You could be forgiven for thinking all miter saw blades are the same. But they are not.
In your daily DIY or professional life, you deal with many types of materials, and they all have different considerations that should be kept in mind when cutting them.
We talk you through the best miter saw blades in each category so that you get the results you deserve.
- Carbide-tipped blades
- Hook teeth
- Ultra-thin kerf
- Non-stick coating
- Carbide-tipped teeth
- Ultra-thin kerf
- Perfect all-rounder
- Tungsten carbide-tipped
- Computer balanced
- Perfect for trim
- Reduces wastage
- Ideal for veneer work
- Non-stick coating
- Atb tooth design
- Thin kerf
- Non-stick coating
- Triple-chip grind
- Thin kerf
- Non-stick coating
- C4 carbide-tipped
- Triple-ground teeth
Product Reviews
With so many miter saw blades to choose from, we reviewed dozens of varieties to help you arrive at the right choice for your miter saw and project.
1. Makita A-9368110-Inch Miter Saw Blade
Best Miter Saw Blade for Hardwood
This Makita is a 10-inch blade, so it is slightly smaller than some on the list. It means it will decrease the depth that you can cut, but if you intend on sawing through thinner material, this won’t be a problem.
The 80 carbide teeth are honed using 600 grit to provide a mirror finish. The ultra-thin kerf means you get a smoother cut with less drag on the motor, and less material wastage. Plus, the teeth are hook teeth with a 5-degree angle, with an alternative top and face design for precision cutting.
The other advantage of hook teeth is that they scoop the debris and sawdust away. This reduces the chances of the blade gumming, which creates kickback. It also means you get a better sightline when you are cutting.
The only downside to this blade is the cost. It is a Bosch, so we know it isn’t going to be cheap, but other manufacturers offer packs of blades for similar prices. That said, this saw blade slices through hardwood, softwood and plyboard with ease and is a quality product.
Pros
- Carbide-tipped blades.
- Hook teeth.
- Ultra-thin kerf.
- Fine crosscutting.
Cons
- Expensive.
Product Specs
| Kerf | Ultra-thin |
| Number of teeth | 80 |
| Max RPM | 5,870 |
| Suitable for | Hardwood, softwood, plyboard |
| Weight | 5 pounds |
| Size | 10 inches |
| Cost | $$ |
2. Freud D12100X100 ToothUltra Fine Saw Blade
Best Miter Saw Blade for Fine Woodworking
This Freud Diablo blade fits 12-inch miter saws, so you can make deeper cuts when compared to the Makita. This blade also has 100 teeth, and an ultra-fine laser-cut kerf that delivers the finest cutting lines.
It increases your range of accuracy and precision and is the ideal blade to use for fine woodworking. Like the Makita, this blade has carbide-tipped teeth that resist heat and avoid dulling.
Freud has laser-cut stabilizer vents to prevent sideways movement and decrease vibration and noise. It all adds up to a better saw experience giving you greater control and accuracy.
Also, the surface is coated in a Perma-Shield non-stick layer to ensure the blade glides through the material with minimum resistance. This glide-ability, in turn, decreases the strain on your miter saw motor.
Pros
- Non-stick coating.
- 12 inches.
- Carbide-tipped teeth.
- 100 teeth.
- Ultra-thin kerf.
Cons
- The price.
- Suited to fine woodworking.
Product Specs
| Kerf | Ultra-thin |
| Number of teeth | 100 |
| Max RPM | 6,000 |
| Suitable for | Wood, wood composites |
| Weight | 2.54 pounds |
| Size | 12 inches |
| Cost | $$ |
3. DeWALT 10-Inch General-Purpose Miter Saw Blade Set
Best All-Purpose Miter Saw Blade
This DeWALT miter saw blade comes as a set of two. One has 60 teeth and is better for crosscutting, but the other is a general-purpose saw blade with 32 teeth. These blades are for 10-inch miter saws, and they have carbide-tipped teeth to increase their heat resistance and durability.
These blades are half the price of the Freud and Makita models, and yet you get the DeWALT brand name and two saw blades in for the bargain. The 32-tooth blade is the best saw blade for tackling almost all your cutting tasks. It cuts wood, composite, plastic, sheet metal, and ply.
These DeWALT blades are computer balanced to reduce vibration, noise and improve accuracy for a better finish. If you have a sliding miter saw, these blades also fit, and thanks to their thin kerf, you get a precise cut every time.
Pros
- Great price.
