Last Updated on October 26, 2021
Any woodworker would tell you that the most essential tool in a woodworking shop is the table saw. No matter your preferences, there are many ways to hone and practice your woodworking.
That process requires a table saw, and the performance of one is almost entirely dictated by its blade. The right blade can determine whether the result shows your hard work.
This is why it’s so important to put thought into not just the right table saw, but also the best table saw blade.
If you currently own a table saw, then you will already know that there are many kinds of blades to choose from.
Today we will be talking about some of the best ones on the market.
10 Best Table Saw Blade Reviews
Here are some of my recommendations for you. Below I am gonna break down their features to help you choose among them.
1. Oshlun SDS-0842 8-Inch 42 Tooth Stack Dado Set
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Oshlun have outdone themselves with this 16-piece set. Even though the price may seem high, it’s honestly a great deal, because this bad boy performs amazingly.
This blade produces amazing high-quality bottom dado cuts, because of the high number of its teeth. Expect to be able to make cuts between ¼ inches and 29/32 inches.
Let’s have a look at some of the specs. The tips of the blade are made from professional-grade C4 carbide and has a shim set to help you adjust your measurements better.
What’s more, because the tips are made from high-quality carbide, the blade can go longer without you having to re-sharpen it. And we all know how tedious that task can be, right?
This blade also features full-body chippers that enable a much smoother setup process with low vibration.
For the reasons I’ve outlined, most users claim this is probably the best table saw for plywood. But I’m here to tell you it also performs supremely on other types of wood as well.
- Smooth and flat dado bottom
- Does not require frequent re-sharpening
- Comes with a helpful instructions table
- High affordability
- May cause tear if not inserted tightly
- Definitely on the heavier side
2. Freud 10″ x 40T Next Generation Premier Fusion General Purpose Blade
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Here are the specs. This blade is a hi-ATB type which has 40 teeth. The kerf width is 126 inches, with an 18-degree hook angle. Furthermore, it has a double side grind design. You know what that means—more polished looking cross cuts!
Just like every other Freud blade, this one is also balanced for precision. The specially formulated polymer filler works to reduce sideways movements and produces cleaner finishes.
What do these features mean? Well, it not only increases the blade’s durability but also produces flawless, crisp finishes that are free from splinters. They also make for noticeably faster operation, even compared to other Freud blades.
Then there’s the fact that this blade has a non-stick coating that fights blade drag and corrosion. This ensures that you don’t have to spend time cleaning the blade.
Many users also say that this is a great multi-purpose blade. Whether you’re performing cross-cutting or ripping operations, you probably won’t have to switch out this blade too often. Based on all this information, this product is really starting to sound like the perfect low budget table saw, am I right?
- Full kerf blade
- Suited to all sorts of materials
- Perfect for pine, oak, and redwood
- Not suited to long term use
- Not suited to maple or cherry wood
3. Amana Tool – PR1040C Prestige General Purpose
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Every Amana Tool blade is put through extensive tests for both quality and performance. If that’s not enough for you, users swear by the amazing smoothness of cut that this blade can produce.
This Amana Tool blade comes with a huge plate made of tool steel with a .102-inch thickness. It has copper plugs and expansion slots that work together to reduce vibration and noise.
The 40 teeth on this blade, which have been grounded with a steep bevel angle of 20 degrees, are capable of alternating right and left and producing smooth, crisp cuts. You can perform operations both with the grain of the wood and across it.
Furthermore, the teeth are tipped with high-quality D-10 carbide, each of which has been individually computer verified. This means that you will enjoy minimal runout on the blade as you work. And of course, you can expect a longer blade life!
Additionally, the blade has a translucent, non-stick coating that resists a buildup of resin and heat accumulation. Imagine a blade that makes your life easier by staying clean for longer!
