Finding the best circular saw blade for plywood can significantly impact the quality of your woodworking projects. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast tackling home renovations or a professional cabinet maker, using the right blade ensures clean cuts, minimizes tear-out, and extends the life of your tools. Plywood, with its layered construction and often delicate veneers, demands a blade designed for precision and smoothness rather than aggressive material removal. We’ve put several top blades to the test to help you achieve those coveted, factory-edge finishes on all your plywood cuts. Let’s dive into our top recommendations for making your next plywood project a breeze.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Circular Saw Blade For Plywood Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Diablo 7-1/4″ 60-Tooth Carbide Saw Blade for Fine Finish Plywood and Wood – 5/8″ Arbor
The Diablo 7-1/4″ 60-Tooth Carbide Saw Blade is a standout performer when it comes to cutting plywood. Its specialized design ensures that you get incredibly smooth, chip-free edges, which is crucial for visible applications like cabinetry and furniture. This blade really shines in providing a fine finish, making it an excellent choice for anyone serious about quality woodworking.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ High Performance TiCo Carbide: Engineered for extreme durability and precision, providing extended blade life and consistent cuts.
- ✓ Perma-SHIELD Non-Stick Coating: Protects against heat build-up, gumming, and corrosion, ensuring smoother operation and a longer lasting blade.
- ✓ Super Thin Laser Cut Kerf: Delivers fast, effortless cuts with minimal material waste and reduced strain on your saw.
- ✓ 60-Tooth Configuration: Optimized tooth count for fine finish crosscuts and rip cuts in various wood types, including delicate plywood and melamine.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend this Diablo blade because it consistently delivers exceptional results on plywood, providing those clean, glue-ready edges that can be hard to achieve. Its advanced carbide and non-stick coating mean it not only performs well but also lasts through countless projects. If you want a reliable blade that makes cutting plywood a pleasure, this is your go-to.
Best For
This blade is ideal for woodworkers and DIYers who require fine finish plywood cuts for projects like cabinet construction, shelving, or any application where visible edges must be perfectly smooth and free of tear-out.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Produces incredibly smooth, splinter-free cuts on plywood and other delicate materials.
- Durable TiCo carbide teeth maintain sharpness over time.
- Perma-SHIELD coating reduces friction and extends blade life.
- Thin kerf design minimizes material waste and power draw.
Cons:
- Higher tooth count may result in slower feed rates compared to lower TPI blades for general ripping.
- May dull faster if used extensively on very hard woods or abrasive materials.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve tried many blades for cutting cabinet-grade plywood, but this Diablo blade is simply superior. The cuts are so clean they look like they came from a factory, with no tear-out on the veneer. Essential for professional-looking finishes.” – A. Carpenter
Customer Review: “This blade makes crosscutting and ripping plywood a dream. The edges are perfectly smooth and ready for gluing or finishing without any extra sanding. It holds up well too; I’ve used it on multiple projects, and it’s still sharp.” – Woodworking Dad
2. Diablo 6-1/2″ 60-Tooth Carbide Saw Blade for Fine Finish Plywood and Wood
For those working with smaller circular saws or track saws, the Diablo 6-1/2″ 60-Tooth Carbide Saw Blade offers the same legendary performance as its larger counterpart. This blade is engineered to provide an ultra-smooth finish, specifically designed for plywood, melamine, and other delicate wood composites. It’s an essential tool for achieving professional-grade cuts without the hassle of tear-out.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Ultra-Smooth Finish: Specifically designed for fine, chip-free cuts in wood, perfect for crosscutting oak, pine, melamine, and delicate moldings.
- ✓ TiCo Hi-Density Carbide: High-performance carbide ensures precise cuts and extended blade life, offering professional-grade durability.
- ✓ Fast and Clean Cuts: Super thin laser-cut kerf enables quick, efficient cuts with minimal material waste and reduced effort.
- ✓ Versatile Application: Excellent for both natural woods and engineered materials like plywood, ensuring top-tier results.
Why We Recommend It
As our Editor’s Choice, this Diablo blade consistently delivers on its promise of ultra-smooth, chip-free cuts, making it a favorite for precise work on plywood. Its adaptability across various materials and its robust TiCo carbide construction ensure it stands up to demanding tasks. If you prioritize pristine finishes and blade longevity, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Best For
This circular saw blade for plywood is best suited for users of smaller circular saws, track saws, or cordless saws who demand the highest quality, tear-out-free cuts on plywood, laminates, and other fine woodworking materials.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Delivers incredibly smooth, clean cuts with virtually no tear-out on veneers.
