The blade is the most important thing about a table saw. It dictates the efficiency and cut. If you do not have the best table saw blades, you can just imagine ending up with shoddy work and even severe kickback and a sticking blade. That’s why I’ve dedicated my time to testing and identifying the best table saw blades out there. I’m here to ensure you get the best results with every cut.
Reviews of the Top Table Saw Blades
1. DEWALT 10-Inch Miter/Table Saw Blades
Dewalt has made a name for themselves in the construction and woodworking industry with reliable saws, and that dependability extends to their accessories as well. The 10-inch two-table saw blades in the package are a great deal and are very affordable.
The Dewalt 10-Inch Table Saw Blade has a thin kerf blade made with tungsten carbide and has been expertly crafted with computers to reduce vibrations. Because the blade is balanced, it also allows for more accuracy and precision during operation. The 32-tooth general purpose blade with fewer teeth and 60-tooth blade allows you to work with a larger variety of materials.
What I Like
- They come as a duo, providing versatility in one purchase.
- With a 32-tooth and a 60-tooth blade, you're equipped for various tasks.
- The thin kerf design ensures efficient and smooth cuts.
- Whether it's crosscutting or general tasks, these blades handle them proficiently.
- I've observed significantly reduced vibrations, enhancing user comfort.
- They consistently deliver heightened accuracy, ensuring quality cuts.
- The inclusion of tungsten carbide ensures longevity and durability.
What I Don’t Like
- When used on unsuitable materials, the blade life might be compromised.
- Frequent and aggressive use can cause them to dull faster than preferred.
2. Freud 10” x 24T Heavy-Duty Rip Blade
The Freud 10-Inch Heavy Duty Rip Blade is made with high density carbide and features a low tooth count of 24 blade teeth. The larger and flatter teeth allow for this quality blade to deliver smooth and splinter-free cuts.
For heavy duty jobs, a worker’s greatest threat is vibrations, but the Freud rip blade features laser cut anti-vibration slots that will eliminate this problem. You can tackle the rip cuts with a steady hand and get the exact result you want.
The rip cut saw blade also comes with a Perma-Shield non-stick coating that will also reduce blade jamming and protect from corrosion.
What I Like
- It's a commendable heavy-duty blade, especially for rip cuts.
- At 10 inches, it's aptly sized for a vast majority of tasks.
- The low tooth count combined with flat and expansive teeth makes for effective cuts.
- The carbide teeth are a testament to its durability.
- The Perma-Shield non-stick coating is a thoughtful touch.
- I'm impressed by the laser-cut anti-vibration slots, enhancing the cutting experience.
What I Don’t Like
- It has the potential to make rather large cuts.
- Using it on unsuitable materials might result in tearouts.
3. Forrest WW10407125 Woodworker II Saw Blade
The Forrest WW10407125 Woodworker II Blade is a cross-cutting blade with a 40-tooth count. As an ATB blade, the Woodworker II is specifically designed to cross cut and save wood loss.
Drawing upon my experience, the Woodworker II is exceptionally versatile beyond just cross cuts, handling a variety of general-purpose jobs while delivering clean, sand-free finishes. Although its higher price tag might seem daunting at first glance, understanding the blade’s adaptability makes it justifiable. For instance, it boasts a 30-degree alternate top bevel and a 5-degree face hook.
In terms of longevity and performance, these combination blades stand out. Equipped with carbide teeth, they not only endure but can also be resharpened by Forrest, ensuring that the blade maintains its integrity over time.
What I Like
- The 30-degree alternate top bevel is a noteworthy feature.
- Its 5-degree face hook offers distinct cutting advantages.
- It consistently produces immaculate finishes.
- It excels in cross cuts and a variety of general projects.
- The ATB blade design is efficient, minimizing wood wastage.
- Forrest's sharpening service is a great assurance of blade longevity.
- The quiet operation it ensures with table saws is impressive.
- The carbide teeth are a testament to its durability.
- A 30-day full refund guarantee adds peace of mind.
What I Don’t Like
- It comes with a rather steep price.
- The tight tolerance can sometimes be a challenge.
