Is the blade on my Dewalt Miter saw ok for cutting 3/4" hardwood or should I upgrade and if I do; what do I upgrade to. I read on another forum that they recommended a Forrest Chop Master; however I noticed they were $100; any other suggestions.

I am also interested in this question. I have santos mahogany.

I buy a bunch of the 10-inch, 60 tooth, Carbide, made by Lifetime, from Harbor Freight Tools, when they are on sale, for $9.99 ea. reg. $19.99

They actually last longer then any expensive blade I have bought. It has been awhile since I have changed the blade.

If you are doing only the end cuts and the ends are to be covered later with the trims, you should be OK with the rough cut saw blade. If not, I will go with Freud/Avanti with at least 80 teeth.

Yep most of if not all cut ends will be covered by trim. If the blade is smoking you need a new one but a 80 tooth carbide is a little bit of overkill for the weekend warrior.

A 40 tooth 10" carbide tip blade is satisfactory for installing. The trick to making clean cuts is to not cut too fast, back up the board and wait till the blade comes to a stop before raising the handle.