- Come as a pack of two.
- Perfect all-rounder.
- Tungsten carbide-tipped.
- Computer balanced.
Cons
- Material quality issues.
Product Specs
| Kerf | Thin |
| Number of teeth | 32 + 60 |
| Max RPM | 6,000 |
| Suitable for | General-purpose |
| Weight | 3 pounds |
| Size | 10 inches |
| Cost | $ |
4. Forrest WW10407100 Woodworker II 40-Tooth Saw Blade
Best Miter Saw Blade for Trim and 2x4
Forrest is the ultimate in quality. For that reason, while this is the Rolls-Royce of miter saw blades, it costs a small fortune. It is likely that unless you are a serious woodworker, this blade will find a home in the miter saw of a professional or tradesperson.
This blade costs almost as much as some budget miter saws!
Despite its 10-inch diameter, this blade slices to a maximum depth of two inches, which means it will handle cutting 2×4 with ease. The teeth are carbide-tipped, set at an angle of 15 degrees, and well-equipped to reduce the top and bottom splintering.
The kerf is thin and reduces wood wastage by 20 percent and leaves an edge so smooth you’d think it was reworked.
Pros
- High quality.
- Perfect for trim.
- Reduces wastage.
- Reduces top and bottom splintering.
- Ideal for veneer work.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Likely to appeal to professionals.
Product Specs
| Kerf | Thin |
| Number of teeth | 40 |
| Max RPM | 6,000 |
| Suitable for | General-purpose, trim, crosscutting, wood |
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Size | 10 inches |
| Cost | $$$$ |
5. Freud Thin Kerf Sliding Compound Miter Saw Blade
Best Sliding Miter Saw Blade
This Freud blade has 72 teeth with a 5-degree negative hook, which improves the quality of the cut. They also utilize the alternating top bevel design (ATB), meaning the teeth face left and right. This configuration pushes your workpiece down and towards the fence for better control and accuracy.
This blade increases the performance of sliding miter saws, but it is also effective in standard saws when you want to perform crosscuts, rip cuts and bevel cuts. The teeth are carbide-tipped for increased resistance to heat and for a longer life, and the kerf is thin, so making detailed cuts on your sliding saw will be easy.
A thin kerf also means there is less strain on the saw’s motor.
Like the other Freud blades featured on the list, this one is also coated in a Perma-Shield non-stick surface to increase the blade’s lubrication as it passes through the stock.
Pros
- Non-stick coating.
- ATB tooth design.
- Thin kerf.
- 72 teeth.
- Designed for sliding miter saws.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Build quality issues.
Product Specs
| Kerf | Thin |
| Number of teeth | 72 |
| Max RPM | 6,000 |
| Suitable for | Sliding miter saws, general-purpose, trim, crosscutting, wood |
| Weight | 2.42 pounds |
| Size | 12 inches |
| Cost | $$$ |
6. Diablo D1080N Non-Ferrous Metal and Plastic Cutting Saw Blade
Best Miter Saw Blade for PVC
So, we feature another Diablo blade, only this one cuts non-ferrous metals and plastics. It’s why we chose it as our best saw blade for PVC. This blade is 10 inches in diameter and has 80 carbide-tipped teeth. Those teeth are the triple-chip grind design with a 5-degree angle, so they leave a clean and burr-free finish.
This blade also cuts laminate, aluminum and brass, as well as pipework. So if you are working on-site, it will cater to many applications. It has a thin kerf, so it will leave a smooth cut and put minimal strain on the miter saw motor.
If you are worried about gumming and the increased risk of kickback, this blade glides effortlessly through the stock thanks to the Perma-Shield non-stick coating. Again, this decreases the pressure on the saw motor.
The teeth are carbide-tipped to enable them to withstand extreme heat during the cutting process and to protect the blades from dulling.
Pros
- Non-stick coating.
- 80 teeth.
- Triple-chip grind.
- Thin kerf.
- Ideal for plastic and non-ferrous metal.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Build quality issues.
Product Specs
| Kerf | Thin |
| Number of teeth | 80 |
| Max RPM | 7,000 |
| Suitable for | Plastic, brass, pipework, non-ferrous metals |
| Weight | 1.45 pounds |
| Size | 10 inches |
| Cost | $$$ |
7. Bosch Edge DCB1072 Daredevil 10-Inch Laminate Saw Blade
Best Miter Saw Blade for Laminate Flooring
This is the second Bosch blade to feature, and this one cuts laminate flooring like a demon. It has 72 teeth with a negative hook angle to eliminate chipping and extend the blade’s life.
