approached me and before you know it I was listening to this man for almost an hour talking about saw blades and his years experience in making them. He was the founder of the store called "Burns Tools" which began in 1934. He is a master saw blade maker who has many years of experience. He was talking to me about hand hammering blades which is an art long gone. I was facinated with Mr. Burns as he is a walking encyclopedia on this subject.
Now here is the best part> This man IS THE INVENTOR of the saw blade that "Forrest" sells as the WoodworkerII. I cannot remember exactly how Marshall's innovative idea got into the hands of the Forrest folks but it did and they have capitalized on his idea for years now. It's a shame. Anyway, he, his sons and grandson run BurnsTools in Fall River, MA. They sell power tools and supplies to the construction trades. In their factory, they also custom make the exact saw blade that Forrest makes in addition to other styles. If you are looking for another source of excellent saw blades I strongly recommend that you check them out on their website or call them @ 508-675-0381. Their store is located at 350 Mariano S Bishop Blvd. in Fall River, MA
02721. Tell them that Charles of Charles & Son sent you. You will not be disappointed. Their service dept. for sharpening is tops and their turn around time is one week. Ask for Marshall Burns, he is a wonderful man and a pleasure to talk with. All of the folks there are super people as well.Cheers, Gusty