You are getting ready for a cutting project requiring a table saw blade. While you know how to use the tool, there might be confusion about a blade’s choice. You wonder which the best table saw blade for your project is, and this guide will give you an answer.
Our experts covered the factors to consider when choosing a saw blade. Furthermore, they selected the best units currently available. On top of that, you’ll discover how to clean and sharpen your blade. Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
- What to Consider When Choosing the Best Saw Blade
- Top 10-Inch Table Saw Blades – Expert Selection
- CMT 250.024.10 ITK Industrial Rip Saw Blade
- DEWALT 10-Inch Miter / Table Saw Blade
- Freud – SD208 10″ x 32T Super Dado Sets
- DEWALT 10-Inch Miter / Table Saw Blade, ATB
- Forrest Woodworker II 10″, 40 Tooth ATB
- CMT 215.050.10 Industrial Combination Blade
- Metabo HPT 10″ Miter Saw/Table Saw Blade
- IRWIN Marples 10-Inch Circular Saw Blade
- How to Change a Table Saw Blade
- How to Clean a Table Saw Blade
- How to Sharpen a Table Saw Blade
- Summary
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Saw Blade
Caption: A table saw blade with a fence
Searching for a suitable tool can be confusing. And here is what you should know about choosing a cutting accessory!
Basic Blade Types
- Flat Top Grind (FTG). The teeth’ position is square to the plate. Therefore, these blades are excellent for ripping wood. On the other hand, they are not the smartest choice for clean cuts.
- Alternate Top Bevel (ATB). It’s a versatile blade commonly chosen by DIY enthusiasts. Therefore, the trick is that teeth alternate in different directions. So, they can be suitable for wood and other materials.
- Alternate Top Bevel / Raker (ATBR). The usual structure is 50 teeth divided into five groups. Furthermore, you’ll find a raker tooth between the blades. Therefore, these are suitable for crosscuts.
- Triple Chip Grind (TCG). These feature raker and chamfered teeth that alternate in the structure. Therefore, you can use it for plastic, aluminum, and other non-ferrous materials.
Diameter (Size)
- Smaller blades. These cut only limited-sized workpieces. Furthermore, they operate at lower RPM speeds than big units, which can improve precision.
- Larger blades. A significant tool can operate fast, which speeds up the cutting process. Additionally, you can improve cutting depth.
Blade Teeth Configuration
Caption: A close-up of a table saw blade
The configuration varies depending on the blade. Therefore, you want to choose a suitable option for your project. Here are some insights into blade teeth count, angle, and other details.
Tooth Count
| Types of Use | Number of Blade Teeth |
| Ripping wood | Minimum: 24; Maximum: 30 |
| Crosscutting/sawing plywood | Minimum: 80; Maximum: 90 |
| Joinery work | Minimum: 40; Maximum: 50 |
| Human-made and MDF | The optimal number is 60. |
| Plastic laminate | A crosscutting unit with 80 teeth. |
Configuration, Shape, and Angle of the Teeth
It’s not an exaggeration to say there are hundreds of options available. Therefore, your pick should depend on the material you are cutting. Furthermore, don’t forget if you need a crosscut or want to rip the workpiece.
Job Type
- Crosscut blade. These serve for cutting across the lumber piece’s grain. So, the features include less room between the teeth. Although they operate at low speeds, they can deliver a smooth and clean cut.
- Dado blade. This blade is suitable for drawers, shelves, and other applications that require wide grooves. Additionally, you can choose from wobble and stacked dado units.
- Combination blades. This combo accessory has that name since it can handle both rip and crosscuts. So, the teeth count is usually between 40 and 50. Although they are versatile, they don’t excel in any category.
Blade Coatings
Caption: Various blades closeup
Not all blades come with coating. If the manufacturers choose them, nickel, Teflon, or aluminum alloy is usually the preferred material. They help to maintain a cool blade temperature.
Arbor Hole Size
It is necessary since you use this hole to attach the blade to the tool’s spindle. So, the necessary condition to achieve is compatibility. Therefore, make sure the connection between the two components will be stable.
Anti-Vibration Vents
The manufacturers use laser-cutting technology to design this accessory. The goal is to prevent sideway movements, which helps the blade stay in position. Additionally, it reduces vibration and improves precision.