Laminate is notoriously brittle, which is why Bosch has triple-ground the teeth for extra sharpness to increase the quality of the finish.
The teeth are tipped in C4 carbide to enhance their cutting prowess and longevity. We like that the blades are anti-friction, coated for a smooth passage through the stock. Couple that with the thin kerf, and you get a smoother cut with less waste.
When you are done laying the laminate, this blade will cut melamine, wood, plyboard and other building materials, making this the ideal blade to have in your professional set up.
Pros
- Non-stick coating.
- C4 carbide-tipped.
- Triple-ground teeth.
- Thin kerf.
- Perfect for cutting laminate.
Cons
- Expensive.
Product Specs
| Kerf | Thin |
| Number of teeth | 72 |
| Max RPM | 6,000 |
| Suitable for | Laminate, melamine, wood, plyboard |
| Weight | 1.65 pounds |
| Size | 10 inches |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Product | Best | Kerf | No. of teeth | Max RPM | Suitable for | Weight | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita A-9368110 Miter Saw Blade | Hardwood | Ultra-thin | 80 | 5,870 | Hardwood, softwood, plyboard | 5 lbs | 10″ |
| Freud D12100X100 ToothUltra | Fine Woodworking | Ultra-thin | 100 | 6,000 | Wood, wood composites | 2.54 lbs | 12″ |
| DeWALT Miter Saw Blade Set | All-Purpose | Thin | 32 + 60 | 6,000 | General-purpose | 3 lbs | 10″ |
| Forrest WW10407100 Woodworker | Trim & 2×4 | Thin | 40 | 6,000 | General-purpose, trim, crosscutting, wood | 2 lbs | 10″ |
| Freud Thin Kerf Miter Saw Blade | Sliding Blade | Thin | 72 | 6,000 | Sliding miter saws, general-purpose, trim, crosscutting, wood | 2.42 lbs | 12″ |
| Diablo D1080N Non-Ferrous Blade | PVC | Thin | 80 | 7,000 | Plastic, brass, pipework, non-ferrous metals | 1.45 lbs | 10″ |
| Bosch Edge DCB1072 Daredevil | Laminate Flooring | Thin | 72 | 6,000 | Laminate, melamine, wood, plyboard | 1.65 lbs | 10″ |
When Should I Replace My Miter Saw Blade?
Unfortunately, there is no exact answer. Miter saw blades don’t have indicator lights that tell you when you should change them. So it comes down to experience and blade manufacturer recommendations.
The first thing is to read the operating manual. This will indicate the frequency of blade changes. Next, consider what you are sawing. If you are chopping through softwood, the blade will last longer. If you are cutting sheet metal or hardwood, it has a greater impact on the condition of the blade.
The third consideration is the quality of the saw blade. What material is it? Carbon steel varieties dull faster than those made from cobalt steel or carbide-tipped tungsten.
The fourth factor is how well the saw cuts. If you’ve noticed that tasks take longer to complete, it is a sign that your saw blade is dull.
And finally, it depends how many times you use the saw. If you use it every day, expect to change the blade every two weeks to a month. However, if you are using your miter saw infrequently, that same blade could last you for years.
How Do I Choose a Miter Saw Blade?
Buying the right miter saw blade is crucial for the best outcomes in your projects. So, here is a handy guide to help you.
Blade Material
Miter saw blades come in several materials, designed to cater to different projects.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is the cheapest type of miter saw. It caters to soft materials and plastics. Carbon steel blades dull quickly due to their soft teeth, so don’t expect them to stand up to the rigors of frequent use.
High-Speed Steel (HSS)
High-speed steel blades are more robust when compared to carbon steel blades. They retain their cutting edge better and perform at higher temperatures, meaning the blades are less likely to dull.
Typically, these blades can withstand heat up to 600 degrees centigrade and score between 62 and 66 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale. Because they run at higher speeds, HSS blades will cut through MDF and hardwood with ease.
Cobalt Steel Blades
Cobalt steel blades are an alloy, containing 8 percent cobalt. This makes them robust and able to withstand even more punishment than the HSS blades. Like the HSS varieties, cobalt steel blades also withstand high temperatures, making them hard-wearing and resistant to dulling.