4. Freud 10" x 24T Thin Kerf Rip Blade
This Freud 10-inch Thin Kerf Rip Blade is one of the best table saw blades we’ve tested. It has a high performance, high density carbide, which is also coated in Freud’s Perma-Shield coating. The Perma-Shield will reduce buildup, prevent from burning and ensure a smooth operation.
As a thin kerf blade, you can expect a smoother operation for ripping and cutting that produces less waste as well. Thanks to the positive hook angles and the good quality of the blade in general, previously taxing jobs are made easier.
Because the blade is thinner than other general purpose blade options, it also requires less power from your table saw motor to perform at maximum efficiency.
What I Like
- The thin kerf design stands out, ensuring efficient cuts.
- These blades are exceptional, enhanced with a Perma-Shield coating.
- I’ve noticed a significant reduction in material buildup during operations.
- A commendable feature is its resistance to corrosion, ensuring durability.
- The 20” face hook angle is quite effective in enhancing the cutting process.
- Its flat grind contributes to smooth and accurate cuts.
- With a 24-tooth count, it operates efficiently requiring less horsepower.
- The blade’s stabilization and balance are evident during usage.
- Being made from carbide enhances the blade’s robustness and longevity.
What I Don’t Like
- It might present a kerf issue when dealing with thicker materials.
- While excellent for ripping, its proficiency in other tasks is somewhat limited.
5. Overpeak 10-Inch Table Saw Blade
I always try to include diverse products on my lists that encompass all budgets and different styles. For people looking for a saw blade with a high tooth count, look no further than the 10-inch Overpeak Table Saw Blade.
With a stunning 90 teeth, the Overpeak table saw blade has much finer cuts than even an 80-tooth blade. Created with tungsten carbide, the Overpeak is one blade that has a longer lifespan compared to other ATB, triple chip grind (TCG) and FTG blades.
Although it is very lightweight, the blade is outfitted with laser cut expansion slots and laser cut stabilizer vents to reduce vibrations and blade warping.
What I Like
- The tungsten carbide composition of the blade stands out for its durability.
- This blade's longevity and quality truly match its reputation.
- Its 90-tooth count is a hallmark of precision.
- I value its lightweight nature, easing handling and operations.
- The inclusion of 6 laser-cut expansion slots enhances the blade's adaptability.
- 4 laser-cut stabilizer vents contribute to its stable performance.
- It's versatile enough to fit a table saw, miter saw, and circular saw.
- Handling up to 6000 RPM is impressive.
- The smooth cuts it produces without any chipping are commendable.
What I Don’t Like
- It seems more attuned to softer woods.
- There might be occasions where a slight wobble is noticeable.
6. WEN BL1060 10-Inch 60-Tooth Fine-Finish Professional Woodworking Saw Blade
The fine blade from WEN can withstand RPMs up to 6000, meaning the ripping and crosscutting can be done in a timely manner. Any solid wood is no match for the WEN BL1060’s carbide-tipped teeth that can be paired with table saws and miter saws.
There are heat expansion slots that help the table saw blade deal with temperature fluctuations and expand or contract to optimize the output. The BL1060 is also coated with a protective layer that will protect the blade against heat, corrosion and rust.
These are classified as thin kerf blades that elevate the efficiency of your saw.
What I Like
- It's versatile, working effectively on both hard and soft woods.
- The capability to handle up to 6000 RPMs is certainly impressive.
- The carbide-tipped teeth ensure durability and a precise cut.
- Its heat expansion slots are a thoughtful addition, addressing potential warping issues.
- I've always had a preference for thin kerf blades for their precision.
- The protective coating adds to the blade's resilience.
- Its lightweight and thin nature make for easier handling.
What I Don’t Like
- It isn't the ideal choice for cutting non-ferrous or ferrous metals.
- While effective, its finish isn't as refined as what an 80-tooth count blade would deliver.
7. The Mibro Group 416381 8" Carbide Stacking Dado Blade Set
For grooves and dadoes for your top table saw option, you need the one from Mibro Group. These dado blades come in a set. Each blade has negative groove angles for a smooth finish. Made from strong carbide and can handle 5000 revolutions per minute, the 416381 blades have a pattern of 5 beveled teeth followed by a single raker tooth.