Anti-Kickback Shoulders
It is a safety feature that decreases kickbacks. So, you’ll find a protrusion in the back part of the blade’s cutting teeth. Furthermore, these shoulders are common in ripping blades. On the other hand, you should also use pawls and the riving knife to reduce kickbacks further.
Top 10-Inch Table Saw Blades – Expert Selection
It’s time to check out the best tools available on the market.
CMT 250.024.10 ITK Industrial Rip Saw Blade
Features
- Type of cuts: Ripping, cross-cutting
- Good for cutting: Wood, plywood, laminate, chipboard
- Number of teeth: 24
- Teeth shape: FTG + ATB
- Arbor size: 5/8″
- Material: Micrograin carbide
- Kerf width: .098
- Tooth hook angle: 20°
Reason for Recommendation:
● Reliable and fast. It’s suitable for ripping soft and hardwood. Furthermore, the thin kerf speeds up the process.
● Durable and long-lasting. The manufacturer used micro-grain carbide to ensure the product was a long-term investment.
● A convenient case. Furthermore, the unit comes in a plastic case that’s simple to carry.
DEWALT 10-Inch Miter / Table Saw Blade
Features
- Type of cuts: Crosscuts, fine
- Good for cutting: MDF, plywood, softwood, hardwood, molding, veneer
- Number of teeth: 60
- Teeth shape: ATB
- Arbor size: 5/8″
- Material: Carbide-tipped
- Kerf width: .098
Reason for Recommendation:
● Maximum accuracy with minimal vibration.
● Smooth and fast cutting. Furthermore, it’s the thin kerf that secures optimal results.
● Suitability for different materials. So, it can cut anything from MDF to hardwood.
● A two-pack option. Instead of a single blade, you get a value deal with two units.
Freud – SD208 10″ x 32T Super Dado Sets
Features
- Type of cuts: Cross-cutting, fine adjustments
- Good for cutting: Plywood, laminate, solid wood, chipboards, and melamines
- Number of teeth: 32
- Teeth shape: Dado
- Arbor size: 1″
- Material: Carbide blend
- Kerf width: .098
- Tooth hook angle: 12°
Reason for Recommendation:
- An entire set. You receive a couple of blades, a shim set for fine adjustments, and six chippers. Furthermore, you get a carrying case.
- The blade remains cool because the manufacturer used a special coating to maintain the surface cold.
- Anti-kickback feature. Therefore, this is the unique Freud’s anti-kickback design.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Not the cheapest out there. Therefore, the price might surprise you.
DEWALT 10-Inch Miter / Table Saw Blade, ATB
Features
- Type of cuts: Rip cuts.
- Good for cutting: All sorts of wood, non-ferrous materials
- Number of teeth: 24
- Teeth shape: ATB
- Arbor size: 5/8″
- Material: Carbide
- Kerf width: .098
- Tooth hook angle: 20°
Reason for Recommendation:
● A reputable brand. DeWalt is famous for making reliable and high-quality blades.
● Minimal splintering. The unique material quality decreases splintering.
● Premium coating. It extends the product’s longevity and minimizes friction and heat during operation.
Potential Drawbacks:
- It could struggle with softwoods. So, it would be best if you pushed the boards to cut them.
Forrest Woodworker II 10″, 40 Tooth ATB
Features
- Type of cuts: Rip cut, crosscutting
- Good for cutting: Wood
- Number of teeth: 40
- Teeth shape: ATB
- Arbor size: 5/8″
- Material: C-4 carbide
- Kerf width: .125
- Tooth hook angle: 30° with a 5° face hook
Reason for Recommendation:
- Versatile cuts. Although it’s primarily for ripping, you can also use it for crosscuts.
- Scratch-free performance. That makes it suitable for newbies and situations when you need perfect cuts.
- It comes with a V-push stick. So, you get it free of charge.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Kerf is a bit thicker than in similar units. So, it’s a .125-thick kerf, which is not as thin as in other reviewed products.