- Great for MDF and solid wood
- Much more stable than other models with low wobbling
- Very little chatter during ripping operations
- The thickness of blade increases durability
- Not well suited to wood types such as maple
- Might require frequent re-sharpening
4. Freud 10″ x 50T Thin Kerf Combination Blade
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If you’re looking for specs, here they are, and they won’t disappoint. It has 50 teeth with a COMB grind. The hook angle is 10 degrees.
There’s more! The teeth on this blade are arranged in sets of five. They are made up of one flat tooth for ripping, after which are four alternate top bevel teeth, perfect for crosscutting.
And on that note, of course, this blade, like all other Freud blades, is tipped with high-density TiCo carbide. Freud takes special pride in the carbide they have formulated for their blades—it is developed with cobalt, tungsten and titanium carbide.
Why should you care about the carbide size? Well, the bigger the carbide grain is, the faster will edge wear. This is a very important consideration not just for sharpness but also for the edge wear rate.
The blade has a large gullet, meaning much more efficient chip clearance for you. Furthermore, the slots on this blade are laser cut, which does away with vibration and noise. The need for stabilizers is also eliminated.
- Thin kerf allows for operations with lower power
- Super-fast feed rate
- Great for framing operations
- Cannot produce flat cuts
- Not suited to cutting bridle joints
- Might require frequent chisel clean up
5. Freud 10″ x 24T Heavy-Duty Rip Blade
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To start off, let’s have a look at the specifications of this blade. The diameter is 10 inches. It has 24 teeth and the width of the kerf is 126 inches (thin kerf), while the hook angle is 20 degrees.
So, what is this blade best suited to do?
Expect fast, smooth ripping for both softwood and hardwood. This is due to a rigid body and extra sharp carbide teeth with flat tops. You can easily get glue line precision cuts with this blade. The best working range with this blade is between ¾ inches up to a thickness of 2 inches.
This blade is extra-large, with flat teeth. This lowers the possibility of you needing to joint or sand your work afterward.
And as with all other Freud blades, the slots on this one is also laser cut, which works to reduce vibration and noise. Furthermore, it eliminates sideways movement and yields flawless finishes with little to no splintering.
Premium TiCo HI-Density carbide ripping blend for maximum performance is equipped to this device.
Freud take pride in the fact that the finishing on this blade is of their special silver I.C.E. coating. According to them, this resists heat buildup and corrosion and ensures better performance for a longer period. It also means you won’t have to worry about your blade warping!
- Great for joinery ripping
- Best suited for ripping plywood and hardwood
- C.E coating sustains high performance
- Tends to flutter and/or chatter
- Might leave tooth marks
- Carbide tips tend to chip
6. Kempston 99312 Saw Blade
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Kempston takes real pride in the blades they manufacture. They use high-grade tungsten micro-grain carbide, which as we all know is essential for a smooth, flawless cut. Moreover, the fine grain carbide ensures that your blade sustains a longer cutting-edge life.
Here are some specs for you: the diameter is 10 inches. The blade has 24 teeth and a 5/8-inch arbor, making it great for ripping.
Each of the teeth of this blade is laser cut. Accuracy is key for a woodworker, after all! You can also rest easy knowing this blade is tensioned for higher consistency and durability.
Not only can you expect superlative performance, but you also do not have to worry about the blade losing its flatness due to high speeds or extreme heat.
The chip limitation design of this blade also means decreased kickback, which is essential for safety.
Finally, this saw blade is processed with a non-stick coating that resists heat and reduces friction. Plus, resin removal is easier, so that’s less downtime for you having to clean the blade.
- Great substitute for a full dado set
- Works great as a general-purpose blade
- Great for pine and plywood
- Perfect for ripping operations
- Not the best for heavy duty hardwood ripping
- Not ideal for above 1 ½” thickness
7. DEWALT DWAFV3836 Flexvolt 36T Table Saw Blade
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This DeWalt blade was designed with efficiency in mind. Maximize your runtime and get the best out of your woodworking projects. This is a very straightforward, no-nonsense blade, and you get your money’s worth.
