Cutting plywood on a table saw can be tricky, especially if you’re aiming for those pristine, chip-free edges that truly elevate your woodworking projects. The secret to achieving professional results often lies not just in your saw, but in choosing the best table saw blade for plywood. Plywood, with its layered construction, is notorious for tear-out and splintering if not handled with the right blade. This guide will walk you through our top picks, designed to give you smooth, clean cuts every time, saving you frustration and wasted material.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Table Saw Blade For Plywood Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Freud Thin Kerf Carbide Table Saw Blade: 10-inch, 80 Teeth for Plywood & Melamine.
The Freud Thin Kerf Carbide Table Saw Blade is an absolute game-changer when you need incredibly smooth, chip-free cuts on delicate materials like veneered plywood and melamine. Its meticulous design focuses on delivering a flawless finish, making it a top contender for those precision projects. This blade truly lives up to the reputation of Freud for quality and performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Flawless Finish Cuts: Specifically engineered for ultra-smooth, chip-free edges on veneered plywood, melamine, and laminates.
- ✓ Premium TiCo Carbide Blend: Features a high-density carbide formulation for exceptional cutting performance and superior edge retention.
- ✓ Hi-ATB Tooth Geometry: The High Alternate Top Bevel tooth design reduces tear-out significantly, ensuring clean, polished cuts.
- ✓ Thin Kerf Design: Minimizes material waste and reduces the load on your table saw motor, especially beneficial for underpowered saws.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend this Freud blade because it consistently delivers on its promise of pristine cuts. If you’ve ever struggled with splintering on expensive plywood or chipping on melamine, this blade will be a revelation. Its specialized design and premium materials make it an invaluable tool for any serious woodworker.
Best For
This blade is best for woodworkers and cabinet makers who prioritize flawless, chip-free cuts on veneered plywood, melamine, laminates, and fine crosscuts in solid wood.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Produces exceptionally smooth, chip-free cuts on sensitive materials.
- Durable TiCo carbide ensures a long-lasting sharp edge.
- Thin kerf reduces material waste and power consumption.
- Excellent for both professional and hobbyist use where finish quality is paramount.
Cons:
- Premium price point compared to general-purpose blades.
- Thin kerf requires a well-aligned saw and careful handling to prevent deflection.
- Some users report minor chip-out on the bottom surface, which can be mitigated with a zero-clearance insert.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “It came quite sharp, and cuts very well on the A surface (‘up’ side on table saw), the bottom has some chip out, which may be helped with a better zero clearance plate. But, this is listed as one side only, and it meets that expectation very well. I’m pleased with the results (but only have about 10″.”
Customer Review: “These blades are the best. I use them in my table saw, chop saw & circular saw. They cut through both hardwood and softwood without issue. Once they become dull you can resharpen and they’re like brand new. I use a local company that sharpens them.”
2. WEN BL1080 10-Inch 80-Tooth Carbide-Tipped Ultra-Fine Finish Professional Woodworking Saw Blade f…
The WEN BL1080 10-Inch 80-Tooth Carbide-Tipped Blade is a fantastic option for woodworkers looking for an ultra-fine finish without breaking the bank. It’s designed to slice through various woods with remarkable precision, offering an excellent balance of performance and affordability. This blade is ready to elevate your cuts right out of the box.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Versatile Use: Perfect for slicing through both hard and softwoods of all kinds, making it a versatile addition to your workshop.
- ✓ Ultra-Thin Kerf: Features an ultra-thin 1/10-inch kerf (2.4 mm) which provides clean, efficient cuts and reduces material waste.
- ✓ High Tooth Count: The 80 carbide-tipped teeth are designed to produce an ultra-fine finish, minimizing tear-out on delicate materials.
- ✓ Standard Sizing: Comes with a 10-inch diameter and a 5/8-inch arbor, fitting most standard table saws and miter saws.
Why We Recommend It
We chose the WEN BL1080 as our Editor’s Choice because it punches above its weight, offering premium-like results at a more accessible price point. It’s an excellent investment for hobbyists and professionals who need consistent, clean cuts across a range of materials, especially plywood.
