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7 Best Table Saw Blades of 2024

Updated
Try one of these table saw blades for the best results.

Table saws are essential tools for any carpenter, enabling you to make long, straight cuts quickly and easily. Like any power saw, a table saw is only as effective as its blade allows it to be.

Despite looking relatively similar, table saw blades can vary significantly in terms of which materials they can cut and how durable they are. This means it is essential that you choose the right blade if you want your cutting to go smoothly.

To help you find the right blade for your saw, we have reviewed seven of the best table saw blades that are currently available. We chose these saws based on their size, type, and how many teeth they have.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the DeWALT Miter/Table Saw Blade
Best for the Money
DeWALT Miter/Table Saw Blade
  • Leading brand
  • Combo pack
  • General purpose
Product Image of the IRWIN MarplesTriple Grind Blade
Best for Acrylic
IRWIN MarplesTriple Grind Blade
  • Versatile
  • Non-stick coating
  • 84 carbide teeth
Product Image of the Makita Micro Polished Blade
Best for Woodworking
Makita Micro Polished Blade
  • Ultra-smooth blades
  • Thin kerf
  • Good beginner option
Product Image of the Forrest Woodworker II Kerf Blade
Best Premium Blade
Forrest Woodworker II Kerf Blade
  • Stays sharper for longer
  • C-4 carbide teeth
  • Makes rip cuts
Product Image of the Freud Heavy-Duty Rip Blade
Best for Ripping
Freud Heavy-Duty Rip Blade
  • Anti-vibration vents
  • Perma-Shield
  • Glue-line precision
Product Image of the Concord Blades Saw Blade
Best for Cutting Hardwood
Concord Blades Saw Blade
  • General purpose blade
  • Very affordable
  • Fits various power saws
Product Image of the Forrest Duraline Saw Blade
Best for Plywood
Forrest Duraline Saw Blade
  • Very strong carbide teeth
  • Ideal for woodworkers
  • No need to sand

Review Methodology: At Sensible Digs, we place your needs first. Our hands-on experience and professional analysis enables us to evaluate table saw blades from a user’s perspective. We meticulously assess each product, comparing their performance with industry benchmarks, and score them based on key decision-making factors such as sharpness, durability, and cutting precision. We track and present our findings based on data and hands-on tests, identifying what sets top-ranking blades apart from their competitors. Our reviews reflect the effects of design choices on user experience and performance. Trust our expertise as we provide you with the facts and evidence to guide you in selecting the best table saw blade.



The Best Table Saw Blades of 2024

With so many table saw blades to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your project. To help you make an informed choice, we have reviewed seven of the best table saw blades that you can buy today.

DeWALT 10-Inch Miter/Table Saw Blade

Best Table Saw Blade for the Money

DeWALT is an American company and one of the leading tool manufacturers around the world. In addition to making excellent saws, they also produce high-quality table saw blades.

This combo pack of cross-cutting and general use blades provides excellent value for money. They are also carbide-tipped for increased durability and better edge retention.

These blades have a computer-balanced plate for reduced vibrations and noise. This high-tech manufacturing process also improves the accuracy and finish of your cuts.

What We Like

Trusted Brand

DeWALT is a name that allows you to buy with confidence. If you were to step onto a building site right now, you would almost certainly see DeWALT products being used. Choosing DeWALT means choosing professional quality.

Value for Money

This blade combo pack costs less than some single blades from other manufacturers. It provides excellent value for money.

General Purpose

As these saw blades are general purpose, they will be excellent for most woodworking jobs. This makes them a great option for people who are new to carpentry or woodworking.

What We Don't Like

You Get What You Pay For

As these blades are so cheap, you shouldn’t expect their quality to match some of the more expensive table saw blades that are available.