- High-density carbide teeth ensure long-lasting sharpness and performance.
- Thin kerf reduces stress on the saw and conserves battery life in cordless tools.
- Versatile enough for various wood types and composites beyond plywood.
Cons:
- Its smaller size means it’s not suitable for larger-capacity saws.
- High tooth count can result in slightly slower cutting speeds.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought this for my Milwaukee track saw. The saw came with a blade, but in all my years of woodworking I only trust 1 blade manufacturer and that’s Diablo. They make quality products at a reasonable price. The cuts are smooth with no tear out. It’s easy to fit to your saw. It functions as intended.” – Woodworker Pro
Customer Review: “This is a high quality saw blade. It cuts through hardwood, plywood, melamine, and laminates with impressive ease. The thin kerf design helps reduce resistance, which results in smoother cuts and less strain on your saw.” – DIY Enthusiast
3. CRAFTSMAN 7
For those mindful of their budget but unwilling to compromise on quality for their woodworking projects, the CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4 inch 40T Circular Saw Blade is an excellent pick. This blade provides solid performance for general cutting tasks, including plywood, offering precise and smooth results without a hefty price tag. It’s built for reliability and consistent output.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Fully-Hardened Plate: Helps the blade maintain true and straight cuts, reducing deflection.
- ✓ Precision-Ground Teeth: Designed for smooth, accurate cuts across various wood materials.
- ✓ Heavy-Gauge High Carbon Steel: Contributes to an extended blade life, making it a durable option for regular use.
- ✓ Versatile 40-Tooth Count: A balanced tooth count suitable for both ripping and crosscutting, offering good performance on plywood.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4 inch blade as the best budget circular saw blade for plywood because it offers impressive precision and durability for its price point. While not a 60T “fine finish” blade, its 40-tooth configuration with precision-ground teeth still provides remarkably clean cuts on plywood, especially for general construction and utility projects. It’s a great value for reliable performance.
Best For
This blade is ideal for DIY enthusiasts, homeowners, or general contractors looking for a reliable and affordable plywood blade for everyday cutting tasks, including framing, decking, and moderate-finish plywood applications.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Offers good cut quality for its price, providing smooth finishes on plywood.
- Durable construction with heavy-gauge steel for extended life.
- Precision-ground teeth ensure accuracy and reduce splintering.
- Excellent value for money, making it accessible for budget-conscious users.
Cons:
- Not a dedicated fine-finish blade; may produce minor tear-out on very delicate veneers.
- 40-tooth count is more general-purpose, not ideal for ultra-fine finish work.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great thickness, very fine smooth cuts. Perfect for cutting trim work and base boards where people tend to look. Made this remodel we did look even better with the Perfectly fine cuts. Very durable.” – Home Renovation Guru
Customer Review: “Good quality blade for a fair price. Cuts clean and as expected. Would purchase again.” – Weekend Warrior
4. FOXBC 6-1/2 Inch 140-Tooth Circular Saw Blade for Plywood with 5/8-Inch Arbor
When it comes to achieving an incredibly smooth, splinter-free cut on plywood, the FOXBC 6-1/2 Inch 140-Tooth Circular Saw Blade is a strong contender. With a significantly higher tooth count than typical blades, this offering from FOXBC is specifically engineered to minimize tear-out on delicate materials like plywood, OSB, and even plastics, ensuring pristine edges every time. It’s often available in multi-packs, offering great value.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ High 140-Tooth Count: Maximizes the number of cutting points for ultra-fine, splinter-free cuts on veneered materials.
- ✓ Optimized for Plywood: Specifically designed to handle the delicate layers of plywood, preventing tear-out and chipping.
- ✓ Versatile Material Compatibility: Excels not only on plywood and OSB but also on plastic, paneling, and vinyl siding.
- ✓ Standard 5/8-Inch Arbor: Ensures compatibility with a wide range of circular saws.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the FOXBC 140-tooth blade for its exceptional ability to deliver glass-smooth cuts on plywood, making it one of the best circular saw blades for plywood for those critical finish carpentry projects. The high tooth count truly makes a difference in preventing common issues like splintering, especially with tricky veneers. Plus, getting it in a multi-pack offers excellent long-term value.
