Does shopping for the best circular saw blade for plywood get stressful for you? Are you getting confused by the doubts inside your head? Does it feel impossible to make a buying decision?
We know how it is and that’s why we went on the hunt for a plywood saw blade. After our thorough research, we can now finally put forward an entire list of them along with our reviews, buying guide, frequently asked questions, and safety precautions.
So, get ready to be enlightened!
Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRWIN Tools Carbide Saw Blade | 5 out of 5 | |
| DEWALT 10-Inch Miter/Table Saw Blades | 5 out of 5 | |
Freud D12100X | 4.5 out of 5 | ||
| Concord Blades WCB0725T080HP 7-1/4” | 4 out of 5 | |
| Oshlun SBW-055036 5-1/2-Inch | 4.5 out of 5 |
10 Best Circular Saw Blade for Plywood in 2021
This section of the article will introduce you to the ultimate saw blades from the top manufacturers in the market. Keep reading to find out more!
1. IRWIN Tools MARATHON Plywood Cutting Blade
This is an upgrade from their previous models so you can expect a new and improved design. Its extremely thick hardened plate is the reason why the model is considered the best 7 ¼ circular saw blade for plywood. In addition, the increased thickness gives it stability so the unit won’t stray while being used.
However, the large thickness augments the time needed to cut through the plywood and feels a bit heavy which can be a hassle for beginners. To make up for this, they have made every tooth very skinny which is supposed to help accelerate the cuts.
Besides being an inexpensive blade, another benefit is that it lasts a long time due to its carbide teeth construction and reinforced wedge shoulder.
This is because they are high-quality materials that are resistant to corrosion, wear, and tear no matter what abuse you put it through.
Moreover, it comes with a heat vent and expansion slot to prevent heating up or any wobbly motions.
This coupled with its silicone coating ensures that the cuts are straighter and smoother every time without fail. It does not leave too much debris so you don’t have to worry about cleaning things up afterward.
Highlighted Features:
- Built from materials that increase its lifespan
- 24 very thin tooth blades for high-speed cutting
- Superb quality product at a reasonable price
- Cuts smoothly and without any vibrations
2. DEWALT 10-Inch Miter/Table Saw Blades
In the second position, we have nominated a miter/table saw blade from a highly popular brand called DEWALT for the best circular saw blade for plywood.
Other than plywood, you can also use it to cut softwood, hardwood, and chipboards. For any other job that requires a miter saw, we recommend this device that provides a refined finish.
It is constructed from robust tungsten carbide that upholds the sharpness of the blade for a long time, giving it a true edge. Hence, it also lasts longer than its counterparts. Furthermore, the unit has a 0.19” kerf, 5/8” arbor size, and carbide blade tips, all of which deliver a smooth cutting action at a fast pace.
The package includes two evenly spaced blades, one is a 60-teeth cross-cutting and the other is a 32-teeth general purpose blade.
They offer a special wedge shoulder design that allows the cut to be as fine as possible. When you’re cutting along the edges, there will be very little splinters.
No matter how long you use it, you won’t experience any vibrations or rough movements due to the plates being computer balanced. It improves precision to a great extent which is why many people enjoy using it.
Overall, this plywood cutting blade is stunning in every way. As it has a wide range of applications, you can definitely consider buying this.
Highlighted Features:
- Comes with two blades to serve different purposes
- Made from tungsten for durability and longtime sharpness
- Computer balanced plates create zero vibrations
- Thin kerf blade available at a low price
3. Freud D12100X 100 Tooth Saw Blade for Plywood
The Diablo 12-inch diameter circular saw blade is ideal for ultra-thin cuts on veneered plywood, melamine, wood, and wood composites. It is a combination blade because it can be used for multiple different purposes.
With its thin laser-cut kerf and non-stick coating, this blade is specially designed for aggressive and splinter-free cuts.
Another reason why it is able to give high-performance is due to its stabilizer vents and tri-metal shock-resistant brazing.
Both of them ensure no sound or vibration. In addition, the Parma-Shield coating prevents the blade from heating up too much or corroding easily.
The high-density carbide tips are capable of resisting extreme impacts without losing their degree of sharpness over the period of use.
You can use it with miter saws because this blade offers fine cuts with a reduced amp draw on tools. Hence, waste is minimized.
Although it is the best blade for cutting plywood, it cannot be used to laminate, and the model wears out quicker than typical blades. We still suggest every woodworker own this because it is a surefire way to get your job done flawlessly.
Highlighted Features:
- Combination blade that can be used for various purposes
- Stabilizer vent traps noise
- Carbide tips and thin kerf keep the blade sharp after impacts
- Delivers an accelerated feed in order to create low waste
4. Concord Blades WCB0725T080HP 7-1/4” Circular Saw Blade
With a steel body and 80 teeth titanium carbide tips, this saw blade for plywood guarantees durability and advanced precision. It cuts at the speed of 7500 RPM so you can effortlessly cut through hard materials. This multi-purpose blade can be used with hand, chop, or miter saws.