What makes this blade so great is its thin kerf design. As you may already know, a thin kerf is perfect for cutting through high-density materials. This blade does just that and does it very smoothly.
Like any good high-quality blade, this one has submicron grade carbide tips, which ensure a long life for your blade and fewer re-sharpening for you. The patented body slots they’ve put on this blade means you don’t have to worry about vibration or noise.
Moreover, this table saw blade is also a great option if you have a portable saw. It’s been made to be used with both corded and cordless saws. This is a great all-purpose saw blade that won’t disappoint you!
- Perfect for cutting maple
- Thin kerf design ensures smoother cuts
- Great for ripping operations
- Might not work well with non-circular saws
8. IRWIN Tools MARATHON Saw Blade
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If you’re not a serious woodworker or are only undertaking a small household renovation project, then you’re better off getting a blade like this one.
For the price of this blade, which is almost unbelievably low, you are getting a very efficient blade that can aid you in smoothly completing your project. You will get about one hundred cuts out of this blade, which is a steal if you consider the price.
This blade features #400 grit diamond ground teeth that guarantee a smooth finish. It is, of course, balanced and precision-tensioned, meaning you won’t be lacking in accuracy. Its thin kerf enables faster cuts and increased efficiency, which is perfect for quick household projects.
The blade has 40 teeth and a hook angle of 20 degrees. It has an ATB (alternate top level) grind. However, because the blade tips are tipped with construction grade carbide, don’t expect this blade to last you very long. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty blade, this isn’t it.
Another thing to note is that because this is a cheaper and relatively more disposable blade, you should be extra careful about your safety. Remember to use earplugs and a sturdy pair of goggles!
- High number of teeth means a smoother cut
- High affordability
- Great for small projects and low duty operations
- Perfect for metal roofing projects
- Low-grade carbide
- Not very durable as per the price
- Makes a lot of noise
9. OVERPEAK 10-Inch Table Saw Blade
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The diamond knockout on this blade, along with its laser cut teeth, means that you can expect the truest of true cuts on a budget. Despite that, you can still expect consistent results with a long re-sharpening period.
What specifications does this blade have? It has a standard 10-inch diameter, with a fine-finish application. The 90 teeth on this blade are alternate top bevel, which as you may already know, makes for a great all-purpose blade.
Also, the thin kerf on this blade is a blessing, because of how it increases efficiency and speed. The carbide tips ensure higher durability of the blade, as well.
One thing most user love about this blade is that despite its low price, it never splinters, especially on softwood. The cuts come out polished and smooth. Oh, and, because of its non-stick coating, you can say goodbye to rusting, gumming and corrosion!
However, keeping the price in mind, remember not to expect too much from this blade. For example, the vibration and noise level are pretty high, and this blade is not ideal for high-density materials.
So, if you’re going to use your blade only once every now and then, this is probably the right one for you.
- Great for working with softwoods
- Highly affordable
- Can be used with miter, table and circular saw
- ATB blade is perfect for cross cuts
- Little gusset room for wood chips
- Blade might dull sooner rather than later
10. TOMAX 12-Inch 40 Tooth ATB Finishing Saw Blade
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That’s right. If you want smooth cuts without having to spend a lot of money, then this is the blade you should be thinking about.
You may already know this, but the carbide grain size is directly proportional to edge wear rate. That’s why carbide size is so important in considerations of sharpness. The tips of the teeth of this blade are coated in construction-grade carbide for just that purpose.
The teeth are also laser cut, which not only results in decreased noise and vibration levels but also increases the blade’s overall durability due to its ability to reduce sideways movements.
The blade also has an electrophoretic coating, which means you don’t have to worry about such things as rusting, corrosion or pitch buildup. It ensures less downtime having to worry about cleaning the blade, and more actual working!
All in all, this blade seems to me to be ideal for cutting any and all types of wood!