Each blade was created with the highest technology in Germany [1], to ensure superior performance, longevity and durability.
You get everything you need in one package for an affordable price from the Mibro Group Dado Blade Set. Included in the box are carbide blades, 2 chipper blades, metal shims, and the instructions.
( If you are looking for tables saws compatible for these places, the top-rated Ryobi table saws might have one for you)
What I Like
- It's a comprehensive set, providing everything one could need.
- Its ability to reach up to 5000 RPM is quite commendable.
- The carbide construction ensures durability and longevity.
- I value the anti-kickback design for its added safety.
- The adjustable dado width offers versatility for various jobs.
- Its extra-large teeth certainly enhance cutting performance.
- The consistently clean cuts it delivers are notable.
What I Don’t Like
- The cuts, while clean, aren't always perfectly flat at the bottom.
- There's room for improvement in the blade's balance.
Table Saw Blade Buyer’s Guide
In all my years working with table saws, I’ve realized that even the best saw can be rendered ineffective with the wrong blade. The number of teeth truly matters; the outcome with a 50-tooth blade is notably different from one with 80 teeth. You also need to be clear about the type of cut you’re aiming for, be it a rip cut or a cross cut.
Whether you’re just starting out in woodworking or have years under your belt and are seeking to optimize your tools, I’ve broken down the essential factors to consider when choosing the best table saw blade.
Blade Size and Dimensions
Many of the blades I have listed above have different size options, but they are compatible even with the best budget table saw we reviewed. Size matters in table saw blades, but this is not a case where bigger is better. In fact, I’ll say that a smaller blade can spin at a faster RPM and deliver smoother cuts and finishes.
A larger blade, such as one that measures 12 inches, will also be more likely to wobble. Unfortunately, a larger table saw blade will also provide less precision, but it does have a larger cut capacity that will allow you to cut through bigger and thicker material in less time.
Choosing the right blade size can often leave one pondering, trying to strike the perfect balance between efficiency, performance, and stability. From extensive experience and observations, I’ve found that the 10-inch blades frequently stand out. These blades embody a harmonious blend of all necessary attributes, making them a prevalent recommendation on my list.
Compatibility
Most table saws are designed to accommodate a 10-inch blade, although some models can be adjusted to work with smaller blades. It is important to note that attempting to use a larger blade on a 10-inch table saw is strongly discouraged.
Teeth Gullet
The gullet is the measurement of space between the teeth of each blade. As you can imagine, the more teeth you have on a blade of the same size, the smaller the gullet. For example, a blade with 80 teeth will have a much smaller gullet than a 50-tooth option.
Why is the gullet of the blade important? I say that the gullet is a big indicator of how efficient the blade is at removing material with each cut. The gullet is a key factor to consider in rip blades, general purpose blades, alternate top bevel (ATB) blades, triple chip grind (TCG) blades, flat top grind (FTG) blades, and more.
To tell how precise of a cut you will get, I suggest looking at the size of the gullet. Precision blades like ones for cross cuts will feature smaller gullets and larger ones such as a blade for ripping will have larger gullets.
Kerf
The kerf is just a fancy name for the thickness of the blade. The higher or thicker the kerf is, the thicker and more material the blade can slice through. A saw blade with a wider kerf is more anti-vibration than a thin kerf saw blade.
The most common kerf you will see is a ⅛ inch one, which is also referred to as a full kerf blade. A full kerf blade can produce less wobble. However, I advise you to consider the power of your table saw motor to decide on the kerf.
A blade with a thinner kerf will require less horsepower, and the opposite is true for one that’s thicker. I suggest using a thin kerf saw blade for table saws that have a horsepower lower than 3.
Material and Manufacturing
The blade should be made from top quality materials to ensure durability and longevity. There is nothing worse than a saw that dulls after just a few uses. Even if the manufacturer provides free sharpening services, it can still be a hassle to do so.
I’ve found that steel blades with tungsten carbide tips consistently stand out as top-tier choices. It’s not just about the material, though; the design and manufacturing, especially the configuration of the blade teeth, play a pivotal role in a blade’s performance.
Take flat top blades, for instance. They excel with larger materials and can be spotted on both combination blades and those specifically designed for rip cuts.