Best For
This blade is best for budget-conscious woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts who need reliable, ultra-fine finish cuts on plywood and other wood types without compromising too much on quality.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Provides ultra-fine, clean cuts ideal for finish work on plywood.
- Very attractive price point for an 80-tooth carbide blade.
- Ultra-thin kerf helps reduce power consumption and material loss.
- Good quality and durability for its price range, often lasting well.
Cons:
- May not offer the same longevity or absolute perfection as premium, higher-priced blades.
- Requires a stable saw and good technique to fully benefit from its thin kerf.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This is a decent 80 tooth carbide blade at a very attractive price. I’m not making fine furniture for a living, and am not overly concerned about minimizing cutting time, tooth marks or sanding time, so very expensive blades are largely wasted on me. And having said that, this blade delivers a very”
Customer Review: “Works great, still going, sharp, strong great quality for the price. Cuts accurately for 1/8 the cost od DW junk”
3. CMT Fine Finish Table Saw Blade: 10-inch, 80 Teeth for Smooth Cuts.
The CMT Fine Finish Table Saw Blade is an excellent choice if you’re seeking smooth, tear-out-free cuts on a variety of materials, particularly plywood and laminates, without spending a fortune. Known for their vibrant orange coating, CMT blades are recognized for their quality and performance. This 80-tooth blade delivers a truly glass-smooth finish.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Glass-Smooth Finish: Engineered specifically for fine finish crosscuts, providing a glass-smooth finish on your miter cuts and eliminating tear-out.
- ✓ Versatile Material Cutting: Capable of cutting solid wood, melamine, laminates, plywood, and chipboard with ease.
- ✓ Optimal Specifications: Features a 0.098″ kerf, 0.071″ plate thickness, 5° Hook Angle, and a 40° Alternate Top Bevel (ATB) grind for precision.
- ✓ Multi-Saw Compatibility: Suitable for use on radial arm saws, miter saws, and table saws, enhancing its utility in your shop.
Why We Recommend It
This CMT blade is our Best Budget pick because it offers exceptional value for its performance. You get a truly fine finish, even on challenging materials like melamine and plywood, at a price that won’t strain your wallet. It’s a reliable workhorse for precision cuts.
Best For
This blade is ideal for woodworkers and DIYers who need to make precision, glass-smooth cuts on plywood, laminates, and solid wood for cabinetry and fine joinery on a budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Delivers a consistently smooth, splinter-free cut on plywood and other delicate materials.
- Great value for the performance, offering professional results at a lower cost.
- Versatile for a range of materials and saw types.
- The 80-tooth configuration is perfect for finish work.
Cons:
- The 5° hook angle might feel a bit aggressive to some users, requiring steady feeding.
- Thin kerf design, while efficient, may be prone to slight deflection if not properly supported or pushed too fast.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “amazing blades. I’ve been using a 10″ CMT blade on my table saw for several months now and it is still in great condition. I have been using a Dewalt blade in my 12″ miter saw for about the same time. It is still sharp abd delivers a clean cut (on mainly hardwood) BUT is screams so loud that it h”
Customer Review: “Exellent quality blade .I installed on my bosh 12″ miter saw it cuts like butter 🧈”
4. Freud LU80R010: 10″ Ultimate Plywood & Melamine Blade
When you hear “ultimate,” you expect nothing less than top-tier performance, and the Freud LU80R010 10″ Ultimate Plywood & Melamine Blade certainly lives up to its name. This blade is meticulously crafted to provide absolutely splinter-free cuts on challenging materials. If you’re tired of compromised edges, this Freud blade is engineered to deliver pristine results every single time.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Ultimate Splinter-Free Cuts: Designed with a High Alternate Top Bevel (HiATB) tooth geometry to produce incredibly clean, splinter-free cuts.
- ✓ Premium TiCo Hi-Density Carbide: Features Freud’s specialized carbide blend for maximum performance, extended sharpness, and exceptional durability.
- ✓ Optimized Blade Specifications: Boasts a 10″ diameter, 80 teeth, 5/8″ arbor, a 2° Hook Angle, and a .126″ kerf with a .087″ plate for precise, stable cuts.