Product Specs

Teeth 60 and 32
Kerf Thin
Max Rpm Not stated
Cost $
Carbide-tipped Yes
Use One blade for cross-cutting and one for general purpose use
Blade size 10-inch
Anti-vibration Computer balanced to reduce vibration

Our Ratings

Material Quality
4 / 5
Cutting Efficiency
4 / 5
Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

This saw blade set has become a staple in my woodworking toolkit. From cutting plastic to oak wood on my Craftsman table saw, the blades perform exceptionally well, providing clean and smooth cuts. I've noticed that the 60-tooth blade is especially good for finer woodworking, while the 32-tooth blade is more suitable for heavy-duty tasks like cutting 2x4s and 4x4s. The blades are not only of good quality but they also last for a long time, making them a great asset for both carpenters and hobbyist woodworkers.

IRWIN Marples 10-Inch Triple Grind Saw Blade

Best Table Saw Blade for Acrylic

If you need to safely cut tough materials such as acrylic kitchen worktops, this IRWIN blade is the one to use. It is less refined than some of the other blades, but it is also more versatile. It cuts Corian, non-ferrous metals, as well as plastic piping and gutters.

This blade has 84 carbide teeth and a heat resistant, non-stick coating to prevent gumming while it is in use. It also keeps the blade free from sawdust, so you won’t need to spend as much time cleaning up.

What We Like

Versatile

This is the go-to blade for general carpentry work on job sites. As it cuts a variety of materials, you should be able to complete most tasks without the delay of swapping your blade.

Non-Stick Coating

This blade has a special coating to discourage it from binding when it is in use, which will reduce the risk of kickbacks. The coating should also prevent the blade from overheating. This prolongs the lifespan of the blade.

What We Don't Like

Not for Fine Woodworking

These blades are made to cut various materials, including Corian and melamine. This means they are not ideal for fine detail work such as dados and framing.

Product Specs

Teeth 84
Kerf Thin
Max RPM 7,000
Cost $$
Carbide-tipped Yes
Use Corian, laminate, acrylic, plastic, non-ferrous metals
Blade size 10-inch
Anti-vibration Precision tensioned

Our Ratings

Material Quality
3.5 / 5
Cutting Efficiency
3.5 / 5
Compatibility
4 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

Love the smooth, clean cuts this Irwin Marples 10" 60 tooth blade provides on various types of wood, noticeably reducing tear out. Compared to my previously used Diablo 50 tooth blade, this blade is remarkably sharper and seems to have a longer lifespan, even when cutting hardwoods. Although some users have reported inconsistent teeth settings, my personal experience with the blade has been stellar, with no visible teeth marks on wood when cut slowly. It's also worth noting that this blade performs exceptionally well for its price range, but may not match the expectations for serious production shop use.

Makita 10-Inch Micro Polished Saw Blade

Best Table Saw Blade for Woodworking

This Makita blade is suitable for various forms of woodwork. It has ultra-grain carbide teeth that are honed to 600 grit, which means it can deliver a very smooth, neat finish.

It has a thin kerf, making it a suitable choice for less powerful table saw motors. This thin kerf also means it is easier to handle. The precision engineering of this blade makes it suitable for plywood and hardwood, as well as softwood.

What We Like

Ultra-Smooth Blades

These blades have been honed to create a mirror-like surface. This will help them make the neatest cuts possible, as well as making them versatile enough for crosscuts and bevel cuts.

Thin Kerf

The thin kerf makes these blades easier to handle and means they are suitable for table saw motors of less than three horsepower. They are also less prone to overheating, which helps the carbide blades last longer. These blades are an excellent option for novices looking to learn their craft.

Low Price

Considering some table saw blades can cost $100 to $150, this Makita blade is far more affordable. It offers excellent value for money, especially if you are a beginner and don’t want to spend a lot on your tools.

What We Don't Like

Noisy Blade

Cutting with a table saw is never particularly quiet, but this blade makes an unusual whining noise that bothers some users.

Blunts Quickly

For the price, you shouldn’t expect this blade to stay sharp for long. Thankfully, it can be resharpened if you want to keep using it instead of buying a replacement. Just be aware that sharpening the blade will remove the carbide coating.

