Ever tried cutting plywood and ended up with a splintered mess? It’s frustrating, right? You spend time and money on materials, only to have the saw blade ruin your project. Choosing the perfect saw blade for plywood can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many types, teeth counts, and materials to consider. This can lead to jagged edges, tear-out, and wasted wood.
This topic is super important because plywood is used for many projects, from furniture to home repairs. The wrong blade can turn a simple task into a headache. Knowing how to choose the right saw blade saves you time, money, and the frustration of a ruined project. We will explain how to avoid common mistakes and get clean, professional-looking cuts every time.
By the end of this post, you’ll be a saw blade expert! You’ll learn how to select the best blade for your specific plywood project. You’ll understand the key features to look for and how to avoid the pitfalls of using the wrong blade. Get ready to say goodbye to tear-out and hello to smooth, clean cuts! Let’s dive into the world of saw blades and plywood.
Our Top 5 Saw Blade For Plywood Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Saw Blade For Plywood Detailed Reviews
1. CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4 Inch 140 Tooth Fine Finish Carbon Circular Saw Blade for Plywood
Rating: 9.1/10
The CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4 Inch 140 Tooth Fine Finish Carbon Circular Saw Blade (CMAS2725140) is made for cutting plywood, OSB, and plastic. This blade is designed for smooth, accurate cuts. It features precision-ground teeth and a fully-hardened plate. The blade also uses heavy-gauge high carbon steel for a longer life. It is great for both DIY projects and professional jobs.
What We Like:
- The fully-hardened plate helps maintain true cuts.
- Precision-ground teeth give you smooth and accurate cuts.
- Heavy-gauge high carbon steel makes the blade last longer.
- The fully flattened plate makes the cuts fast and accurate.
What Could Be Improved:
- (No Cons)
This CRAFTSMAN saw blade is a good choice for cutting different materials. It will give you the cuts you need for your projects.
2. Diablo Ultra Finish Carbide Saw Blade for Wood – 7-1/4″ Diameter
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for super smooth cuts with the Diablo Ultra Finish Carbide Saw Blade! This blade is made for wood. It’s 7-1/4″ across and has 60 teeth. It has a 5/8″ arbor and a thin .059″ kerf. This blade is built to last and give you professional results. It’s perfect for cutting wood, plywood, and melamine.
What We Like:
- The TiCo carbide is super strong. It makes the blade last longer and cut better.
- The Perma-SHIELD coating stops heat, gumming, and rust.
- The super thin kerf makes fast and clean cuts.
- The Tri-Metal brazing helps the blade handle hard hits.
- The hardened steel body keeps the blade sharp. You won’t need to sand as much.
What Could Be Improved:
- The blade only works for wood.
The Diablo Ultra Finish Carbide Saw Blade is a great choice for anyone who wants clean and precise cuts. This blade will help you make projects look amazing!
3. 3Pack 6-1/2 Inch 140T Circular Saw Blade
Rating: 8.8/10
Looking for clean, splinter-free cuts? This 3-pack of 6-1/2 inch circular saw blades is made for you! Designed to cut through plywood, OSB, paneling, and vinyl siding, these blades make your work easier. The blades have 140 teeth and a thin kerf. This means smooth, precise cuts every time. The 5/8 inch arbor fits most corded and cordless saws.
What We Like:
- The blades are made of tough alloy steel. This means they stay sharp longer.
- 140 teeth and a thin kerf give you smooth, clean cuts.
- It is perfect for plywood, OSB, paneling, and vinyl siding.
- You get smooth cuts on miter edges and cross cuts.
- The 5/8 inch arbor fits most saws.
- It helps you avoid splinters.
What Could Be Improved:
- The blades are only good for certain materials.
- You need to be careful when using them.
These saw blades are a great addition to your tool collection. They are perfect for anyone who works with wood and siding.
4. Irwin Tools Irwin 11820ZR 6-1/2-Inch 140 Tooth TFG Plastic
Rating: 9.3/10
The Irwin Tools Irwin 11820ZR is a saw blade. It is made for cutting plastic, plywood, and veneer. This blade has a lot of teeth, 140 to be exact! It is 6-1/2 inches wide and has a 5/8-inch arbor. This saw blade is designed to give you smooth, clean cuts on your materials.
What We Like:
- The blade cuts smoothly. It leaves a clean edge on the wood and plastic.
- The blade is good for cutting thin materials. This includes plywood and veneer.
- It has a lot of teeth. This helps make the cuts very precise.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the blade expensive.
- The blade is designed for specific materials. It may not work well on all types of wood.
This Irwin saw blade is a good tool. It is great for anyone who works with plywood, veneer, or plastic. If you need clean cuts, this blade is worth a try.