- ✓ Versatile for Finishes: Excellent for cutting both plywood and melamine, ensuring professional-grade finishes for cabinetry and furniture.
Why We Recommend It
This Freud blade is recommended for its consistent ability to produce perfect, splinter-free edges on some of the most challenging materials. It’s an investment in quality that will save you time and material in the long run, ensuring your projects always look their best. It’s truly a blade you can rely on for delicate work.
Best For
This blade is best for professional cabinetmakers and serious hobbyists who demand ultimate splinter-free cuts on high-quality plywood, melamine, and other sensitive laminated materials.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Delivers superior splinter-free results, even on veneered plywood and melamine.
- Exceptional durability due to Freud’s premium TiCo Hi-Density Carbide.
- HiATB tooth design effectively prevents tear-out.
- Users frequently report whisper-quiet operation and razor-sharp, lasting cuts.
Cons:
- Higher price point, making it a significant investment.
- The full .126″ kerf removes more material than thinner kerf blades.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This 80 tooth blade will cut your plywood or hardwood with outstanding results. I’ve used it for about 2 weeks so far and it’s outstanding. If you care about really clean cuts with no tear-through or tear-out you should be using this blade. It’s definitely not cheap but it’s worth the investment”
Customer Review: “I have several more expensive 80T, H-ATB blades from other manufacturers and for some reason, this one beats them all by a longshot. It sliced through all of my pieces from 20sheets of 3/4″ good 2 side melamine…whisper quiet, chip-free razor sharp cuts on both sides, and still cuts like new. So im”
5. CMT 221.060.10 Industrial Cabinetshop Saw Blade, 10-Inch x 60 Teeth TCG Grind with 5/8-Inch Bore,…
The CMT 221.060.10 Industrial Cabinetshop Saw Blade is a robust performer designed for heavy-duty crosscuts and achieving perfect finishes, especially on challenging materials like single-sided laminated panels. While it features fewer teeth (60) compared to some other plywood-specific blades, its Trapezoidal Tooth Grind (TCG) and industrial-grade construction ensure very clean cuts without compromise. It’s a workhorse for the serious shop.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Heavy-Duty Performance: Ideal for robust crosscuts and achieving flawless finishes, particularly on single-sided laminated panels.
- ✓ Trapezoidal Tooth Grind (TCG): This specialized grind excels at cleanly cutting abrasive materials like laminates, chipboard, and plywood.
- ✓ Wide Material Compatibility: Effectively cuts chipboard, MDF, laminate, hardwood, and plywood, offering broad utility in a cabinet shop.
- ✓ Industrial Grade Build: Features a 0.126″ kerf, 0.087″ plate thickness, and a 10° hook angle, built for durability and precision in demanding environments.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the CMT 221.060.10 for its industrial-grade capability to handle tough materials while still delivering a clean finish. Its TCG grind is a standout feature for cutting laminates and plywood without chipping. This blade is a reliable choice for shops doing a variety of cabinet and furniture work.
Best For
This blade is best for industrial cabinet shops, professional woodworkers, and serious enthusiasts who require heavy-duty crosscuts and pristine finishes on plywood, laminated panels, MDF, and other composite materials.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for cutting abrasive materials like laminates and chipboard without chipping.
- Robust full-kerf design offers great stability and durability.
- Holds its sharpness for a good amount of time, even with heavy use.
- Delivers very even and accurate cuts, suitable for professional cabinet making.
Cons:
- The 60-tooth count might not produce quite as fine a finish as an 80-tooth ATB blade on very thin, delicate plywood veneers.
- Full kerf removes more material, which can be a consideration for certain projects.
- The 10° hook angle is more aggressive and requires a powerful saw and careful feeding.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Does a great job cuts great it’s a full curve blade. Keep that in mind if you’re buying it for a smaller saw mine are used on a 3 hp grizzly and they cut really nice no chipping.”
Customer Review: “Excellent quality and heavy duty. Blade is on the thicker side but cuts very even and holds it’s sharpness for a good amount of time. Had the Blade resharpened once and should be able to get two more sharpenings out of it.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Table Saw Blade For Plywood
Choosing the best table saw blade for plywood can make all the difference between a frustrating project filled with tear-out and a smooth, satisfying one with clean cuts. Plywood is unique because of its layered construction, which makes it prone to chipping. Here’s what you need to know to pick the right blade.