Carbide-Tipped Blades
These blades are more expensive because they are incredibly robust. They typically score 65 to 80 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale, making them among the hardest wearing blades you can buy. They cut through sheet metal, aluminum and even steel.
Blade Size
The material you are cutting dictates the size of the blade. For sheet material, you will want a thin edge for finer lines. Also, unless you are sawing multiple sheets at one time, the depth of the blade won’t matter much.
However, if you are cutting thick lumber, you will want the maximum depth blade you can get.
The Bore
Check the bore size on your machine by consulting the owner’s manual. The bore size is crucial if you want the blade to fit your device.
The Diameter
If the diameter is too large, this could affect the blade guard and become a safety issue. Again, the manual will address this, along with the width of a suitable blade. The wider the blade, the wider the cut.
Remember
Number of Teeth
What material you cut is crucial to choosing the correct blade, and the number of teeth is a guiding factor. It is called the tooth per inch, or TPI for short.
| Type of Blade | TPI | Total Number of Teeth | Suitable For |
| Coarse | 3 to 8 | 40 to 60 | Lumber, hardwood, softwood, MDF |
| Medium | 8 to 18 | 60 to 80 | Lumber, hardwood, softwood, MDF, plyboard, sheet metals |
| Fine | 18 to 32 | 80 to 120 | Plyboard, frames, sheet material, non-ferrous metal |
Quick Note
Kerf
Kerf refers to the width of the cut, which relates directly to the width of the blade. The kerf is often thinner than the center of the blade as it tapers towards the edge. A full kerf has an edge measuring 0.125 inches, while a thin kerf is 0.094 inches.
Full kerfs are more durable and better suited to cutting through tougher material. However, you will need a bigger motor if you are using a full kerf. A thin kerf suits finer detail work and creates less wastage. The downside is that these blades are prone to greater damage as they are less durable.
Remember
Type of Saw
Miter saws come in all shapes and sizes. You can get single and double bevel miter saws, as well as sliding varieties. The blade sizes vary from 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch, so the blades need to match the saw size.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Miter Saw Blade
If you want to get the maximum use from your miter saw blade, you will need to clean it from time to time to maintain it.
- Place the blade in water: Once you have removed the blade from the saw, take some all-purpose cleaner and dilute it in warm water in a washing-up bowl. Place the blade in the water and immerse it. Leave it to soak for a few minutes to allow the detergent to do its work.
- Scrub: Remove the blade carefully and scrub away any stubborn areas with a toothbrush. Immerse it back in the water, taking care to grip the blade by the center hole and give it a shake in the water to wash away any final bits of debris.
- Dry: Lift the blade from the water and dry it thoroughly with a cloth.
You could also make sure that after each use, you take a brush and wipe the surface of the saw blade. This sweeps away any loose debris that may become compacted and cause damage. And one of the best ways to maintain your saw and blade is to use oil and lubricant on the moving parts that require it to keep them working smoothly.
Top Tip
How to Sharpen a Miter Saw Blade by Hand
You can use a power tool to do this, which would be much quicker. However, sharpening a saw blade only takes about twenty minutes at the most, even when you are using a file.
1. Unplug the Saw
Before you do anything, make sure the saw is unplugged and switched off. Never attempt to remove the blade with the machine plugged in.
2. Loosen the Wrench
Many miter saws have a fastening wrench. Simply loosen this to remove the blade.
3. Remove the Blade
Carefully remove the blade. Take a marker pen and mark the blade at the point where you intend to start sharpening. Now clamp the blade in a vice, making sure the teeth are free.
4. Grab a File
Grab a triangular file. The teeth are set at a specific angle, so make sure you don’t deviate from this. Place the file on the start point where you marked on the blade with the pen.
5. Zig-Zag the File
Run the file to match the same angle of the teeth and work in a zig-zag fashion, working backward and forwards four times. Now skip the next tooth and repeat the process for every other tooth.
6. Flip the Blade
Once all the way round, flip the blade and start working in the same manner on the teeth that face the other way, working towards your marker.
7. Clean Up the Blade
Remove the blade and give it a clean with some soapy water. Make sure the blade is completely dry before inserting it back into the saw.
The Cutting Edge
Miter saws are versatile tools, but when you factor in the right blade for the task, you improve your results enormously. The design of the teeth, the angle and the way the teeth are sharpened all make a difference to the outcome of your project.
Think about the material you are working with and how it behaves when you are sawing. Is it brittle, does it splinter? Choosing the right blade is crucial if you want your project to look like it was completed by a professional.
