With decades of combined experience covering the latest news, reviewing the greatest gear, and advising you on your next car purchase, The Drive, is the leading authority on all things automotive.
The Drive and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Read more.
If you do a lot of woodworking, you need high-quality saw blades to complete your projects. There are also saw blades that are designed to cut metal, brick, and other materials. However, if you want a premium product, expect to invest a little bit of money. It can be challenging to choose the best of the best because there are so many options available.
In our buying guide below, we list some of the best saw blades you can use in conjunction with various saws—from table saws to circular saws and miter saws. No matter what your project requires, you need a top-notch blade to get it done right. We've done the research so you can spend more time on your project and less time figuring out which saw blade is right for you.
Freud 100 Tooth Diablo Ultra Fine Circular Saw Blade
This ultra-fine circular saw blade cuts wood and wood composites and is designed for 12-inch miter saws and slide miter saws.
High performance. Cuts effortlessly through wood. Withstands impact.
Doesn’t cut all material—such as wood laminate—very well. Dulls over time.
Grinder Wood Carving Disc GRAFF Speedcutter Circular Saw Blade
This circular saw blade is made for an angle grinder to carve, sculpt, and shape wood, including plywood, parquet, laminated flooring, etc.
Anti-kickback design. Won’t overheat during continual use. High rotation speed.
Not for beginners. Throws a lot of chips. May not clear some guards.
DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch 60-Tooth Circular Saw Blade
This 7 1/4-inch saw blade is designed for corded and corded circular saws and is great for framing, cross-cutting, and fine finish work.
Consistent smooth, clean cuts. Impact resistant and long-lasting. Tough and wear-resistant.
You may need to use tape to prevent rough edges. Blade may wander during long cuts.
If you do a lot of woodworking, you need high-quality saw blades to complete your projects. There are also saw blades that are designed to cut metal, brick, and other materials. However, if you want a premium product, expect to invest a little bit of money. It can be challenging to choose the best of the best because there are so many options available.
In our buying guide below, we list some of the best saw blades you can use in conjunction with various saws—from table saws to circular saws and miter saws. No matter what your project requires, you need a top-notch blade to get it done right. We've done the research so you can spend more time on your project and less time figuring out which saw blade is right for you.
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
If you want a table saw blade that can be used for most projects look for a general-purpose blade that can cross-cut and tackle hardwood with ease. You know you have a good blade if it can cross-cut double-sided plywood with minimal splintering. More expensive general-purpose or combination blades tend to be a little better quality.
A dado blade kit can create grooves in wood that are up to 3/4-inches wide. If you design furniture or make cabinets, you need this type of blade system to make grooves, notches, and rabbets. Dado kits make a flat bottom cut, which is required for furniture and cabinet joints, as well as box joints.
If you're a more experienced woodworker, you should add a ripping blade to your toolbox. It's a good option if you plan on cutting slots for decorative splines because the flat teeth produce a crisp, flat-bottomed groove and create extra-smooth edges. Ripping blades cut along the grain, so it's not a good option if you plan on cross-cutting since they cut materials quickly.
If you plan on cutting across the grain and want to avoid splintering and burning, you need a cross-cutting blade. A good 10-inch one, for example, will feature 60 to 80 teeth (the more, the better). Some, such as Triple Chip Grind (TCG) blades, are not as effective on solid wood but are fine for cutting chipboard, melamine, and plywood.
If you plan on cutting tile and slate, a continuous-rim blade will do the job. Continuous-rim blades are a type of diamond-edged blade with actual diamonds on the edges that enable it to cut specific materials and produce a clean finish. It's important to note that some are designed solely for dry cutting, while others are for wet cutting, and still more can do both.
This type of blade is also a diamond blade, but it has a serrated rim and is designed to cut materials such as brick and concrete. A turbo-rim blade is more aggressive than a continuous-rim blade, and the cut won't be as clean. Again, some are designed for dry cutting, while others work in both dry and wet applications.
