what is the best circular saw blade for cutting wood

Crosscutting is one of the primary tasks in woodworking where you cut woods across their grains as opposed to rip-cutting where you cut through/along with the wood grains. Woodworkers or carpenters would typically use specific circular saw blades for these cutting tasks. However, circular saw blades aren’t produced equally and they have different technical specifications to consider. If you’re looking for the best circular saw blade for crosscutting hardwood in your woodworking projects, you need to carefully research through specifications and consider other factors. Check our reviews on some circular saw blades and the buying guide below.

Our 5 best circular saw blade for crosscutting hardwood

1. BOSCH DCB1284CD : Best Circular Saw Blade for Composite Decking
2. BOSCH DCB1072 Daredevil : Best Melamine Circular Saw Blade
3. Toolman : Best Circular Saw Blade For Wood Lumber
4. Whirlwind : Best 60 Teeth Circular Saw Blade for Wood
5. Carbide : Best Circular Saw Blade Plywood & Hardwoods

1. BOSCH DCB1284CD: Best Circular Saw Blade for Composite Decking

Looking for a circular blade for composite decking? BOSCH DCB1284CD is the straightforward answer. It comes with an advanced C3/C4 micrograin formulation or so-called extreme carbide. The blade has an engineered design and construction to deliver optimum crosscutting performance. BOSCH DCB1284CD Focuses on finer and more accurate cuts, especially for composite decking. BOSCH DCB1284CD is a member of the Edge Circular Saw Blades series from BOSCH

Construction and Performance

BOSCH DCB1284CD comes with triple chip tooth geometry construction that enables fast and smooth crosscuts. It supports requirements for composite decking that demand super-fit cutting results so you can barely see the joints. The triple ground teeth can efficiently eliminate hurdles when cutting composite materials and prevent them from chipping.

Compatibility

BOSCH DCB1284CD is compatible with any 12-inch table saw that supports an arbor up to 1 inch. It’s also designed and optimized to properly work with your 12-inch mitre saws. This way, you can use BOSCH DCB1284CD for fine crosscut or rip cut on composite or wooden materials. However, you must keep RPM maximum at 5000 when using BOSCH DCB1284CD so you may better use a dimmer if your table saw/mitre saw produce higher RPM.

Materials

Extra-hard steel plates would keep the blade straight and prevent them from bending when cutting through the materials. Along with an engineered C4 micro grain carbide formulation,  you can expect fine and accurate crosscut results.  Since it’s designed for composite decking, you can also use this circular saw blade to cut hardwood and softwood as well.

Durability

Made from an extra hard steel plate and with Speed Coat ant–friction finish, BOSCH DCB1284CD offers longer durability. Many customers have also confirmed the durability where the triple ground teeth remain sharp after many cuts. However, durability is also subject to the actual materials and size of the project.

Verdict

BOSCH DCB1284CD is a straightforward option for composite decking. It supports dual applications including a table saw and miter saw for more flexible operations. The blade is perfect for fine and tight-fit cross-cut results.

2.  BOSCH DCB1072 Daredevil : Best Melamine Circular Saw Blade

BOSCH DCB1072 is another member of the Edge Circular Saw Blades series from BOSCH. It’s specifically designed for engineered woods including laminated panels, laminated flooring, and melamine. The 10-inch-blade has advanced design, construction, and materials that support accurate and efficient cuts. BOSCH DCB1072 is for table saw application but you can also use it for a compatible 10-inch miter saw.

Constructions and Cutting Performance

The engineered construction of BOSCH DCB1072 delivers superb cutting performance. It comes with a thinner kerf to deliver faster cuts with minimum waste. The engineered negative hook angle not only prevents materials from chipping when cut but also extends the life of the blade itself. Like DCB1284C, BOSCH DCB1072 has triple grind tooth geometry that delivers faster and smoother crosscuts

BOSCH DCB1072 also features the so-called Brite C4 Micrograin Carbide that resists damage from impacts and keeps the tip sharp longer. The extreme hard steel blades are ideal for extreme cuts whether it’s for woodworking or decking projects. With these specifications, BOSCH DCB1072 is perfect for cutting laminated or processed wood where you need a neat and clean cutting result. However, you may need more teeth for veneered plywood and composites for finer results.

Durability

BOSCH DCB1072 shares similar durability with other BOSCH Edge circular saw blades. Despite the competent materials and carbide design, the blade comes with the patented SPEEDCoat anti-friction finish.  You can expect a highly durable blade saw that remains sharp after many cuts.  Again, the actual durability would be subject to the actual usage and working pieces.

Verdict

If you need a circular saw blade for cutting hardwood flooring and laminated woods, BOSCH DCB1072 could be your solution. It works on both table saw and miter saw. The engineered carbide tips and blade design deliver faster, finer cuts for laminated materials that help you finish the job quicker.

Related Article: How to Use a Circular Saw As a Table Saw 

3. Toolman : Best Circular Saw Blade For Wood Lumber

Toolman Construction series comes with its 10-inch universal lumber saw blade. The blade has 180 teeth that’s obviously designed for finer crosscuts. It can be used for table saw and compatible miter saw in the workshop or home improvement side projects. If your table saw or mitre saw has a 5/8-inch arbor, this Toolman saw blade would fit it well.