Product Specs

Teeth 80
Kerf Thin
Max RPM 5,870
Cost $
Carbide-tipped Yes
Use Hardwood, softwood, plywood
Blade size 10-inch
Anti-vibration Precision hand tensioned

Our Ratings

Material Quality
4 / 5
Cutting Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Compatibility
4 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

My experience with these blades for my miter and table saw has been superb, especially given their reasonable price. These blades still stay sharp after a hefty DIY laminate flooring project in my large home, and they've truly helped me avoid any tedious sanding edges during my board and batten project. However, I have noticed an unusual ringing sound in my table saw which could be due to the blade's harmonics, but it's a minor inconvenience compared to the quality of the clean cuts they make.

Forrest Woodworker II 10-Inch Kerf Saw Blade

Best Premium Table Saw Blade

The Forrest Woodworker II is one of the more expensive saw blades we have reviewed, costing as much as multiple blades from some other leading brands. However, that extra cost will give you a professional quality saw blade.

This blade is suitable for cross and rip cuts, causes minimal tears in plywood, and the finish is so smooth that it almost seems sanded. It is a premium choice but it is also one of the best woodworking saw blades we have seen. The extra cost is worth it for a top-quality finish if you can afford it.

What We Like

Versatile

Capable of making crosscuts, rip cuts, and even slicing plywood, this blade is a woodworker’s best friend. As the teeth have C-4 carbide, they will stay sharper for longer.

High Quality

This blade is of high quality throughout. It is hand tensioned and sharpened to achieve a very fine finish. If the teeth become blunt, Forrest even offers a service to hand-sharpen the blade so it will be as good as new again.

Makes Rip Cuts

Not many blades can make cross and rip cuts without damaging the finish of the piece they are cutting but this one makes rip cuts up to 2 inches deep. This means you won’t need to buy a separate blade for these tasks and will save time by not having to swap the blades as you work.

What We Don't Like

Very High Cost

To buy this blade, you will need to spend as much as it costs to buy some premium power tools. As such, it is generally only used by professionals and amateurs who are very serious about woodworking.

Product Specs

Teeth 40
Kerf Full
Max RPM 7,000
Cost $$$
Carbide-tipped Yes
Use Hardwood, softwood, plywood
Blade size 10-inch
Anti-vibration Precision hand tensioned

Our Ratings

Material Quality
5 / 5
Cutting Efficiency
5 / 5
Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.75 / 5

First-Hand Impression

If you're in the market for an exceptional saw blade, this one certainly stands out. My personal experience has been overwhelmingly positive, with the blade slicing through both plywood and dense hardwoods like a warm knife through butter, leaving behind impressively smooth and clean edges. The level of precision I've experienced, even on long cuts, has been remarkable and has noticeably improved the quality of my woodworking projects. While initially hesitant about the price point, I can now confidently say this blade has proven to be a worthwhile investment, delivering consistent, high-quality performance.

Freud 10-Inch Heavy-Duty Rip Blade

Best Table Saw Blade for Ripping

This Freud heavy-duty rip blade has 24 high-density carbide teeth that cut the stock so smoothly that you might not even need to sand it. It has a Perma-Shield, non-stick coating to reduce the drag of the blade, which also reduces the pitch build-up.

Freud has laser-cut anti-vibration vents into the blade to reduce sideways motion and overall vibration. As the blade has a protective coating, blade warp is kept to a minimum.

This rip blade is designed with serious woodworkers in mind.

What We Like

Anti-Vibration Vents

When saw blades cut through material, they vibrate, especially when cutting tough stock. This leads to sideways movement, which places a strain on your table saw. Laser-cut anti-vibration vents prolong the life of this blade and reduce the wear and tear on your saw unit.

Perma-Shield

Freud has developed its special Perma-Shield coating to provide extra lubrication, decrease resistance, and minimize heat build-up. Excessive heat shortens the lifespan of table saw blades as they dull far more quickly when they are hot.

Glue-Line Precision

Glue-line precision means the cut is so accurate that you could glue the two pieces together without needing to sand them. If you want to make neat rip cuts while reducing your workload, this blade is an excellent option.

