The Best 12 Inch Miter Saw Blade

Miter saws are essential in any woodworking project. The best 12 inch miter saw blade makes and determines the miter saw work.  Different shapes and sizes of miter saw blades serve different purposes. In this guide, we’ll cover these miter saw basics. Circular miter saw blades are great since they rotate. Choosing the appropriate circular blade is crucial if you want the best results.

Why Use a Fine Finish Blade?

You need a fine finish saw in order to get the best miter saw cuts for furniture construction, cabinetmaking, and trim work. The best blades for miter saw are marked with a higher number of teeth on board. The teeth on a standard 12-inch blade are 32. 80 is a common number found on a fine finish blade. In our quest for the best miter saw outcomes, we went with the best-cutting blades that were on the market. 

When Should You Replace My Miter Saw Blade?

Miter saw blades wear out over time, whether you use them at work or at home for personal creative endeavors on a regular basis. There’s no way to know when your saw blades need to be replaced because there isn’t an interval or indicator light. It’s up to you to decide how long your saw will survive based on factors including how you use it, how often you use it, and the quality of the replacement blades. 

To avoid having cutting problems with your miter saw, make sure that you’re still using a sharp edge and a long-lasting blade. It’s important to change it with the best miter saw blade when you notice increased tear out on the kerf, extensive chipping or binding, continuous burning issues, or a slow or difficult push-through. Look at the saw blade by eye and hand to determine if it needs to be maintained or even replaced if you’re concerned about your cutting performance.

How to Sharpen a Miter Saw Blade by Hand

Follow these steps to sharpen your miter saw with your hands:

Step 1: Taking the saw blade out is the first step. You’ll need to remove the blade before you begin sharpening it, as it cannot be done while attached to the saw. You’ll need to put the blade in place over the clamps once you’ve withdrawn it from the saw.

Step 2: To begin sharpening, you’ll need to use your crayon to make a mark on one of the blade’s teeth. This will help you maintain track of where you started. You’d be sharpening the same blade teeth repeatedly if you don’t mark the blade first. Despite making the teeth uneven, it will also take up valuable time and be redundant, making it a waste of resources.

Step 3: After you have completed the first two procedures, which involve preparing the blade to be sharpened, the next step involves filing the blade teeth. You should file them in order, concentrating on a single tooth at a time as you go. In order to accomplish this, you will need to position your diamond file so that it is flush with the bottom front edge of the corresponding tooth. From there, move the file in an upward and forward manner while maintaining a smooth motion.

Step 4: While you are working on this, you should press the flat side of the file against the section of the metal that is flat. When working over the top flat area of the tooth, repeat the same pattern to guide the file as you move it in a smooth motion. Exercise extreme caution to avoid touching the point of the tooth, as doing so could cause you to get an injury. Safety should be put first when sharpening miter saw blades. 

Step 5: To get back to the first tooth indicated with the crayon, continue the filing procedure described in the preceding step. Avoid touching the blade’s tips or corners while you work on sharpening the teeth.

Step 6: Switch to the opposite side when you’re done with the previous one. You must readjust the position of the blade. After that, use the identical technique you used on the previous side to sharpen each tooth. You’ll know you’ve done honing the blade when you return to the first tooth you marked with the crayon.

Types of Miter Saw Blades

Circular blades are a prerequisite to understanding the many specific types of miter saw blades. Circular blades are going to be broken down to the smallest of details for you. Generally speaking, different types of miter saw blades are required for cutting different types of materials.

Crosscut Miter Saw Blade

Crosscut saw blades are typically used to cut across the wood grains. This is a pretty tough task for other saws –like the hand saw-. However, a crosscut blade on a miter saw will give you the smoothest and cleanest cut through the grains.

Rip-Cut Miter Saw Blade

Hardwood is commonly cut with ripping saw blades, even in stacks. Cuts are smooth and efficient thanks to them. It’s an excellent alternative if you want to lessen the feed resistance that’s commonly connected with tearing. On a 12-inch rip saw blade, 32 teeth are typical but a lower number of teeth is also acceptable.

Laminate Miter Saw Blades

If you want to avoid chipping the veneer that covers the back of the plywood, you’ll have to be careful when cutting it. Plastic laminates, whose thin veneer is prone to chipping, are similar in that they are difficult to cut. As a result, saw blades designed for cutting laminates have a 10-degree hook angle and a triple-chip tooth. With this blade, cutting laminates like plywood with them results in minimal chipping.

Melamine Wood Miter Saw Blade

As for cutting and working with wood materials, melamine wood presents a new challenge. In the construction of cabinetry, this sort of wood is commonly employed. The covering on both sides of the melamine sheet makes it difficult to cut through, and this makes the sheet vulnerable to chipping. In order to cut wood cleanly and smoothly, the blades for melamine contain a large number of teeth.

