12in Thin Kerf Rip Blade LU87R012 - Fast, Clean Rips

In this review the Freud LU87R012 12in x 30T Thin Kerf Rip Blade is evaluated for woodworkers who need fast, accurate ripping with minimal waste. The bottom line: this blade is for users who prioritize clean rip cuts and efficient material use, especially on lower-power saws. Its thin kerf and Premium TiCo high-density carbide teeth reduce waste and maintain edge life, while the Perma-SHIELD coating controls heat and pitch build-up so cuts stay consistent over longer runs.

Key Features

• Thin Kerf: The.094in kerf lets users feed stock faster and lose less material when ripping, which is helpful on underpowered saws.
• Premium Carbide Blend: The TiCo high-density carbide tips are designed to hold an edge longer and withstand repeated ripping through hardwoods and softwoods.
• Positive Hook Angle: The 20 degree hook angle helps the blade pull through material for fast cutting and easier feeding during long rip cuts.
• Perma-SHIELD Coating: The non-stick coating reduces blade drag, lowers heat buildup, and resists pitch and corrosion for cleaner performance over time.
• 30 Oversized Teeth: Thirty teeth with flat grind geometry provide a balance of aggressive feed and smooth finished faces suitable for glue-up after ripping.

Who It's For

The LU87R012 is best for hobbyists and professional carpenters who do a lot of ripping in hardwoods and softwoods, and for anyone using track saws or jobsite circular saws with lower horsepower. It excels when the goal is fast stock removal with a clean finish that often needs minimal sanding before glue-up.

People who primarily need ultra-fine crosscut finishes or those cutting a lot of non-wood materials should look elsewhere; this blade is optimized for ripping and general woodshop use rather than fine finish crosscutting or specialty composites.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thin kerf reduces waste and enables faster feed rates, especially on underpowered saws.
• Premium TiCo carbide teeth provide durable cutting edges and good wear resistance in hardwoods.
• Perma-SHIELD coating minimizes pitch build-up and reduces heat, keeping cuts cleaner longer.

Cons

• Thin kerf blades can be slightly less stable than full-kerf plates on heavy-duty industrial saws, so ripters with very powerful table saws may prefer a heavier plate.

Specifications

Brand	Freud
Model	LU87R012
Diameter	12in
Arbor	1in
Teeth	30
Kerf / Plate	.094in kerf /.071in plate
Hook Angle / Grind	20 degree hook / flat grind

Our Verdict

The Freud LU87R012 is a strong choice for anyone wanting fast, clean rips with minimal material loss. It offers good value for woodworkers using lower- to medium-power saws thanks to the thin kerf, durable TiCo carbide tips, and Perma-SHIELD coating, making it a reliable blade for production rip work and shop projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this blade work on a track saw?
Yes, the thin kerf and 1in arbor make it well suited to many track saws and portable circular saw setups for clean ripping.

Is this blade good for hardwoods?
Yes, the Premium TiCo carbide and 30 large teeth cut hardwood cleanly and hold up well under repeated use.

Does the coating reduce pitch build-up?
Yes, the Perma-SHIELD coating is designed to reduce pitch and corrosion, helping the blade run cooler and cleaner.