Each tooth is uniquely shaped and placed in such a way that avoids sawdust or splinters from getting caught between them. For this reason, it is considered to be a low maintenance blade.
The hook angle, at 15 degrees, is smaller than typical blades, to ensure there is a reduced amount of waste as well as premium quality cuts on the edges.
Additionally, the large number of teeth enables it to crosscut deeply through wood and laminate flooring. If you’re a DIY fanatic with a tight budget and time constraint, this is the perfect tool for you!
Unfortunately, the absence of vents creates unwanted noises and imbalance. It is also not ideal for ripping.
Although it lacks a few features, we have still put it on our best saw blades for plywood list because when it comes to tackling and manipulating different materials, it does not disappoint.
Highlighted Features:
- 80-teeth blade has an excellent tracking
- Small hook angle reduces feed pressure
- Offers useful features at an affordable price
- Cuts through hard materials efficiently
5. Oshlun SBW-055036 5-1/2-Inch Blade
For a decent finish and trimming purposes, we highly recommend the 36-tooth Oshlun saw blade. It does a wonderful job, mostly by itself because of its super-thin kerf.
The hook angle on the teeth allows you to cut at an increased rate without compromising on the level of accuracy or convenience.
The 5/8-inch arbor and 10-millimeter bushings are a great addition to this inexpensive tool which is suitable for less laborious tasks. Moreover, the micro-grain carbide construction plays a vital role in the precise cuts and durability.
It fits many saws such as Makita, Craftsman, Ryobi, Stil, etc. because of how well-designed it is. Even after multiple uses, the unit will still not wear out or lose its sharpness. Make sure you set up the bushings into the blade correctly or else it will wobble and create chips.
When you cut plywood or wood covered with plastic, it can be quite challenging. But the carbide tips are exceptionally well at handling this type of cuts.
They have also included expansion slots in order to prevent warping of the blades and an anti-kickback tooth design to rip through the wood.
Highlighted Features:
- Super-thin kerf does not require you to put a lot of effort
- Sharp carbide tips increase precision
- Hook angle degree enables faster cutting speed
- Compatible with a variety of saw brands
6. CRAFTSMAN 10-Inch Blade for Cutting Plywood
This bundle contains two blades, each of them has a 10-inch diameter and in total cost cheaper than its rivals. These blades are engineered from induction-brazed carbide tips to give them a longer lifespan.
Not only that, they are heat-treated plates and have a coating in order to avoid any warping, marring, and corrosion. Thus, some individuals call this product as the best circular saw blade for cutting plywood.
Other technical information to keep in mind is that the arbor diameter is 5/8 inches, and the kerf is 0.1 inches in thickness. The kerf is relatively thicker but that is not a deal-breaker as the current speed still maintains proficiency.
One of the blades has 24 teeth on the miter blade while the other blade has 60 teeth for general purposes.
Furthermore, this tool weighs pretty low so you can carry it anywhere with you. This is especially useful for woodworkers or mechanics as they can travel with it to their job sites. Despite being so compact, it is a powerhouse with a 15 amp motor that offers incredible torque.
One issue you may face with this is separating the blades. Our advice is to wear thick gloves then carefully twist and turn them.
You might have to clean the gunk afterward so it would be sensible to have a chemical cleaner nearby. Once you have safely extricated them out of the package, they are ready for use.
Highlighted Features:
- Top-notch quality for a reasonable price
- Chops and cuts in a fast and clean manner
- Carbide tips are vital in keeping it sharp for a long period of time
- Precision-ground teeth for smoother cuts
7. Makita A-93681 10-Inch Mitersaw Blade
Besides having the classic silver look, this one also boasts 80 micro-grain carbide teeth and 600 grit that gives it a mirror-like finish. The tooth design featured has an alternate top and alternate face design for convenience. The plates are entirely hardened and tensioned with steel for true edge cuts.
Thanks to the expansion slots, no noise is formed during the use of this unit. In the same way, the laser-cut vents help to cool down the plates during intense sessions.
It also has an ultra-thin kerf when compared to its rivals. The 5-degree hook angle combined with 0.071-inch plate thickness makes it an outstanding tool for cutting plywood.
You can easily obtain a polished crosscutting on hardwood, softwood, and of course, plywood with this blade. The finishing leaves a lasting impression and continues to do so for a long time.
If you’re a fan of products that are reliable for general use and come at an affordable price, you’ll definitely love this!
Highlighted Features:
- Micro-grain carbide teeth increase durability, precision, and ease of use
- Large expansion slots cut down on noises
- Laser-cut vents keep the blade cool
- Applicable for a range of woodwork
8. Freud Rip Blade
Another 24-teeth, 10-inch diameter blade, but how is this different than the rest?