Non-Ferrous Metal Miter Saw Blade

Not only can you use your miter saw to cut wood, but you can also use it to cut metal and plastic. Cutting non-ferrous metals like aluminium, brass, or chopper is also possible with a plasma cutting torch. With their unique properties, these knives are able to cut through hard materials, such as metals.

Steel Metal Miter Saw Blade

To cut through steel-based workpieces and/or to channel sections, steel saw blade is utilized, as its name suggests. Carbide-grade steel is often used for the blade, which is more resistant to damage and breakage than standard steel blades and can last significantly longer.

5 Best 12 Inch Miter Saw Blade Reviews

1. DEWALT DW3128P5

DEWALT DW3128P5 is a 2-pack tungsten carbide 12-inch miter saw blade product. The tandem is actually the best-selling miter saw blade for crosscutting due to the best user experience. It offers high performance, convenience, and versatility that improve woodworkers’ cutting works.

Materials and Construction

DEWALT DW3128P5 is made from high-quality tungsten carbide material with thin kerf construction. This particular blade saw is ultimately solid with a confident backup for a three-year warranty. Both the 32 T and 80 T have the same materials and constructions but are certainly different in the number of teeth.

Applications

DEWALT DW3128P5 tandem package is for construction uses but with a hint of versatility. Generally speaking, you can use the 80T blade for crosscutting and finer cut results while you can use the 32T for rip cuts. Together, you can cut the woods differently and achieve proper results. You can use two different blades interchangeably on the same miter saw.

Performance and Cutting Results

DEWALT DW3128P5 performs really well on cutting materials. You can expect a fast yet smooth cutting operation thanks to the thin kerf construction of the blade. The 2-pack saw blade is a great deal since the tungsten carbide material stays longer and your purchase is backed by a 3-year limited warranty. The overall results are smooth and tidy cuts but, of course, the 80T result in finer cuts than the 30T blade.

2. Diablo D12100X

Freud’s Diablo D12100X is a 12-inch fine cut circular saw blade. Since Freud is the supreme manufacturer of circular saw blades, you may be aware that Diablo is the pinnacle of Freud’s operations. Using the Freud Diablo D12100X with a suitable miter saw provides numerous advantages.

Materials and Construction

The laser-cut kerf and stabilizer vents of the Diablo D12100X make it a high-performance blade. However, it includes a protective nonstick coating that prevents work items from adhering and being caught. With its 6000 RPM maximum speed, the blade is compatible with most power saws on the market.

Applications

Customers often purchase Diablo D12100X miter saws for improved performance. Freud invented a cutting tool for wood that produces less waste than improves results and efficiency. If you’re going to be working with wood, this is an excellent tool for the workshop or the lumberyard.

Performance and Cutting Results

As for extensive woodcutting jobs, the Diablo D12100X performs as promised. In addition to the number of teeth, the cutting technology provides a finer and smoother finish. Saw machines with greater RPMs can produce better results since the construction can handle them.

3. DEWALT DW3128P5D80I

DEWALT DW3128P5D80I is a 12-inch allow steel miter saw blade that comes in a two-pack. The pack became one of the most popular cross-cutting blades for miter saws because of its user-friendly design. Woodworkers will benefit from its great performance, simplicity, and versatility.

Materials and Construction

Tungsten carbide is used in the DW3128P5D80I’s narrow kerf structure. A three-year warranty backs up this blade saw’s robust construction. Materials and construction are identical between the blades in the pack however the number of teeth is clearly different so you have two functionalities at this point. 

Applications

Construction-oriented, but with a sliver of versatility, is the DEWALT DW3128P5D80I dual package. As the first product explained, the 80T blade can be used for crosscutting, while the 32T can be used for rip cuts. By working together, you can take a fresh approach to woodcutting and produce better outcomes. If you have a miter saw, you can utilize two different blades for different purposes and materials. 

Performance and Cutting Results

When it comes to cutting materials, the DEWALT DW3128P5 does an excellent job. The narrow kerf design of the blade ensures rapid and smooth cutting. Alloy steel material lasts longer for the two-pack saw blade, and your purchase is covered by a warranty. Overall, the cuts are clean and tidy with reduced vibration. 

4. Luckyway 12 Inch Miter Saw Blade

A new product from Luckyway is the TCT fine saw blade you must consider. You’d get a 12-inch 12-inch 80T blade in the box but the series covers more sizes and numbers of teeth. Users with concerns about the choice of materials and entire construction will benefit from Luckyway’s 12-inch miter saw blade. Woodworkers and hobbyists who have all-around cutting stations would benefit most from these particular blades from Luckyway.

Materials and Construction

With tungsten carbide teeth and a fully hardened steel body, Luckyway’s 12-inch TCT blades are built to last. You can expect more precision in cutting thanks to its ability to withstand bending and/or deflection. In other words, the blades are built to last for the task at hand.

Applications

Luckyway 12 Inch Miter Saw Blades come in a variety of sizes, making them useful for a wide range of projects. If you’re cutting wood, panel board, or even plastics, you may use the 80T and achieve smoother results. The 32T blade is a great choice for quick, strong rip cuts.