If you require blades for special materials or cuts, manufacturers should also have options for cross cutting, rip cuts and more, which brings us into the next section.
Type of Table Saw Blade
To help you make sure you are purchasing the right blades, I will go into more detail on each type of blade.
Starting with the basics, I often turn to the simple rip blade when handling larger chunks of material. I’d advise always using this blade along the grain of the wood. Typically, a ripping blade will sport a lower teeth count, somewhere between 10 to 30 teeth, leading to larger gullets and a more pronounced hook angle.
Cross cut blades do what the name suggests, which is making cuts across the grain on your material. These blades have a high count for teeth and have smaller gullets. Most commonly, you will see anywhere between 60 to 80 tooth number, which also makes it more efficient than the combination blade or rip blade.
There are also dado blades, which are used to cut dadoes and grooves in your wood. There are two types, wobble and stacked dado blades, that can do the job. I say that wobble blades have a lower cut quality compared to the stacked options.
Lastly, we have the combination blade, which is the most versatile of all the blades. Combination blades are also often referred to as general purpose saw blades. They have a middle count, sitting between cross cut blades and ripping blades at around 50 teeth. The combination blade can do what most other blades can do, but just with less efficiency. It can do the rip cuts, the cross cutting and some can be used on non ferrous materials.
Instead of getting one of each type of blade, I suggest purchasing combination blades if you don’t require much precision to save money.
What can also set different blades apart is the positioning of the teeth. We have flat top grind or FTG blades that are great for rip cuts and very durable. Then there is the ATB blade, which displays an angled tooth on every other one. ATB teeth tend to be a bit pointy and ATB teeth can sometimes be in combination with other types such as FTG.
A 40-tooth ATB blade is one that is commonly seen as most ATB blades have a 40-50 count.
We also have TCG, or triple chip grind blades that have raker teeth. If you often work with non ferrous metals and materials, I say there is nothing better than a TCG blade.
(For a range of table saws compatible for these blades, you can check my list of the best Grizzly table saw here )
How to Sharpen and Maintain a Table Saw Blade
Maintaining the cleanliness of your table saw is paramount. While it’s not a task that demands attention after every use, I’d recommend thoroughly cleaning it at least once a month, especially if you’re using it regularly. The good news? Everything you need to care for that blade is likely already in your home.
You will first need to remove the blade from your saw and soak it in some laundry detergent. You will need to wait for at least 10 minutes before the detergent starts to loosen up the surface grime. After soaking for a few minutes, you can go in with a brush and start scrubbing the blade clean. Then remove it from the solution, give it a good rinse, dry it with a clean towel, and you’re done!
Sharpening the saw blade is a much more complicated endeavor. You need to first make sure the blade is properly clamped down and secure. The teeth should be facing you, but make sure not to allow more than just the teeth to protrude from the clamp.
You can then take your sharpening tool to the surface like a flat file. You would smooth all the tips of the teeth until they are uniform. Then go into the gullets and file the tips until they are sharpened again. How this works would depend on the hook angle of the teeth, but the process should be the same.
Then you would look at each individual tooth and make sure they are all sharpened evenly using the triangular file. When you have finished, brush off any dust or leftover filings, lubricate your wheel, and you’re done!
FAQ
How high should a table saw blade be?
A table saw blade should be ⅛ inches above your work table at least and ⅜ inches at most. A blade that’s too high can be dangerous and one that’s too low will not reach the material depending on the hook angle.
How do you know if a table saw blade is dull?
You will know a table saw blade is dull when you have a ton of resistance when you work. A new and sharp blade should slice through the appropriate materials with minimal effort. If you are noticing some pushback, then it’s time to sharpen the blade.
My Top Pick For a Table Saw Blade: DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw Blade
My top pick for the best table saw blade is the Dewalt 10-inch. The Dewalt 10-Inch Table Saw Blade comes in a pack with different teeth counts for multiple purposes. They are both combination blades, which means they can perform a variety of cuts making them very versatile blade options. The tungsten carbide tips will ensure your saw blade stays sharper for longer.
For tough and challenging table saw work, you can check these pages below:
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