What We Don't Like

Blade Dulls Quickly

Due to being designed for rip cuts, this blade dulls relatively quickly. Unfortunately, this is simply the nature of the work it is expected to complete.

Neat But Not That Neat

While this blade cuts with great precision, it will never be able to match a blade with 80 or 90 teeth in this regard. However, it is still very neat for a rip cut blade.

Product Specs

Teeth 24
Kerf Full
Max RPM 8,000
Cost $$$
Carbide-tipped High-density carbide teeth
Use Rip cut and crosscuts. Plywood, hardwood, softwood, composites, laminate
Blade size 10-inches
Anti-vibration Laser-cut anti-vibration vents

Our Ratings

Material Quality
4.5 / 5
Cutting Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Compatibility
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

Definitely impressed with this saw blade's performance, especially when cutting large sheets of plywood. This saw blade is sturdy, well-weighted, and it boasts a stunning mirror finish near the brazing and carbide teeth. The flat grind teeth provide a neat, sharp groove for wood splines, an important feature for my woodworking hobby. The only drawback is the cost of factory sharpening, but overall, this saw blade has been a valuable addition to my workshop.

Concord Blades 10-Inch General Purpose Blade for Hard and Softwood

Best Table Saw Blade for Cutting Hardwood

With 80 teeth, this Concord blade is an ideal candidate for cutting hardwood. It can also cut softwood, exotic wood, and abrasive wood. It is an excellent general-purpose saw blade, so it is an obvious choice for carpenters and woodworkers looking for versatility.

The clever design of this thin kerf blade increases the feed pressure of the stock while reducing the waste it produces. Its narrow shape also places less strain on the saw motor and reduces heat build-up.

What We Like

General Purpose Blade

If you work primarily with wood, a multi-use blade is invaluable. It could save you a lot of time as you won’t need to keep swapping blades. This blade will be an excellent part of any woodworker’s tool collection.

Very Low Price

This blade is one of the cheapest we have seen, allowing you to buy several blades for the cost of a single blade from some other brands.

Fits Chop, Miter, and Circular Saws

This saw blade is versatile, fitting multiple types of power saws. You can remove the blade from your table saw and place it in a miter saw to enjoy the same precision cutting.

What We Don't Like

Not the Best Quality

Unsurprisingly given their low cost, these blades blunt relatively quickly. It might be worth buying multiple blades at a time to ensure you always have a replacement ready to go. You should also check the compatibility of your table saw as these blades won’t fit every models, including SawStop units.

Not American Made

Unlike some leading US brands including DeWALT, IRWIN Tools, and Freud, these saw blades are made overseas in China. This could make it more difficult to contact customer support and get issues resolved.

Product Specs

Teeth 80
Kerf Thin
Max RPM 5,350
Cost $
Carbide-tipped Titanium carbide tipped teeth
Use General wood use. Hardwood, softwood, exotic wood, abrasive wood
Blade size 10-inches
Anti-vibration N/A

Our Ratings

Material Quality
3.5 / 5
Cutting Efficiency
4 / 5
Compatibility
3.5 / 5
Durability
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with this blade has been quite impressive, especially considering its cost-effective price point. The 165mm diameter of this blade is ideal for my Makita track saw, enabling a 3mm scoring feature, which is instrumental in eliminating splintering or chipping on the surface. I was particularly impressed with its cut quality; melamine was cut without chipping the top surface, even without scoring. However, the blade required slightly more pushing effort when cutting 3/4" Melamine, likely due to its higher number of teeth and lack of coating. Despite this minor inconvenience, the blade remained sharp, ran straight and true, and operated smoothly without vibration, making it a solid choice for those seeking quality and affordability.

Forrest Duraline 10-Inch Melamine and Plywood Blade

Best Table Saw Blade for Plywood

This Forrest Duraline table saw blade has C-4 carbide teeth that are 40% stronger than standard teeth. They are also designed to last 300% longer between sharpenings. This blade cuts so smoothly that you should avoid the need for two-stage finishing, meaning jointing and sanding are not required.