Performance and Cutting Results

In general, the Luckyway 12 Inch Miter Saw Blade product is an excellent choice for power saws that work well with their dimensions. In addition to cutting more quickly and effectively, they also produce far more accurate outcomes. Although the blades won’t stop it, the actual RPM of the power saw you’re utilizing is dependent on each other.

5. WEN BL1280

WEN BL1280 is a competitively priced 12-inch miter saw blade for fine finish cuts. Taking up to 6000 RPM, WEN BL1280 is one of that so-called performance miter saw blades. It has ultra-thin kerf and versatile wood cutting performance. The blade comes into the market with universal compatibility.  

Materials and Construction

WEN BL1280  comes with carbide-tipped teeth which is a common construction for fine wood cutting blades. As previously mentioned, WEN BL1280 has ultra-thin kerf construction measured at 2.6 mm to achieve smooth cuts with less waste. The blade is claimed to stand up to  6000 RPM.

Applications

WEN BL1280 blades are strictly for woodworking or woodcutting applications, but in terms of that, this particular product just does a great job and is quite versatile. You can slide through hard and soft woods efficiently with WEN BL1280 installed on your miter saw. You can certainly apply this blade for your cutting station in workshops or job sites.

Performance and Cutting Results

As it can take up to 6000 RPM, WEN BL1280 is categorized as a high-performance saw blade. It’s capable of cutting wooden materials cleanly and efficiently on power saws whether it’s a table saw, miter saw, or other compatible saws.

What to look for buying best 12 inch miter saw blade 

Miter saws in most woodshops have steel blades while other saw blades are formed of different materials and for different purposes. If you’re overwhelmed by the best 12 miter saw blade options then check the manufacturer’s label to see what the blade can cut. On The other hand, check the factors below as your buying guide. 

Tooth Count

Cutting with a blade is made easier by knowing how many teeth it has and what kind of material or cut you want to achieve. An 80-tooth miter saw blade is the best choice for this application. Crosscuts will be cleaner if the tooth count is larger. Because the cuts are smaller and the speed of the saw is slower, your wood will not be burned.

Size, Thickness, and Kerf

Cutting longer materials are certainly possible with a larger 12-inch miter saw. A 10-inch miter saw will suffice for most DIY woodworking applications. The thickness of the blade is another attribute that is frequently listed by manufacturers. In general, thinner blades cut more quickly, while thicker blades last longer.

Blade Types

The blade comes in a variety of shapes and sizes that can handle a variety of cutting tasks. Because not all miter saw blades are created equal, it’s important to know what they’re going to be used for before buying one. 

These are some miter saw blade types available in the market:

1. Crosscutting
2. Ripping
3. Metal cutting blade
4. Paneling
5. Combo/Multi-purpose blade
6. Fine-toot/Finishing

Cuts & Materials

When choosing blades for miter saw in your workshop, keep in mind the materials you’ll be working with. These materials are less likely to chip when cut with blades that have hook-tooth designs and teeth angles. There are blades designated “plywood” or “veneer” in most product lines that are created with these characteristics.

FAQ

How to Clean and Maintain Your Miter Saw Blade

Because the blades’ teeth are razor-sharp, extreme caution must be exercised when cleaning them. Don’t touch anything with your hands. You may want to use a brush or heavy work gloves to get the job done. Before applying cutting oil to a blade, you must thoroughly clean and remove any dirt from its teeth. Apply cutting or specialized oil in a circular motion. The blades need to be sharpened if they’re getting worn down. 

How many teeth should a miter saw blade have?

Miter saw blades with 60-80 teeth are typical and widely used for woodworking. The best blades for rough cuts on lumber have a tooth count of 50-60. Typically, a precision trim blade has a number of teeth of 80 to 100. Miter saw blades should therefore have between 60 and 80 teeth.

Can I use a 10-inch blade on a 12-inch miter saw?

If the blade has the same arbor size, you can use your 10-inch blades on your 12-inch saw, but not the other way around. The 12-inch saw is a workhorse yet versatile blade and offers better precision than smaller blades do. 

Are more teeth on a saw blade better?

Blades with a less number of teeth can make quick work of most materials, but blades with a greater number of teeth can produce a more precise finish and a more seamless cut.

Can You Use A Miter Saw Blade On A Table Saw?

Miter saws make shorter, wider cuts than table saws. They cut larger materials. A table saw doesn’t need a larger blade to make a longer cut, unlike miter saws. Miter saw and table saw can use the same blades as long as they’re compatible in size. 

Final Thoughts

You can go all out and spend a lot of money to get something of high quality, or you can save money and still get the job done. Choose the best 12 inch miter saw blade that is the middle ground between the most expensive and the least expensive option. Be sure to invest in a miter saw blade of the highest quality, as this will allow you to achieve the level of cutting precision you seek without breaking the bank.