[mgmine]

I wouldn't get too hung up on your first blade. Whatever came with your saw will last you a good long time unless you hit some nails with it. You will do mainly ripping with a table saw and a 24-tooth blade will stay cooler. A 60 tooth blade isn't necessary and will not rip solid lumber that well. As for the riving knife (and the blade guard) they are the first thing to be removed on a saw. I'm not saying that it's good to remove them but they get in the way so that is why they are removed.