With this blade, you can rip and crosscut 2-inch hardwood. It will even cut ply-veneers of oak and birch without a bottom splinter at moderate speeds. This is an ideal blade for sheet ply and other large stock.

What We Like

Strength

With 40% stronger carbide teeth, this blade will make light work of hardwoods and even oak veneers. Cutting for extended periods usually dulls blades but this one should retain its sharpness for longer.

Ideal Woodworker’s Blade

This blade will cut through sheet materials such as melamine and plywood. As such, it is ideal for cutting kitchens and bespoke furniture.

Glue-Line Finish

This Forrest blade has 80 teeth and cuts so smoothly that it creates a glue-line finish. This means you won’t need to sand the surface to remove any imperfections.

What We Don't Like

High Cost

This blade is of a very high quality but it is also very expensive. Given that you could buy several other blades for the price of this one, this blade will probably be more popular with professionals than DIYers.

Product Specs

Teeth 80
Kerf Full
Max RPM 7,000
Cost $$$
Carbide-tipped C-4 carbide teeth
Use Crosscuts, rip cuts, melamine, plywood, oak veneers, birch, veneers
Blade size 10-inches
Anti-vibration N/A

Our Ratings

Material Quality
5 / 5
Cutting Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Compatibility
4 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Community Feedback

This blade is definitely one of the sharpest I've wielded, providing me with super clean edges on the 3/4 Maple IPC drawer fronts I've been cutting. It's crisp, and dare I say, dangerously sharp - I've found that even a casual brush down the blade edge can result in a cut. I used this blade with my Powermatic Cabinet saw, and I must say, the combination provides results I doubt could be achieved on an average contractor's table saw. While I previously believed a multi-purpose blade could do the job, this blade has convinced me otherwise, especially when cutting plywood. Despite the higher price point, the quality of the cut and the durability of this blade make it a worthwhile investment for any serious woodworker.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Teeth Kerf Max Rpm Cost Carbide-tipped Use Blade size Anti-vibration
DeWALT Miter/Table Saw Blade Value 60 & 32 Thin Not stated $ Yes Cross-cutting, general-purpose use Anti-vibration Teeth
IRWIN Marples Triple Grind Saw Blade Acrylic 84 Thin 7,000 $$ Yes 10-inch Teeth Kerf
Makita Micro Polished Saw Blade Woodworking 80 Thin 5,870 $ Yes 10-inch Kerf Max RPM
Forrest Woodworker II Kerf Saw Blade Premium 40 Full 7,000 $$$ Yes 10-inch Max RPM Cost
Freud Heavy-Duty Rip Blade Ripping 24 Full 8,000 $$$ High-density carbide 10-inch Cost Carbide-tipped
Concord Blades General Purpose Blade Hardwood 80 Thin 5,350 $ Titanium carbide 10-inches Anti-vibration Use
Forrest Duraline Melamine & Plywood Blade Plywood 80 Full 7,000 $$$ C-4 carbide 10-inches N/A Blade size

Reasons to Buy a Table Saw Blade

There are various reasons to need a new table saw blade. It might be a simple matter of replacing a worn out blade with a similar model. You might also need a blade that is more suitable for a specific task, such as cutting plastic or aluminum.

The Old Blade Is Blunt

The most common reason to buy a new table saw blade is simply that your current blade is worn out. Your blade will gradually dull as it is used, meaning your saw has to work harder to make the same cuts. Those cuts will also become less precise, and you risk damaging your project.

The most obvious sign that your blade is becoming blunt will be an increasing number of torn fibers on the wood after you cut it. If you use your table saw daily, you will probably need to replace the blade every few weeks to ensure it makes clean cuts. On the other hand, if you only use it occasionally, it could last as long as a couple of years.

Different Materials

If you are cutting wood, plastic, plywood, or other types of materials, there will be a specialist blade to suit the task. The main difference between blades will be the amount of cutting teeth and their shape. For example, if you are cutting plywood, you should use an 80 or 96-tooth blade.