 

Cutting Performance

Toolman Construction 10 inch saw blade comes with 180 teeth and can technically work at 7000 RPM(Maximum). It can deliver finer, faster cross-cutting performance with a compatible saw machine. The blade is laser cut so you can expect the precise shape of the blade and hopefully, more consistent cutting results. Toolman 10-inch 180 teeth blade is designed for a clean cut but its high-RPM spec allows you to cut workpieces more quickly.

Compatibility

This Toolman saw blade works perfectly on woods and comes as a universal replacement for any compatible table saw, miter saw, or even circular saw.  Even though it’s not a carbide-tipped blade, you can expect outstanding cutting performance from a competitively priced saw blade. Even though it’s said for wood, many customers have used this saw blade to cut poly-carbonate sheets and laminated materials with no problems.

Durability

Since it’s carbide coated, Toolman saw blade is perfect for cutting softer materials. While it can cut through hardwoods, you may find it less durable following the coating that comes off after some cuts. It can stay longer in your saw machine if you use it to cut molding, trims, and finish pieces. Using it for a rip saw or cutting hardwoods may make the blade dull sooner and burn the workpieces.

Verdict

Toolman Construction 10 inch 180 teeth Universal Saw Blade is a great blade for fine cuts on selected materials. It’s certainly not a heavy-duty saw blade but you can use a compatible table saw or miter saw to crosscut laminated or softer wood and expect fine results.

4. Whirlwind : Best 60 Teeth Circular Saw Blade for Wood

Whirlwind USA MGSB 7 1/4 Inch 60 teeth is a general-purpose blade for circular saws, table saws, and miter saws.  It has a 5/8 inch arbor with a 1.2-mm thin kerf design that makes it compatible with most US standard circular saw machines. The Whirlwind blade comes as an all-purpose saw blade that can help you cut all types of woods including softwoods, hardwood, and even abrasive woods. With 60 teeth, you can use this saw blade for rip cuts and crosscuts with standard results for both purposes.

 

Cutting performance

As a general-purpose saw blade, you can expect so-so cutting results from this blade for rip cutting and cross-cutting.  For rip cut, you might find it cutting along with the wood grains slower than blades with lower teeth but you can get finer results. On the other hand, you can crosscut workpieces with this blade but get rougher results than blades with higher TPI can provide.  It’s already good for cross cuts but you can also choose other Whirlwind USA blades with more teeth for finer cutting results.

Whirlwind USA MGSB 7 1/4 Inch 60 teeth allows cutting up to 1-inch thick softwood but thinner hardwood materials. It has a lower hood angle that helps you with cutting operation by increasing the feed pressure and improving the surface. However, Whirlwind USA also has different saw products that may suit your woodworking needs.

Compatibility and Durability

Whirlwind USA MGSB 7 1/4 Inch 60 teeth are compatible with any table saw, circular saw or circular saw with 5/8 inches arbor.  This particular blade is perfect for light-duty woodworking projects that require quick rip cuts and crosscuts. It’s certainly compatible with general woodworking where micron accuracy isn’t the priority. With its general-purpose specification, you don’t have to change the blade for cutting wood along or against the grain.

Verdict

Whirlwind USA MGSB 7 1/4 Inch 60 teeth is a workable general-purpose circular saw blade. With a 5/8inches arbor, it should fit most US-manufactured saw machines. It’s a great option for tactile woodworking projects where you find hassles for changing blades throughout time.

Related Article: Track Saw vs Circular Saw

5. Carbide :circular saw blade for cutting wood

You might have rarely heard about this brand,  but BEEING has interesting saw blade products compatible with your saw machine. This 7-1/4” blade is a budget-friendly solution to carbide-tipped circular saw blade replacement. With the price under $20, BEEING allows you to have a saw blade with tungsten carbide teeth(TCT).  Let’s have a look further about this product.

 

Construction and Cutting Performance

Regardless of its affordable price, BEEING saw blades are laser cut and made from quality solid alloy steel. With the hardened TCT and 60 teeth, it works fine for general purposes including rip cut and crosscuts. It can stand up to 8500 RPM that makes it fit a wide range of saw heads. You can cut softwood posts and thinner hardwood with this blade and expect okay results.

Materials

The material certainly informs us with the fact that it’s not a heavy-duty circular saw blade. It’s certainly a workable TCT blade for limited woodworking projects but not industrial use. As the general-purpose saw, you can use it to cut wood, laminated wood, or processed wood materials. If you desire a finer crosscut saw, you can choose BEEING saw blades with more teeth or higher TPI.

Compatibility

BEEING 7-1/4 Inch Carbide-Tipped Circular Saw Blade is compatible with most circular saws, table saws, and miter saws with a 5/8” arbor. Since it’s designed for up to 9000 RPM, you can use it even for more powerful saw heads that produce higher rotation per minute. Nevertheless, It’s more suitable for DIY woodworking projects and light carpentry workshops than industrial lumber.