5. Diablo Ultra Finish Circular Saw Blade – 7 1/4in. 60 Tooth
Rating: 8.7/10
The Diablo Ultra Finish Circular Saw Blade – 7 1/4in. 60 Tooth, Fine Finish, Model Number D0760X is a saw blade for your circular saw. It is made to give you a very smooth cut. This blade has 60 teeth. It is designed for fine finishing work. You can buy this blade on Amazon. It is perfect for woodworkers and DIYers.
What We Like:
- The blade cuts very smoothly. It leaves a clean edge.
- The blade is made of strong materials. It should last a long time.
- Sixty teeth allow for a nice and clean finish.
- It works well for different types of wood.
- It is easy to install on your saw.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the price a little high.
- The blade works best on certain types of wood.
In conclusion, the Diablo Ultra Finish saw blade is a good blade. It is a great choice for anyone who needs a smooth cut. You can easily find it on Amazon.
Choosing the Right Saw Blade for Plywood: Your Ultimate Guide
Buying a saw blade for plywood seems simple. You buy a blade and start cutting. But, choosing the right blade makes a huge difference. It can prevent splinters, make cleaner cuts, and save you time. This guide will help you pick the best saw blade for your plywood projects.
Key Features to Look For
Several features are important when choosing a saw blade for plywood. Let’s look at these.
- Teeth Count: This is very important.
- More Teeth: Blades with more teeth make smoother, cleaner cuts. They are great for plywood because they help prevent splintering.
- Fewer Teeth: Blades with fewer teeth cut faster. They are good for ripping (cutting along the grain) thicker plywood.
- Tooth Design: Different tooth designs are made for different cuts.
- ATB (Alternate Top Bevel): These teeth are angled left and right. They are good for crosscutting (cutting across the grain).
- TCG (Triple Chip Grind): These teeth alternate between a flat top and a beveled top. These are good for cutting hard materials like plywood.
- Blade Diameter: Make sure the blade fits your saw. Common sizes are 7 ¼ inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches.
- Kerf: This is the thickness of the cut the blade makes. A thinner kerf removes less material. This can be helpful, especially if you’re doing many cuts.
- Anti-Vibration Slots: Some blades have slots to reduce vibration. This helps make smoother cuts.
Important Materials
The materials used to make a saw blade affect its performance and life.
- Steel: Most blades are made of steel. The steel needs to be strong and durable.
- Carbide Tips: Many plywood blades have carbide tips. Carbide is a very hard material. It stays sharp longer than steel.
- Coatings: Some blades have coatings to reduce friction. This helps the blade cut smoothly and last longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect the quality of a saw blade for plywood.
- Sharpness: A sharp blade is essential. It prevents splintering and makes clean cuts. Dull blades tear the wood.
- Tooth Quality: The teeth should be made of a good material. They should also be precisely made.
- Blade Body: The blade body should be strong and flat. A warped blade will not cut well.
- Manufacturing: How the blade is made matters. Good manufacturing ensures the blade is balanced and performs well.
- Price: Higher-priced blades may use better materials or have more advanced features.
User Experience and Use Cases
Here is how to use a saw blade for plywood.
- Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
- Choose the Right Blade: Match the blade to your project. Use a blade with more teeth for fine cuts.
- Secure the Plywood: Make sure the plywood is firmly supported. This prevents it from moving during the cut.
- Cut Slowly and Steadily: Don’t force the blade. Let the blade do the work.
- Use a Guide: A guide helps you make straight cuts.
- Ripping vs. Crosscutting: Choose the right blade for the type of cut you’re making.
- Common Uses: Plywood blades are used for furniture making, construction, and DIY projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best blade for cutting plywood without splintering?
A: A blade with a high tooth count (60-80 teeth) and an ATB or TCG tooth design is best for preventing splintering.
Q: How do I know what size saw blade to buy?
A: Check your saw’s manual. It will tell you the correct blade diameter.
Q: What’s the difference between ATB and TCG tooth designs?
A: ATB teeth are angled left and right, good for crosscutting. TCG teeth alternate between a flat top and a beveled top, good for hard materials like plywood.
Q: Should I use a blade with a thin kerf?
A: A thin kerf blade removes less material, but it can also be more prone to flexing. Consider your project needs.
Q: How do I store my saw blades?
A: Store blades in a dry place. Protect them from getting bumped or damaged.
Q: How do I know when to replace my saw blade?
A: Replace the blade when it starts to tear the wood, cut slowly, or makes rough cuts.
Q: What is the difference between a ripping blade and a crosscut blade?
A: Ripping blades have fewer teeth and are designed for cutting *with* the grain. Crosscut blades have more teeth and are for cutting *across* the grain.
Q: Can I use the same blade for all types of wood?
A: No. Different blades are made for different materials. Plywood blades are specifically designed for plywood.
Q: Why is it important to use safety glasses?
A: Saw blades spin very fast. Safety glasses protect your eyes from flying debris.
Q: Where can I buy a saw blade for plywood?
A: You can buy saw blades at hardware stores and online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!