The more teeth a blade has, the more suitable it is for cutting sheet material and making a smoother cut. For cutting through aluminum, choose a diamond or carbide-tipped blade with 60 teeth.

To Prevent Kickback

Kickbacks are among the most dangerous aspects of using a table saw. They can cause potentially serious injuries, so you should take every measure to prevent them. Using a dull blade increases the risk of kickbacks because the wood will bind more as it is cut.

As the blade cuts less effectively, you will also be forced to push the stock toward it more firmly. This will affect your balance and break one of the main rules of using a table saw, putting you at risk of falling toward the blade if you lose your footing.

Types of Table Saw Blades

There are four main types of table saw blades, each defined by their shape, grind, and teeth.

Flat Top Grind (FTG)

Flat top grind (FTG) blades have teeth that sit at a right angle to the saw plate. They cut through the wood much like a chisel, ripping it perpendicular to the grain. This means they will cut through tough material but they won’t make clean cuts.

Pros

  • Great for rip cuts
  • Hard wearing
  • Powerful

Cons

  • Won’t make clean cuts
  • Unsuitable for precision work

Alternate Top Bevel (ATB)

The teeth of an alternate top bevel (ATB) blade are angled in alternating directions. ATB blades are designed to shear wood, which they do very effectively. They are excellent blades for general use.

Pros

  • General-purpose cutting
  • Versatile
  • Excellent for joinery

Cons

  • Not specialist blades
  • Unsuitable for refined woodworking

Alternate Top Bevel/Raker (ATB/R)

Sometimes called combination blades, alternate top bevel or raker blades have 50 teeth arranged in groups of five. There are four ATB blades followed by a raker tooth like the ones found on flat top grind blades. These are the best blades to use when cross-cutting.

Pros

  • Used for cross-cutting
  • Provides a fine finish

Cons

  • Not suitable for every type of woodwork
  • Doesn’t rip cut

Triple-Chip Grind (TCG)

Triple-chip grind (TCG) blades have alternating chamfered and raker teeth. The chamfered teeth rough cut, while the raker teeth provide a neater finish. This is the blade to use when sawing plastic laminate and Corian, as well as non-ferrous metals such as brass and aluminum.

Pros

  • Cuts a wide range of materials
  • Makes neat cuts

Cons

  • Best suited for materials other than wood
  • Unsuitable for general woodworking

Features of the Best Table Saw Blade

In addition to the type of blade you need, there are some other important considerations when choosing a table saw blade.

Blade Size

The most common sizes of table saw blades are 8-inch, 10-inch (the most popular), and 12-inch. Larger blades are available for specific tasks, but you are unlikely to need them for everyday carpentry or woodworking.

Blade Material

Table saw blades are made using metal alloys. They are typically tungsten carbide-coated to increase their strength and reduce their heat retention. The most common materials for table saw blades are stainless steel, chrome vanadium steel, and aluminum oxide.

Anti-Kickback Shoulders

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 67,000 people suffer injuries while using table saws every year in the United States (1).

An anti-kickback shoulder is a small protrusion behind the cutting teeth on the blade. They are commonly found on rip blades because of the faster rate at which they cut through material. Shoulders help reduce kickback but they shouldn’t be relied upon as your sole means of protecting yourself. They should be used alongside your riving knife and anti-kickback pawls.

Anti-Vibration Vents

Laser-cut stabilizer vents prevent the blade from moving from side to side while cutting. They also reduce noise and vibrations, making the blade easier to use. Reducing sideways vibrations also helps the blade stay secure, keeping it from working itself loose. The result is a more precise cut with a neater finish.

Teeth Count

How many teeth a table saw blade has varies from type to type and is influenced by what it is used for. We have already looked at the four types of blades, so let’s explore the different tooth counts that are available and what they are intended for.

Are More Teeth on a Saw Blade Better?

Whether to choose a saw blade with more or fewer teeth depends on the material you are cutting and the finish you want. As a general rule, more teeth will provide a finer finish, whereas fewer teeth are better for ripping large pieces of material.