Based in Atlanta, Ga., Diablo got its start in 1990 and produces cutting tools and abrasives for DIYers and contractors in its technologically advanced facilities. It produces products like saw blades, hammer drill bits, sanding belts, and more.
Based in Belarus, GRAFF designs high-quality blades for wood and metal. Its products are sold all over the world in countries such as the United States, Canada, England, Germany, and Russia. One top product is the GRAFF Speedcutter angle grinder blade.
DeWalt, which is headquartered in Towson, Md., has been in business since the 1920s. It manufacturers a wide variety of power tools, hand tools, and accessories, including saw blades.
Freud was founded in Italy in 1950, and Freud America, Inc., has been making carbide cutting tools for the woodworking industry for over 50 years. It's known for its MicroGrain Carbide with Titanium known as TiCo. We recommend the Freud 10" Super Dado Set.
Different saw blades are designed for different applications. Typically, bigger blades are required for heavy-duty projects. Also, consider your saw: if you have a smaller circular saw, for example, you will need to use a smaller blade. They can range in size from 8 to 12 inches in diameter—just make sure the blade is compatible with your saw.
The number of teeth correlates to the type of material you plan on cutting. For example, circular saw blades can cut wood and metal, and you can find products with 40 to 60 teeth that can get the job done. If you choose a blade with a higher number of teeth, it will create sharper and more precise results.
This is vital because the arbor size needs to match your particular saw. In general, the standard arbor size is 5/8 inch. However, some saws have a 7/8-inch arbor. The purpose of the arbor, or shaft, is to hold the saw blade. For example, the arbor is 5/8 inch in diameter on a saw that uses an 8- or 10-inch blade.
More on Home & Power Tools
If you need to cut wood and wood composite pieces and minimize sanding time, check out the Freud D12100X 100 Tooth Diablo Ultra Fine Circular Saw Blade. It's designed for 12-inch miter saws and slide miter saws. This high-performance blade has a thin laser-cut kerf, a nonstick coating, laser-cut stabilizer vents, and tri-metal shock-resistant brazing. The blade effortlessly cuts through wood, and the high-density carbide tips can withstand extreme impact and stay sharp for extended periods. The Parma-Shield coating protects the blade from getting too hot and from gumming up and corroding, while the vents stabilize and control the blade.
Overall, it produces finished cuts with no chipout. However, it may not be a good blade to cut wood laminate flooring, and it can dull quicker than some other brands.
The multi-function GRAFF Speedcutter Circular Saw Blade is 4 1/2 inches and made for an angle grinder. You can use it for various woodworking projects that require carving, sculpting, or shaping wood and materials such as plywood, parquet, plasterboard, MDF, chipboard, etc. It features three tungsten carbide teeth and has an anti-kickback design. Certified by MPA Hannover, this woodworking saw blade won't overheat when used continuously. It has a high rotation speed of 13200 RPM. The blade will do whatever you ask of it, so make sure you wear personal protective equipment for safety.
One thing to note is that this blade is best for experienced grinder users as it takes some finesse to use it properly, and it throws a lot of chips. Also, it may not clear the guard on some 4 1/2-inch angle grinders.
The DeWalt 7-1/4-Inch 60-Tooth Circular Saw Blade is designed for framing and cross-cutting as well as fine finish projects. It can be used with both corded and cordless circular saws. The body slots minimize vibration, while the thin kerf design promotes smoother cuts. The high-density tungsten carbide teeth are tough, durable, and wear-resistant. The blade also features an anti-stick coating to prevent friction and gumming, and the reinforced shoulder resists impact caused by nail-embedded wood. Overall, it makes precise cuts without chips or jagged areas, works well on various projects, and lasts a long time. It produces consistently clean cuts on everything from hardwoods to pressure-treated 2x4s.