Verdict

If you’re looking for a general-purpose TCT saw blade, BEEING 7-1/4 Inch Carbide-Tipped Circular Saw Blade could have been the most affordable option you can find in the market. It works great for woodworking projects but you shouldn’t use it for heavy-duty industrial purposes.

Buying Guide

With various circular saw blades available in the market, you need to do some research. Choosing a circular saw for a spare or replacement could be tricky. You must consider technical specifications and practical factors when shopping for a circular saw blade for your workshop.

Number of teeth

When it comes to crosscut, you better choose saw blades with more teeth to obtain finer results. While lower teeth allow you to cut workpieces faster, you’d get rougher results and end with extra work to refine the surface for tight-fit joints. Saw blades with higher teeth would cut slower but provide you with finer results.

Materials

Circular saw blades can be made from different materials even though they look the same. Alloy steel is the common material to produce more affordable commercial circular saw blades. More quality saw blades may use composite materials or chrome vanadium steel.

TCT

However, what is more, important is the teeth material where hard metal or hardened tungsten is used in the circular saw blade for cutting oak worktops or other hardwoods. Generally speaking, circular saw blades made from quality material can stay longer and remain sharp after many cuts.

Kerf

Kerf can go as thin as 1 mm to as thick as 3 mm. Technically, thin kerf can produce a tight-fit clean cut with less material waste but it’s considerably not stable to cut deeper. Thick kerf blades may consume more material when cutting but it offers speed and power for an in-depth cut. For crosscutting, the thickness of the kerf must refer to the materials you’d usually cut with the saw.

Constructions

Check how the manufacturer makes the TCT, the angle, and the whole construction. Today’s quality blade products are usually laser cut instead of molded where manufacturers can produce precise and standardized blades consistently. Engineered hood angle and  Alternate Top Bevel(ATB) teeth produce finer results with less wastes produced when cutting.

Compatibility

Circular saw blades must be compatible with your saw machine or saw heads. Whether it’s a hand circular saw, table saw, or miter saw, you must ensure that the blade is compatible. You can put a 10-inch blade in a regular hand circular saw, right? Check the actual blade size and arbor size. A 5/8inch arbor won’t suit a 1-inch saw while an oversized arbor may still be adjusted with a suitable ring.

Related Article: Best Circular Saw

Questions and Others

Are more teeth on a circular saw blade better?

The number of teeth per inch(teeth) required depends on the cutting jobs. Rip cuts typically require saw blades with lower teeth(24 -40) that can cut along with wood grains more effectively. On the other hand, cross cuts usually require blades with more teeth (80-120) to cut against the wood grains and for finer results. General-purpose saw blades that do both rip cut and cross-cut usually have 60 teeth.

Which saw blade makes the smoothest cut?

Saw blades with the highest number of teeth would make the smoothest cut. The more teeth per inch the blade has, the finer it can cut. However, studies also reveal laser-cut saw blades also provide smoother results due to their more consistent build. Other factors include the design and materials of the tips.

How many teeth do I need on a circular saw blade?

If you have one circular saw, you can choose different blades to cut different materials. Blades with the highest number of teeth(90-120) are for cutting soft processed materials like MDF or particle boards. You can use blades with 60-80 teeth to cut laminated woods, melamine, or veneered plywood while 40 teeth for generic plywoods. However, you may need blades with 20-32 teeth to cut solid wood boards or posts, whether it’s softwood or hardwood.

How long does a circular saw blade last?

Circular saw blade lifespan strictly depends on the blade materials, workpieces, and usage. You can use the same circular saw from 10 to 100 hours of continuous use. Generally speaking, TCT or carbide tip blades can last longer than generic steel blades with comparable usage.  After reaching its limit, a circular saw needs to be sharpened or replaced.

What saw blade is recommended for general work?

General-purpose blades usually have 32 – 40 teeth or 6- 8 teeth per inch, depending on the size of the blade.  This saw can cut through the wood grains while still providing considerably fine results for cross cuts or cutting across the wood grains. Manufacturers usually also provide technical descriptions on their saw blade products whether they can be used for general works.

What is a cross-cutting saw blade?

Cross-cutting saw blades are blades specifically designed to cut wood across their grains. The main specification of cross-cutting blades is that they have at least 60 teeth. Cross-cutting blades with more teeth (80-120) can provide even finer results with less material removed.

Conclusion

When choosing the best circular saw blade for crosscutting hardwood materials, you have considered the technical specs and other factors. It’s because circular saw blades are produced to meet specific technical requirements.  Generally speaking, saw blades for crosscut have more teeth from 60-120 teeth to cut across the grain smoothly and produce a finer result. Among the products we’ve reviewed above, BOSCH DCB1072 and BOSCH DCB1284CD are the winners for durable and precise cuts in table saws and miter saws.  For hand circular saws, you can have a good blade spare or replacement with WHIRLWIND or BEEING products. Always ensure that you purchase the saw blade that’s compatible with your circular saw, table saw, miter saw, or sliding miter saw.