To begin with, it is a rip saw blade which means it is ideal for ripping plywood, hard, and softwood.
It can also be used to cut chipboards and laminate floorings. The 5/8-inch arbor and 0.094-inch cutting width offer a good surface finish without using up too much horsepower.
The flat-top grind, as well as a 20-degree hook angle ensures that you don’t run into binding constantly and your feed rate is not slowed down.
Due to the Hi-density carbide ripping blend, it is easy and safe to use. The unit also features an anti-vibration vent that keeps noises to a minimum.
Additionally, it is coated with Perma-shield and extra cobalt that protects it from being corroded regardless of the impacts it faces.
Other than that, the coating provides thermal insulation and keeps the plywood circular saw blade cool when the friction leads to excessive heating.
The teeth are designed to be large, so, dust collection is improved through the gullets.
As there is less gummy buildup, the motor does not experience immense pressure. Afterward, there is not much cleanup to do as the blades have already taken care of that.
Normally, ripping is trickier than cutting. So, you need a blade with fewer but sharper teeth which is why this Freud rip blade is the perfect option.
Related: Find good quality rip saw here.
Highlighted Features:
- Ideally suited for ripping through various types of wood
- Good investment as it shows a supreme level of performance
- Perma-shield coating withstands corrosion and extreme heat
- Resists binding for cutting large volumes of wood for an extensive period of time
9. Enertwist Compact Circular Saw Blade Set
What can you expect from this plywood cutting blade?
It is a compact set of 4 blades that are all ideally suited to cut wood, plastic, metal, and tiles.
One pair has 24 teeth to cut through soft materials while the other has 60 teeth for cutting through wood, aluminum, plastic, and metal.
These diamond blades are designed to effectively chop at a maximum speed of 7000 RPM because of the 3/8” arbor. It is lithium battery operated so if you need some things done in a basement or any other place that does not support electrical cords, this is a great option.
They weigh only 6 pounds, so it is easy to manipulate and carry them anywhere. Even though the model cordless, it does not add to the cost which is the same as the ones run by electricity.
The manufacturers have provided it with power that is enough to get the job done without being too intimidating to novices.
Altogether, this handy tool is far from being ordinary in all aspects. Hence, it is applicable for all sorts of projects.
You can use the unit with one hand so your arms do not experience strain. It is made to be ergonomic and environment-friendly.
Highlighted Features:
- Comfortable to make precise cuts
- Powered by long-lasting battery
- Can be used by one hand to put less pressure on both arms
- Portable, so easy to take anywhere
10. Overpeak 6-1/2-Inch Woodworking Blade with 18 and 24 Tooth
Last but not the least, this circular saw blade for plywood from Overpeak is what you need for that refined finish on your piece of wood. It comes with a 6.5-inch diameter, 18-teeth, and 24-teeth blades. They are made of rigorous tungsten carbide which increases its lifespan by five times more than other ones.
A unique feature of these blades is the alternate-top bevel teeth that are liable for smooth and straight cuts all throughout. In addition, the extremely thin kerf enables a fast cutting action while also creating less waste.
They are known for their efficiency and accurate cuts that feel like the wood has been sanded with 600 grit sandpaper.
If you tend to work with thicker materials, the 6000 RPM feature will be highly beneficial for you. It may be a bit pricey but you are getting amazing functions that optimize this unit.
As it continually gives maximum performance, the model is often overworked and may wear out quickly for that reason.
Since six of the expansion slots and four vents are laser-cut, they have the capacity to reduce any whirring noise or vibrations to reduce heat production and warping.
Don’t worry about getting rid of splinters at the end of the task because there will be none.
Highlighted Features:
- 4 laser-cut stabilizers and 6 expansion slots give a crisp and flawless finish
- Alternate-top bevel teeth mean even smoother cuts
- Expansion slots ensure quiet operation
- Non-stick Perma-Shield coating to reduce corrosion, rusting, and gumming
Comparison Chart of Top Saw Blades for Plywood
Image | Name | Material | Number of Teeth | Kerf Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | IRWIN Tools MARATHON | Carbide Teeth Construction | 24 teeth | 0.098 inches |
 | DEWALT 10-Inch | Tungsten carbide | 60 teeth or cross-cutting and 32 teeth for general purpose | 0.19 inches |
 | Freud D12100X 100 | Carbide | 100 teeth | 0.098 inches |
 | Concord Blades ACB0725T080H | Steel blade with titanium carbide tips | 80 teeth | 2.2 millimeter |
 | Oshlun SBW-055036 | Carbide | 36 tooth | 0.09 inches |
 | CRAFTSMAN 10-Inch | Induction-brazed carbide tips | 24 teeth | 0.1 inches |
 | Makita A-93681 | Steel | 80 teeth | 0.091 inches |
 | Freud Rip Blade | Hi-Density Carbide | 24 teeth | 0.094 inches |
 | Enertwist Blade Set | TCT/HSS/Diamond | 24 teeth | 0.07 inches |
 | Overpeak | Carbide | 18 and 24 teeth | 0.09 inches |
What to Look Before Purchase Circular Saw Blade for Plywood Cutting?