Best For
This blade is perfect for professional woodworkers and serious DIYers who frequently cut delicate materials like high-grade plywood, laminates, and plastics, where a perfectly smooth, splinter-free edge is paramount.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Provides incredibly smooth and clean cuts on plywood with virtually no tear-out.
- High tooth count is ideal for delicate materials and fine finish work.
- Versatile for cutting various sheet goods including OSB, plastic, and paneling.
- Often available in cost-effective multi-packs.
Cons:
- Higher tooth count may result in slower cutting speeds compared to lower TPI blades.
- Not designed for aggressive ripping of solid hardwoods.
- Kerf might be slightly thicker than some ultra-thin fine-finish blades.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I was skeptical about a 140-tooth blade for a circular saw, but this FOXBC blade truly delivers. My cuts on cabinet-grade plywood are now perfect, absolutely no tear-out on the top or bottom veneer. It’s a game-changer for my projects.” – Precision Crafter
Customer Review: “Got the 3-pack and I’m very impressed with the quality for the price. This blade makes super clean cuts on plywood and even some laminate flooring I used. No more splintering edges which is a huge relief when working with expensive materials.” – DIY Master
5. WEN 10-Inch 80-Tooth Carbide Saw Blade for Fine Finish Plywood and Wood
For those using larger circular saws, particularly miter saws or table saws, who need precision for plywood and fine woodworking, the WEN 10-Inch 80-Tooth Carbide Saw Blade is an excellent option. Its higher tooth count and ultra-thin kerf are specifically designed to deliver exceptionally clean and efficient cuts on a variety of wood types, including delicate engineered materials. It’s a versatile blade that balances performance with affordability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Optimal 10-Inch Diameter: Perfect for standard miter saws and table saws, offering substantial cutting capacity.
- ✓ 80-Tooth Configuration: Ensures a fine finish on hardwoods, softwoods, and especially plywood, minimizing tear-out.
- ✓ Ultra-Thin 1/10-Inch Kerf: Reduces material waste and provides cleaner, faster cuts with less strain on the saw.
- ✓ High RPM Rating: Compatible with saws up to 6000 RPM, allowing for smooth operation even at high speeds.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the WEN 10-inch 80-tooth blade as a robust choice for achieving fine finish plywood cuts on larger saws. Its combination of an 80-tooth count and ultra-thin kerf creates remarkably smooth edges, making it a reliable blade for projects where precision matters. It’s a solid, budget-friendly choice that doesn’t skimp on performance for fine work.
Best For
This plywood blade is best for woodworkers using 10-inch miter saws or table saws who frequently cut hardwood, softwood, and various types of plywood where a smooth, professional-grade finish is required.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Delivers very smooth, clean cuts on plywood and other delicate materials.
- Ultra-thin kerf minimizes waste and requires less power from your saw.
- Good value for an 80-tooth blade of this size.
- Suitable for a wide range of applications from hardwoods to softwoods and composites.
Cons:
- Not ideal for rough cutting or very fast material removal.
- Might require more frequent cleaning when cutting sappy woods due to the high tooth count.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I needed a new blade for my table saw for cutting oak plywood sheets, and this WEN 80-tooth blade exceeded my expectations. The cuts are incredibly smooth with no chipping on the veneer. It feels like a much more expensive blade.” – Cabinet Maker John
Customer Review: “For the price, this 10-inch blade is fantastic for getting a fine finish on plywood. I use it for making custom shelves, and the edges are always clean and ready for edge banding or paint. Definitely a solid choice for detailed work.” – DIY Renovator
Complete Buying Guide for Best Circular Saw Blade For Plywood
Choosing the best circular saw blade for plywood isn’t just about grabbing the first one you see. Plywood is a unique material with multiple layers and often a delicate veneer, which means it requires a specific approach to cutting. Here’s what you should consider to ensure you get those perfectly smooth, tear-out-free edges every time.
Essential Factors We Consider
When selecting a plywood blade, several key features make a significant difference in performance:
- Tooth Count (TPI): For plywood, a higher tooth count is almost always better. Blades with 60 teeth or more for a 7-1/4 inch blade, or 80-100 teeth for a 10-inch blade, are ideal for fine finish cuts. More teeth mean smaller bites into the material, reducing the chance of splintering the delicate veneer.