CMT 215.050.10 Industrial Combination Blade
Features
- Type of cuts: Rip cut, crosscutting
- Good for cutting: Plywood, chipboard, laminate
- Number of teeth: 50
- Teeth shape: ATB + TCG
- Arbor size: 5/8″
- Material: Carbide
- Kerf width: 0.126
- Tooth hook angle: 12°
Reason for Recommendation:
- You can perform deep cuts. So, it’s the large gullets that serve this purpose.
- There are special coatings. Therefore, you can expect corrosion protection and cooler blade temperatures in operation.
- Affordable and versatile. It’s suitable for cross and rips cuts, making it a smart investment.
Potential Drawbacks:
- A fairly heavy blade. It’s heavier than similar units.
Metabo HPT 10″ Miter Saw/Table Saw Blade
Features
- Type of cuts: Rip cut, framing
- Good for cutting: Plywood, softwood, hardwood, OSB, pressure-treated wood
- Number of teeth: 24
- Teeth shape: ATB
- Arbor size: 5/8
- Material: Tungsten and carbide-tipped
- Kerf width: .098
Reason for Recommendation:
- It’s a brand with a long history. Metabo is a rebranded name of Hitachi Power Tools.
- An affordable deal. The product offers plenty of bang for the buck, especially considering the blade’s longevity.
- Excellent for ripping and framing. So, you can use the unit for different wood materials.
Potential Drawbacks:
- It lacks a case. So, it will be tricky to store the blade if you are not using it often.
IRWIN Marples 10-Inch Circular Saw Blade
Features
- Type of cuts: Fine cuts and finish carpentry
- Suitable for cutting: Veneered plywood, plywood, melamine, non-ferrous metals, laminates, hardwoods
- Number of teeth: 84
- Teeth shape: TCG
- Arbor size: 5/8
- Material: Carbide
- Kerf width: 0.098
Reason for Recommendation:
- Professional quality. Non-stick coating and impressive accuracy and cleanliness of the cuts make it suitable for professional workshops.
- Suitable for hard materials. Therefore, you’ll appreciate the suitability of non-ferrous metals and other hard materials.
- A coating resistant to heat. So, it ensures clean cuts and simple maintenance.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Learning curve. Therefore, you should be careful if you have never used this blade type.
How to Change a Table Saw Blade
- Make sure you turn off the tool. Therefore, check the power socket and the cable.
- Take off the blade guard and throat plate. Furthermore, make sure to lift the accessory as much as possible.
- Grab a wrench provided with the tool. So, now you should loosen the nut that holds the arbor and the one locking the blade. Additionally, if you have a blade stop, activate it now.
- It’s time to replace the unit. So, start by removing the existing team and installing a new one.
- Follow the above steps in reverse to mount everything again. Additionally, attach the locking pin, blade guard, and other components properly.
- Test the blade by trying to crosscut a lumber piece. If everything seems alright, finish the process.
How to Clean a Table Saw Blade
Caption: Pitch and resin buildup when cutting
- First, secure the required supplies. That includes paper towels, a soft wire brush, detergent, a container, and water.
- You clean the blade after removing it from the saw. So, take it out and analyze it carefully. Try to find stains that are difficult to remove. Furthermore, give those sections a detailed scrubbing.
- Now, put the blade in a container filled with water. Insert a bit of the detergent and use your hand to mix it.
- Allow the detergent to work for about ten minutes. Once that happens, grab the brush and scrub the blade’s surface.
- Use paper towels to dry the blade after removing it from the container. Furthermore, let it air dry for half an hour and then mount it again.
How to Sharpen a Table Saw Blade
- The initial step is to take off the blade identified as dull. Furthermore, put on your safety equipment, such as goggles.
- Next, use another diamond blade that you’ll mount on the saw. The goal is to use this unit to sharpen your blade.
- The process depends on the blade types. If teeth are in the opposite direction, you’ll need multiple passes. On the other hand, a single pass should cover you for the same-direction teeth configuration.
- Now, check if the blade is sharp again. Furthermore, if you are happy, put it back on the tool.
You can also check out this video for a creative idea regarding blade sharpeners.
Summary
Have you already found the best saw blade for your requirements? This guide showed the factors of how to choose the right sharpening item. It also listed the top products currently available in the market. Therefore, you can easily pick your favorite. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