- Great for use with not only table saws but also miter saws
- High affordability
- Well suited to Pinewood
- Not ideal for hardwood operations
- Not very durable as it will probably not last beyond 3/4 months
- Teeth might start coming off over time
Who Should Buy This
Whether you’re a beginner in the woodworking world or have been doing this a while, I’m sure you can agree that your work reflects you.
As such, it’s important that your hard work can manifest in your craftsmanship. The right table blade saw can help you achieve just that.
These table saw blades are for those who work with wood on a regular basis. Be it professional or as a hobby, if woodworking is something that occupies your time and energy, these table saw blades are for you.
What to Look For Before You Buy
As a woodworker, it’s likely that you’ve sometimes wondered whether your table saw blade is doing everything it’s supposed to. Even if it fulfills the basic requirement of cutting wood, there are other factors to consider.
If you frequently find yourself having to clean up rough cuts or fixing ill made joints, that probably means you’re not using the right blade.
The good news is that the following buying guide exists. Keep reading to find out what factors you need to consider before you purchase a blade.
Type Of Blade
Your blade’s performance is affected by its shape and also the grouping of its teeth. The teeth configuration has much to do with whether the blade will be best suited to cross-cutting, ripping or laminates.
First off, you need to know that there are four main basic blade types. These are the flat top grind (FTG), alternate top bevel (ATB), triple-chin grind (TCG), and combination (ATBR). The type of the blade is determined based on its grind, shape, or teeth.
Flat top grind blades also go by the name ‘rakers’. They are characterized by teeth which have top edges square to the saw plate. Rakers will last longer and are generally able to perform more quickly. However, they will result in a dirty surface.
Next, are ATB blades. The teeth on these are placed along the top edge of the blade, each alternate tooth going in the opposite direction. Due to this unique shape, the blade is able to shear through wood fiber in a slicing motion with a clean sweep.
If you’re looking for the best general-purpose table saw blade, you’re most likely going to need a 40-tooth ATB blade because that’s what they’re best known for.
Now let’s discuss TCG or triple chin grind blades. The teeth on TCG blades alternate between one chamfered tooth and one raker tooth. The chamfered tooth serves the purpose of roughing out the cut, while the next FTG tooth gives it a clean finish.
TCGs are best for materials of high-density, such as aluminum, brass, or plastic laminate.
Finally, we have the ATBR or combination blades. These are made up of 50 teeth in sets of 5. The first four are ATB teeth, with the last one being a raker tooth.
The ATB teeth are able to perform clean cross-cutting, and the raker teeth are good for ripping. Combination blades are also seen as the best general-purpose table saw blade.
Gullet Type
As you probably already know, a blade’s gullet is the space in front of each of the blade’s teeth which enables the removal of chips.
When you’re performing a ripping operation with your table saw, the chip size is bigger, with a faster feed rate. This means that the gullet must have enough depth if it’s going to handle such a large amount of material.
When it comes to cross-cutting, the chips tend to be smaller in size and number (per tooth), meaning that the gullet can be much smaller.
On some cross-cutting blades, the gullets are made purposely smaller to make it difficult for a feed rate that’s too fast. This can turn out to be a problem when it comes to sliding miter saws or radial arm saws.
Therefore, make sure your blade of choice has a gullet that’s suited to your woodworking needs.
Number Of Teeth
The number of teeth on your blade should be determined by whether you prioritize a smoother cut or a quicker removal of material.
Blades that have fewer teeth are able to remove material much faster. On the other hand, with more teeth, your blade can perform smoother cuts. This is because, with more teeth to aid it, each tooth has to remove less material.
For example, crosscut blades are made to yield a smoother cut across the grain of the wood, with minimal tearing or splintering. Such crosscut blades tend to have between 60 and 80 teeth.
For this reason, a crosscut blade is able to make a larger number of individual cuts. It also requires a slower feed rate. Consequently, you get a cleaner cut on edges with a smoother cut surface. This gives a polished look to the cut surface.
On the other hand, a blade for ripping lumber is likely to have as little as 24 teeth. This is because those who work with lumber prioritize quicker removal of material.