While this saw blade cuts quickly, it can leave a slightly rough edge on some materials, so you may want to put tape along the cut line. It may also wander when you're making a long cut.
TPI, 14 TPI, 18 TPI, and 24 TPI blades that can be used for a variety of applications on a wide range of materials, including drywall, plastic, metal, and wood. No matter what type of reciprocating saw you use, these blades are compatible. They feature a raker tooth design, which enables optimal tooth contact for quicker cuts. They're great light-duty blades that can cut through 2x4s, plywood, thin hardwood, and sheet metal without a problem.
One downside is that they can wear down pretty fast if you use them frequently on a high setting. However, this isn't uncommon with saw blades in general, so they don't stand out in that regard.
The DeWalt 8-Inch 24-Tooth Stacked Dado Set features four 1/8-inch, one 1/16-inch, and one 3/32-inch chippers. The set is made for professional cabinet makers and woodworkers. The heavy-gauge, laser-cut plates are designed to make accurate cuts and feature micro-grain carbide teeth to minimize splintering. Four tooth chippers make smooth, flat bottom cuts, while stainless steel shims let you make ultra-fine width adjustments. You can use these blades on hardwood, softwood, plywood, and melamine to make dado cuts, rabbet cuts, and half-lap joints.
The dado set comes in a heavy-duty storage case, so the teeth are protected from chips and other damage. If you have a zero clearance plate, this blade produces zero-edge chipping or tear-out. One downside is that the shim thicknesses are a little hard to see.
This combo pack includes two Craftsman 10-Inch Miter Saw Blades, making them an excellent budget buy. They feature induction-brazed carbide tips for a longer lifespan, and the heat-treated plates prevent the blades from warping. An economical choice, these blades have precision-ground teeth that produce smooth and accurate cuts. They also have a corrosion-resistant coating for durability. Users love the low cost of these blades as well as their performance. They work well in saws such as Craftsman chop saws and cut cleanly and quickly.
While they are not a top-of-the-line product, they are an excellent deal for the price. One problem is it can be irritating to remove the gooey adhesive from the blades. They also don't work particularly well on tough, dense wood.
The Oshlun 8-Inch 42 Tooth Stack Dado Set comes in a storage case and is for use with table and radial saws. It is designed for woodworkers who want to make premium cuts without paying a premium price. This 16-piece blade set features high-tooth count blades and chippers that create smooth bottom dado cuts from 1/4 inch to 28/32 inch. The C-4 micro grain tungsten carbide tips cut through hardwood, softwood, and plywood, while the full-body chippers are simple to set up and produce less vibration than rival brands with wing-style chippers. A shim set is also included to make fine adjustments.
The manufacturer notes that the outer edges will feature small score marks to prevent tear out and splintering. One problem is that some users received cardboard boxes instead of a hard storage case.
A: If you want an extra-smooth finish for fine work (such as moldings), consider 80 to 100-tooth hi-ATB blades. If you want a clean-cut in MDF, melamine, and plywood, a 40-60-tooth ATB blade will work just fine.
A: Blades with fewer teeth will cut faster, but you’ll have rougher edges as a result. The more teeth a blade has, the slower the saw will work, but the surface will have a cleaner finish.
A: Buy a cleaner that's designed for blades, particularly a neutral pH cleaner. You can also use warm water and a mild dish detergent if the blade has a corrosion-resistant coating. First, soak the blade. Then scrub the teeth with a nylon-bristle brush. Repeat as required until the dirt deposits are removed. Dry the blade, and use a rust preventative spray or oil on it.
Our pick for the best saw blade is the Freud 100 Tooth Diablo Ultra Fine Circular Saw Blade. Designed for 12-inch miter saws and slide miter saws, this blade features high-density carbide tips and cuts through wood with little effort. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Grinder Wood Carving Disc GRAFF Speedcutter Circular Saw Blade.
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox.
© 2022 Recurrent Ventures. All Rights Reserved.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.