Forrest Finger Joint Set - Unboxing, Testing, and Review

I picked up a Forrest finger joint set to accompany the new finger-joint jig that I'm building, and this video shows the blade in action cutting a variety of woods, both with and across the grain. You'll also see comparative cuts with a Freud 6" Super Dado. I feature the Forrest FJ08242 in this video, but it would apply equally to the FJ08241 and FJ08243 sets. The FJ08241 does 3/16" and 5/16" wide cuts, the FJ08242 does 1/4" and 3/8", and the FJ08243 does all four.
This video is not sponsored. I paid for everything, and used my own time. You can find Forrest blades at www.forrestblades.com/. Pro tip: If you use Microsoft Edge as your browser, you might get a prompt at the top of the browser window if another website offers a lower price on the item you're viewing.
This isn't a Forrest vs. Freud video, because I would need two identically-purposed blades for that, but since the Forrest finger-joint and Freud dado blades used in the video are both high-quality, and perform similar functions, I use them to compare the differences between the two types of wide-kerf blade-set choices. It goes without saying that the results might have been different if I was using different brands. If you have some additional experience to share, leave a comment.
You can find pictures of things that I build on Instagram:
/ thesnekkershow
For anyone wondering about the chipped tooth shown on the Forrest blade, I contacted the company, and they quickly sent me a warranty replacement. It's always nice to see an outstanding product backed by an outstanding warranty.
There are pros and cons to the various wide-kerf blade choices, and these are some of my opinions:
* Flat-grind finger-joint set *
Pros:
- Costs about the same as a 10" sawblade, but you get two blades.
- You get two (or four) width configurations with one kit.
- Flat grind does not leave scoring marks on your finished project.
Cons:
- No scoring cutters could potentially cause tear-out in cross-grain cuts.
- More expensive than router bits.
- If you need a wider cut, multiple passes are needed.
* Dado stack *
Pros:
- Can be configured for a variety of material widths.
- Scoring cutters can reduce tear-out in certain materials.
- Only one pass required unless you need to go wider than the blade's limit.
Cons:
- Can take more effort to set up, especially if shims are needed.
- Scoring cutters can leave visible machine marks on your finished project.
- Chipper blades usually have fewer teeth, which can cause tear-out.
- More expensive than router bits.
* Regular #1 flat-grind sawblade *
Pros:
- Cuts narrow corner splines in a single pass, or wider grooves with multiple passes.
- In some cases, can be less expensive than a wide-kerf set.
- Normally can function as a regular ripping blade.
- Flat grind is less prone to blade flutter than alternate top bevel (ATB).
Cons:
- If you need to cut wide kerfs, you need to make a lot of passes.
- High-quality blades might cost the same as a wide-kerf set.
- More expensive than router bits.
* Router bit *
Pros:
- Inexpensive compared to a new sawblade.
- Cuts the same width each time.
- More expensive spiral-cut bits can make a very clean cut.
Cons:
- Sharpening reduces the diameter slightly.
- Cutting to the side can shift workpieces if not secured.
- Tear-out can happen on the side of the joint, which can be harder to hide.
* Handsaw and chisel *
Pros:
- Satisfying
- Bragging rights
- Distraction from life
Cons:
- Takes forever
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
4:05 Unwrapping and comparison
8:21 End cut test
11:12 Edge cut test
14:14 Test results
25:50 Conclusion

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

Great the audio gain is much better! I bought this set several weeks ago! 😁🛫

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Good to hear (no pun intended). Thanks again for letting me know so I could get it fixed and republished early. How are you liking the new blade so far?

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

@@TheSnekkerShow thank you for the reply, I have to say I have not had opportunity to put it work due to other on going projects😀🛫

[@TheSnekkerShow]

@@TheFalconJetDriver Yeah, I know that feeling. It's the curse of the working man to be able to buy new tools, but not have enough time to use them.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

@@TheSnekkerShow I am retired now and have even less time to do what I want!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Good point on the undersize blade. I do that sometimes with my Freud dado… just because I don’t like to change over! This was an excellent review. Thanks

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@SteveMaskery]

Hello, Mr. Snekker. Thank you for referencing my Finger-Joint jig. It's very much appreciated. P.S. Good, isn't it? :)

[@TheSnekkerShow]

My pleasure. I was going to post a comment on your video to let you know, but it looks like KZbin beat me to it. I recently discovered your channel while searching for finger-joint-jig ideas, and it looks like you have far fewer subscribers than you should. - Ben

[@SteveMaskery]

@@TheSnekkerShow It was one of my customers who alerted me, actually. Yes, it's hard to get followers, we are so dependent on YT putting us out there. Good luck.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

@@SteveMaskery I didn't see you on Instagram, but I gave you a mention there as well. The first set of joints turned out just as I hoped. instagram.com/p/CVeU9mTLSSE/