Here is a quick chart that should give you a better sense of how many teeth you want for each task:

Types of Use Number of Blade Teeth
Ripping wood 24 to 30 teeth
Cross-cutting/sawing plywood 80 to 90 teeth
Joinery work 40 to 50 teeth (combination blade)
Man-made and MDF 60 teeth
Plastic laminate 80 teeth (cross-cut blade)

Tooth Configuration

There are different tooth configurations that will make a blade more suitable for specific tasks. Crosscut blades require more teeth than rip cut blades as cross-cutting requires a finer finish.

In contrast, crosscut blades have smaller gullets, which helps reduce the rate that the material feeds into it. This gives you greater control for precision cutting.

Rip cut blades work with the wood grain and cut differently. They essentially split the wood as you feed it toward the blade. For this reason, they need fewer teeth.

Typically, rip cut blades have larger gullets, which increase the rate that the material is fed in. This means it is possible to make long rip cuts at a faster pace.

ATB blades, or general-purpose blades, have longer teeth with larger gullets that ensure the shearing action is as smooth as possible. ATB/R blades have four ATB teeth, plus a flat-top tooth, arranged in sets of five.

ATB/R blades also have a smaller gullet between each tooth and a larger gullet between each group of five.

Kerf

The thickness of the cut, or “kerf” as it is known by carpenters and woodworkers, will depend on the kerf type of your blade. There are two types of kerf:

Full Kerf

Full kerf blades have more carbide, which helps them stay sharper for longer. As they take wider bites out of the material, full kerf blades place a greater demand on your saw motor. They are best used with table saws that produce 3 horsepower.

As they cut more aggressively, full kerf blades are also more difficult to master for novice carpenters and woodworkers.

Thin Kerf

Thin kerf blades are effectively the opposite of full kerf blades. They have less carbide, making them dull more quickly, but they are also much easier to handle.

These blades work excellently with table saws under 3 horsepower as they waste less material and produce less heat. The only drawback is that they are less precise than full kerf blades.


How to Change a Table Saw Blade

You should always read your table saw’s manual to find out how exactly to replace its blade but the process usually includes the same basic steps:

1. Cut the Power

Always turn off the machine and unplug it before replacing its blade. Once it has been unplugged, you can remove the throat plate and blade guard.

2. Raise the Blade

Raise the blade to its maximum height. This will make it easier to access when the times come to remove it.

3. Loosen the Arbor Nut

If you have a blade stop, you should engage it now. This will prevent the blade from rotating as you loosen it.

Use the wrench that came with your table saw to loosen the arbor nut and the blade locking nut. You move the wrench forward to loosen and backward to tighten it.

4. Swap the Blade

Remove the blade and replace it with your new one. Remember to tighten the blade locking pin and the arbor nut. Always put the throat plate and blade guard back into position.

To make sure that the blade is aligned properly, take a spare piece of lumber and make a crosscut, then place the cut ends together. If you can see a gap, the blade is not square.

How to Clean a Table Saw Blade

What you will need:

  • A large flat container
  • Laundry detergent
  • Soft wire brush
  • Water
  • Paper towels

After removing the blade, follow these steps to clean it:

1. Examine the Blade

Check the blade for stains or sticky resin left by the wood you have been cutting. This resin is difficult to remove, so it may require additional scrubbing before placing the blade in the water. It is important to get the resin off because it could cause kickbacks when your blade tries to spin through the stock.

2. Submerge the Blade in Water

Carefully place the blade into the water and add a squirt of laundry detergent. Place your finger in the center hole and move it around the container. Then leave it to soak for five to ten minutes.

3. Use the Brush

Scrub the surface of the blade with a soft wire brush to remove any remaining stains and debris.

4. Dry the Blade

Take the blade from the water and dry it thoroughly. This is essential as water will cause steel to rust. You can use a thick kitchen towel or another old towel to achieve this.

To ensure the blade is completely dry, allow it to air-dry for 30 minutes before placing it back into the saw unit.