So, the kind of blade you decide to buy depends on what kind of wood you’re working with.
Hook Angle
How your blade operates is impacted heavily by its hook angle. A high positive hook angle will produce a fast feed rate and an aggressive cut. On the other hand, a negative or low hook angle will have the opposite effect: it will slow down the feed rate and stifle the blade’s ability to find purchase on the material.
If you work with lumber, for example, you will need a blade that has a high hook angle, as you will probably require a faster, more aggressive cut.
Quality of Teeth
Why is the quality of teeth important? Because the durability of the sharpness of the blade and the cleanness of its cut are dependent on it.
Most blades of high-quality tend to have teeth that have tips made from thick carbide. These are usually fused to the steel blade plate. The best blades have carbide tips that are made specifically for blade application.
Width of Kerf
The kerf of the blade is basically the width of the widest part of the surface of carbide teeth. Blade kerf is equal to the blade’s cutting width.
The two common types of kerfs are full and thin. Full kerf blades are usually able to cut a 1/8” slot and are made to be used on saws powered by 3hp motors.
Thin kerf blades have a thickness less than 1/8”. They are made to use on portable table saws that are powered by less than 3hp. Thin kerf blades are made to remove smaller amounts of material than full kerf blades; as a result, they need less power to work.
This also means that thin kerf blades can cut material at a suitable feed rate even with saws with lower power.
Thin kerf blades are ideal for cutting high-density stock with a lower powered saw. Note that because the thinner plate may somewhat flutter, you could end up with a rougher cut, though not much.
Full kerf saw blades, on the other hand, tend to have wider teeth. This results in proportionately wider body plates relative to thin kerf blades.
Relative to think kerf, full kerf saw blades are likely to be more stable. This is a result of increased body mass and steel thickness. Another thing you should know is that full kerf blades need more power to operate.
Price
For most of your table saw work, you are better off with a good quality all-purpose combination (ATBR) blade. Unfortunately, if you’re on a budget, it’s best to wait it out.
Good combination blades are a lifelong investment because it means you don’t have to spend extra time and money in cleaning up rough work.
So how much should you expect to pay for a good ATBR blade? Think between $80 and $110. The higher the number of teeth, the pricier the blade is likely to be.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for the best table saw blade for hardwood, you are better off investing in a rip blade that has 24 teeth. This will not only speed your work up but also ensure that you don’t have to use your all-purpose. For one of these, expect to shell out around $50.
What about the best table saw blade for plywood? For that, you’ll be satisfied with a good quality all-purpose blade with 40 teeth. However, an 80-tooth blade would probably be a better option for you, if you can afford it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the right saw blade for me?
A: As we have seen, the answer to this depends on numerous factors. What kind of material you’re working with, and what kind of operation (i.e. ripping, cross-cutting, etc.) will determine this. Why not have a look at the buying guide?
Q: Should I buy specialized blades or one all-purpose blade?
A: This depends on how much woodworking you’re used to doing. If you do many kinds of woodworking, it makes sense to have specialized blades for each kind of operation.
Q: What are the different kinds of blades?
A: There are 4 types: the flat top grind (FTG), alternate top bevel (ATB), triple-chin grind (TCG), and combination (ATBR). Each one is used for a different purpose.
Q: What is the best all-purpose table saw blade?
A: There are many models on the market, and the one you choose will be determined by your budget and frequency of use. However, whichever one you choose, you’re better off opting for an ATBR (combination) blade.
Q: Does the number of teeth on the blade matter?
A: Definitely. Different teeth configurations are used for different purposes. Blades with fewer teeth can remove material much faster. With more teeth, your blade can perform smoother cuts.
Final Words
If you’re a dedicated woodworker, then you already know that the best table saw blade makes all the difference in the quality of your work. However, remember to keep your specific needs in mind when choosing one.
Hopefully, this review will aid you in doing just that. Good luck!