Essential Factors We Consider
When you’re looking for a plywood table saw blade, several key features come into play. First, the tooth count is crucial; generally, more teeth mean a smoother cut. For plywood, you’ll want a blade with 60 to 80 teeth. A higher tooth count creates smaller chips and reduces the chance of splintering. Second, the tooth grind matters. An Alternate Top Bevel (ATB) or High ATB (Hi-ATB) grind is excellent for plywood because the alternating bevels create a shearing action that slices through the wood fibers cleanly. A Triple Chip Grind (TCG) is also fantastic, especially for laminated plywood or melamine, as it reduces chipping. Lastly, consider the kerf width. Thin kerf blades remove less material, putting less strain on your saw and reducing waste, but they can sometimes be more prone to deflection if not handled carefully. Full kerf blades are more stable and rigid, ideal for powerful saws and ensuring perfectly straight cuts, but they remove more material.
Budget Planning
Like most tools, table saw blades come in a wide range of prices. While it might be tempting to save a few dollars, investing in a good quality plywood blade can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run. Cheaper blades tend to dull faster, leading to more tear-out and requiring frequent replacement or sharpening. A mid-range to high-end blade, especially one made with premium carbide like Freud’s TiCo, will stay sharper longer, provide superior cuts, and ultimately prove more cost-effective. Think of it as an investment in the quality of your work and the longevity of your tools.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the correct blade for plywood is not just about having another accessory; it’s about transforming your woodworking experience. The right blade will ensure precise, clean cuts, protect your valuable materials, and make your projects look professionally finished. Pay attention to the tooth count, grind type, and kerf to match the blade to your specific needs and achieve exceptional results every time you cut plywood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I need a special blade for plywood?
A: Plywood’s layered construction, often with thin veneers, makes it very susceptible to tear-out and splintering when cut with a general-purpose blade. A specialized plywood table saw blade with a high tooth count and appropriate grind (like ATB or TCG) is designed to cleanly shear through these layers, preventing damage and producing smooth edges.
Q: What tooth count is best for cutting plywood?
A: For optimal results when cutting plywood, a blade with 60 to 80 teeth is generally recommended. The higher tooth count allows for more points of contact, resulting in a finer cut and significantly reducing the chances of tear-out on delicate veneers.
Q: What is kerf, and does it matter for cutting plywood?
A: Kerf refers to the width of the cut made by the saw blade. Yes, it absolutely matters for plywood! A thin kerf blade (typically around 3/32 inch) removes less material, which means less strain on your saw and less material waste. However, a full kerf blade (typically 1/8 inch) is more rigid and can be beneficial for stability and very straight cuts, especially with more powerful saws or thicker plywood.
Q: Can I use a general-purpose blade for plywood if I’m careful?
A: While you technically *can* use a general-purpose blade for plywood, it’s not recommended if you’re aiming for a clean, professional finish. General-purpose blades often have fewer teeth (e.g., 40-50) and a different tooth geometry, which will likely result in significant tear-out and chipping, especially on the bottom side of the cut.
Q: How can I further prevent tear-out when cutting plywood?
A: Beyond using the best table saw blade for plywood, you can further minimize tear-out by using a zero-clearance insert on your table saw, applying masking tape along the cut line, scoring the cut line with a utility knife before cutting, and ensuring proper blade height (just enough to clear the material) and a steady feed rate.
Choosing the right blade for your table saw can feel like a small decision, but when it comes to cutting plywood, it truly makes a world of difference. Our exploration of the best table saw blade for plywood highlights that investing in a quality, specialized blade can save you time, reduce waste, and elevate the finish of your projects from good to truly exceptional. Whether you prioritize a glass-smooth edge, robust performance, or excellent value, there’s a blade on our list that will meet your needs. Don’t settle for splintered edges—upgrade your cuts today! Ready to make your next woodworking project shine? Check out our top recommendations on Amazon and experience the difference a great blade can make.
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.