Simply knowing the functions of the ten saw blades won’t help you because ultimately, you’ll only buy one. How can you figure out which one to go for?
Well, here are some of the things you should keep in mind before buying a circular saw plywood blade:
Type of Material
A lot of factors depend on the blade material such as durability and compatibility with other woodwork. Look for high-quality materials that are heat-treated so they can withstand impacts.
For neat cuts, make sure the blade tips are made of carbide. It also cuts down the number of times you have to maintain and re-sharpen the blade.
Size of Blade
Not all blades work in harmony with machines. So, check if the size of your blade supports the miter or table saw.
This can be done by comparing the arbor size and diameter of the blade with the measurements that are said to be fit for the machine.
Number of Teeth
As you know by now, the teeth of the blade are a significant component as it comes in contact with the wood, friction, and heat. So, the higher the number of teeth, the more spread out the pressure is between them.
However, a large number of teeth reduce the strength of each tooth making your blade inefficient.
What you can do is decide the type of wood you’re going to work on and based on that, opt for a blade with a certain number of teeth.
Type of Blade
Amidst the different kinds of blades, the most common one is the general-purpose blade. As the name suggests, it is for everyday use for any and every purpose.
Then there are crosscutting blades that have more teeth count to cut against grain with precision.
Ripping blades have teeth spaced apart and contain gullets that instantly remove all the debris formed. Next, there is a metal-cutting blade that is apt for cutting metals with its solid edge.
Lastly, the finishing blade has the highest number of teeth and works like a sander for a rather refined cut to remove the roughness.
Tooth Configuration
This factor is essential to rip, crosscut, and laminate properly. Alternate top bevel teeth are used to crosscut on natural wood whereas high alternate top bevel can make a decent cut on plywood. Flat top grind teeth are great for ripping materials thoroughly without damaging them.
Kerf
It is the width of circular saw blade plywood from one side to another. The thickness of the kerf plays a crucial role in the speed and quality of the cuts.
Thinner kerf is more preferred because it ensures durability and minimum wastage. But if you’re going to use the blade on hard materials, then the kerf should have a higher thickness.
Safety Issues That You Should Take Care of while Cutting Plywood
You may have purchased the best circular saw blade for plywood, but you still have one more thing to consider before you can use it. We will share a few ways in which you can take precautions in order to avoid accidents and injuries.
Take Protection
First and foremost, get maximum protection goggles for your eyes, gloves for your hands, and a mask for your face are a great start.
Under no circumstances should you inhale sawdust because that can be detrimental to your respiratory system.
Get the Depth Right
Now on to the use of the blade there are a few things to keep in mind about its depth.
Do not set it too deep because that defeats its purpose, which is making smooth cuts. In order to avoid chippings, support the board continuously but don’t clamp it.
Employ the Index Finger as Guide
We highly suggest you use your index finger as a guide when you’re using an 8 ¼ circular saw blade to rip narrow patterns.
Take hold of the saw blade for plywood before activating it and don’t release the blade until it’s turned off.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Are My Blades Cutting Heavily?
Answer: Blades cut heavily when you are using one that has too many teeth or applying less speed than required. You should obviously never use a blunt blade because they’re more dangerous than sharp ones.
2. Are More Teeth on a Circular Saw Blade Better?
Answer: The number of teeth on a blade is responsible for its speed and finish of the cut. The higher the number of teeth the finer the finish, and the lower the number of teeth the faster the speed.
3. Why is My Tooth Gullet Filled with Chippings?
Answer: The tooth pitch may be too fine for the wood or you may be exerting too much pressure producing larger chips. It could also be due to problems in the chip brush or coolant.
4. Can I Repair a Broken Saw Blade Tooth?
Answer: We do not recommend using a saw blade if a tooth is broken or missing. As a matter of fact, that is a clear signal for you to get a new circular saw blade plywood.
5. Why are the Cuts Wider Than the Blade Kerf?
Answer: This happens if the plywood is not parallel to the blade. You need to make sure that the alignment is appropriate before starting to cut it.
Final Words
We have shared our thoughts on ten of the top options for the best circular saw blade for plywood, and now it’s your turn to choose the one that would be an excellent match for your task. Following this guide will be very helpful to you in making the best decision.
You might not get the hang of it after the first few tries but do not give up. You’ll gain efficiency through continuous practice and eventually develop worthwhile skills. Also, do not forget that safety comes first. Take all the feasible measures to guard yourself.
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