Table Saw Blade Guide

Table Saw Blade Guide

Even with a wide selection at hand, choosing the best blade for your table saw can be confusing. Here is a quick reference guide to help you choose the right table saw blade for most jobs:

Cutting solid wood: Use a 24-tooth to 30-tooth blade. You can also use a 40-tooth to 50-tooth multipurpose blade, but it will take more time.
Crosscutting wood or sawing plywood: Use a 40-tooth to 80-tooth blade. You can also use a 40-tooth to 50-tooth all-purpose blade.
Joinery: Use a 40-tooth to 50-tooth all-purpose combination blade.
Cutting MDF and man-made materials: Use a 50-tooth to 80-tooth blade. Blades with 60 teeth and above generally cut dense materials better.
Plastic laminates: Use an 80-tooth crosscut blade. For thinner materials, you may be able to use a 60-tooth combination blade.

Full Kerf Blades vs. Thin Kerf Blades

Generally speaking, your table saw will dictate which kerf style is best. For a high-powered machine like a 220-volt 3-hp saw, a full-kerf blade is ideal. You'll have enough power to make quick, relatively easy cuts with a more powerful blade, and the blade will stay sharper longer.

If you own a lower-powered table saw, such as a 110-volt model, a thin kerf blade will make cuts easier while reducing wear and tear on the saw's motor.