- Tooth Geometry (ATB/ATBR): An Alternate Top Bevel (ATB) or Alternate Top Bevel with Raker (ATBR) tooth configuration is excellent for crosscutting plywood. These teeth alternate in bevel direction, creating a scoring action that cleanly slices the wood fibers before the main cut, preventing tear-out.
- Kerf Width: A thin kerf (the width of the cut) is preferable for plywood. It removes less material, reducing strain on your saw and producing less sawdust. Thin kerf blades are especially beneficial for cordless saws, extending battery life.
- Blade Material: Carbide-tipped blades are the standard for durability and sharpness. Look for high-density or specialized carbide (like TiCo from Diablo) for superior edge retention and longer blade life, particularly when cutting through glues in plywood.
- Coatings: Non-stick coatings (e.g., Perma-SHIELD) help reduce friction, prevent pitch and gum buildup, and protect the blade from corrosion. This keeps the blade running cooler and cutting cleaner over time.
- Arbor Size: Ensure the blade’s arbor hole matches your saw’s arbor. Common sizes are 5/8-inch for 6-1/2 to 7-1/4 inch blades and sometimes larger for 10-inch or larger blades.
Budget Planning
You don’t always need to break the bank to get a good circular saw blade for plywood. While premium blades like Diablo offer top-tier performance and longevity, there are excellent mid-range and budget-friendly options that still deliver clean cuts. Consider how often you’ll be cutting plywood and the importance of the finish. For occasional projects, a quality budget blade might suffice. For professional work or frequent use on expensive materials, investing in a high-end blade will save you time and material in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best circular saw blade for plywood is one that matches your saw, your project requirements, and your budget. Prioritize a high tooth count, appropriate tooth geometry, and a thin kerf for the cleanest cuts. Don’t underestimate the impact a quality blade can have on your finished product; it’s a small investment that yields big returns in precision and satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What tooth count is best for cutting plywood with a circular saw?
A: For plywood, a higher tooth count is generally better to achieve smooth, splinter-free cuts. For a 7-1/4 inch circular saw blade, look for 60 teeth or more. For 10-inch blades (often used on miter or table saws), 80 teeth or more is recommended for fine finish plywood work.
Q: Can I use a regular wood-cutting blade for plywood?
A: You can, but it’s not ideal. A general-purpose blade (typically 24-40 teeth) might cause significant tear-out and splintering on plywood’s delicate veneers. While it will cut through, the finish will likely require extensive sanding or be unacceptable for visible parts of your project. Using a dedicated plywood blade with a higher tooth count will yield much cleaner results.
Q: What is “tear-out” and how do I prevent it when cutting plywood?
A: Tear-out refers to the chipping or splintering of wood fibers, especially on the surface or exit side of a cut. It’s common with plywood due to its thin veneer layers. To prevent it, use a high-tooth-count blade (like those reviewed), ensure the blade is sharp, cut with the decorative face up (for circular saws), score the cut line, or use painter’s tape along the cut line.
Q: Is a thin kerf blade better for cutting plywood?
A: Yes, a thin kerf blade is generally better for cutting plywood. It removes less material, which means less friction, less sawdust, and less strain on your saw. This results in smoother cuts and is particularly beneficial for cordless circular saws as it helps conserve battery life.
Q: How can I extend the life of my circular saw blade for plywood?
A: To extend the life of your blade, always use the correct blade for the material (like a high-TPI blade for plywood), avoid cutting nails or staples, keep the blade clean by removing pitch buildup with a blade cleaner, and store it properly to prevent damage. Sharpening services are also available when the blade eventually dulls.
Choosing the best circular saw blade for plywood is a critical step towards achieving professional-quality results in your woodworking. By understanding the importance of tooth count, blade geometry, and kerf, you can select a blade that minimizes tear-out and delivers wonderfully smooth edges. Our top picks, from the all-around excellent Diablo 60-tooth blades to the budget-friendly CRAFTSMAN, offer fantastic options for every woodworker. So, upgrade your blade, enhance your cuts, and make your next plywood project a true masterpiece. Ready to make those perfect cuts? Check out our recommended blades on Amazon today!
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