How to Sharpen a Table Saw Blade

To sharpen a table saw blade, you will need:

  • A diamond saw blade
  • Goggles
  • Facemask
  • Gloves (optional)

1. Remove the Dull Blade

Remove the dull blade from your table saw using the guide above. At this point, put on your face mask and goggles for safety.

2. Fit the Diamond Saw Blade

Place the diamond saw blade into the table saw. Make sure you don’t overtighten the arbor nut as this could damage the blade.

3. Sharpen the Blade

If you have a blade with teeth that all face the same direction, you can sharpen it with one pass of the diamond saw blade. However, if you have a combination blade, you will need to work more methodically. Sharpen the teeth facing one way, then turn the blade over to sharpen the teeth facing the other way.

Get the diamond blade spinning and gently press the blunt blade against it. Allow the diamond grit surface to come into contact with the dull teeth briefly before moving onto the next ones.

4. Repeat the Process

Continue sharpening the dull blade until all the teeth feel sharp again. Make sure the inner edges of the teeth are in contact with the diamond saw blade.

When you are finished, shut down the diamond blade and replace it with your newly sharpened saw blade. You can use some scrap wood to test its sharpness.

Top Tip

To make sure you sharpen all the teeth on the blade, use a marker on the first tooth. This will give you a sense of how many teeth you have sharpened, so you don’t accidentally miss a section.

FAQs

How Long Should a Table Saw Blade Last?

Most blades will last between two and four years with proper care. But, there are some things that can shorten the lifespan of a blade.

For example, using the wrong blade type for cutting material can cause excessive wear and tear. In addition, not regularly cleaning and lubricating the blade can also lead to premature wear.

Is It Worth Sharpening Table Saw Blades?

The quality of the cut is directly related to the sharpness of the blade. A dull blade will produce a rougher edge, while a sharp blade will result in a cleaner, more precise cut. Also, a dull blade will probably cause kickback, which can be really dangerous.

So, it’s definitely worth taking the time to sharpen your table saw blades whenever you can. The good news is that this is pretty easy to do, and several different methods can be used, depending on your experience level.

What Size Blade Do Most Table Saws Use?

Most table saws use 10-inch blades. This is the standard size for most home and workshop table saws. 10-inch blades are also common on contractors’ table saws. The 10-inch blade is a good all-purpose size that can handle most woodworking tasks.

It can rip through hardwoods, softwoods, plywood, and other sheet goods. 10-inch blades are also relatively affordable and easy to find. If you’re looking for a versatile blade that can handle most of your woodworking needs, a 10-inch blade is a good choice.

Why Does My Table Saw Blade Smoke?

When using a table saw, the blade friction against the wood can cause the saw to smoke. If the blade is particularly dirty or misaligned, the friction increases, obviously leading to more smoke.

Also, if the blade height isn’t set correctly or if your blade is dull, the saw can smoke. By keeping the blade clean and sharp and ensuring that it’s correctly aligned, you can help reduce the amount of smoke produced by your table saw.

What Is the Best Table Saw Blade for Cutting Hardwood?

When tackling hardwood projects, the WCB0438T018HP Concord Blades are worth a shot. They are made to rip through hardwood pieces up to three and a half inches thick.

It has 18 blades and works with chop saws and miter saws that max 12,000 rpm. Other features of interest include the 15-degree hook angle and the 1.8mm kerf.

What Is the Difference Between Freud and Diablo Blades?

There are, of course, distinctions between the two, the most notable of which is that Freud blades typically have a complete kerf. In contrast, Diablo blades invariably have a narrow kerf. On the other hand, neither of them is lacking in their ability to cut.

The Diablo blades are the superior option for an underpowered saw. And in terms of value for money, the Diablo blades are difficult to top.


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About the Author

Mark Weir

Mark spent 24 years working in real estate, so he knows his way around a home. He also worked with contractors and experts, advising them on issues of planning, investments, and renovations. Mark is no stranger to hands-on experience, having renovated his own home and many properties for resale. He likes nothing better than seeing a project through to completion.