Every handyman or tradesman needs the best circular saw blade in his shop, truck or toolbox. It is one of the essential tools – along with the hammer and the power drill – needed to get things done.
When you have a cutting job, you’ll need to select the right blade to get it done as efficiently and as quickly as possible. Saw blades are designed to make cutting through specific materials much easier.
However, all circular saw blades are not the same. Some are of a higher quality than others. Finding the right saw blade may require you to put in some work, and you may not always have the time.
That’s why you’ve got us here to give you detailed information about your favorite circular saw blade.
Contents Recommended Circular Saw Blades | |||
|---|---|---|---|
DEWALT DWA171460 7-1/4-Inch 60-Tooth Circular Saw Blade |  General Purpose |
| View Latest Price |
Freud D0760X Diablo Ultra Finish Saw Blade |  Melamine |
| View Latest Price |
IRWIN 7-1/4-Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blade |  Best for Metal Cutting |
| View Latest Price |
ðŸ”Things That Matter the Most When Buying Best Circular Saw Blades
To get the best and neatest cuts, the number one rule you should adhere to is to spare no expense when purchasing a circular saw blade.
It’s the only way you’ll get the best saw blade. High-quality blades are reliable, durable, and give you extraordinary performance.
So with all of the many choices around, how do you go about searching for a quality blade?
After careful consideration, we’ve put together a list of factors you need to take note of if you’re going to purchase a circular saw blade.
The size of the Blade is Always Important.
It is important that you select a blade size that matches the power saw you have in your workshop. You can’t fit a large circular blade on a small power saw.
If you’re not sure of the size specifications, don’t hesitate to contact your dealer. Most table saws use blades that are between 10 and 12 inches. Handheld power saws use saw blades in the range of 7 to 10 inches. Meanwhile, metal cutting saws use blades with diameters measuring 14 inches.
Type of Saw
Another thing you need to be aware of is the type of saw you own. What type of design does it have?
What type of saw blade would be a perfect fit?
If you saw and your saw blade aren’t a perfect fit, it could cause tipping off. The key thing to note here is that the arbor of the blade should match the saw’s shaft design.
Can you Rely on the Blade?
The internet is filled with all sorts of unbiased reviews on different types of saw blades that you can use to ensure that you get one that is extremely durable.
If you’re planning to buy your blade through an online shopping portal, then you need to make sure that the package comes with spare parts. Circular saw blades, no matter how durable they are, can be prone to breaking.
They can even get damaged during transportation, which is why any blade you purchase online should always come with spare parts.
The function of Circular Saw
The function of the saw is also an important factor to consider when buying a circular saw blade. Since it’s impossible to find one saw that can cut every material, finding the right blade for a particular job is always important. Here are a few blade types and their functions.
Crosscut: these blades are ideal for cutting wood across the grain, and as a result, are the number one choice for wood-cutting saw blades. They usually have a lot of small teeth, as it is especially difficult to cut across the grain because of the number of wood fibers you need to cut through.
Ripcut: These generally have fewer teeth compared to cross cut. This allows it to cut along the grain very easily, as it is basically ripping the wood apart while you’re sawing.
Metal Cutting: A quick way to wear out and break the teeth on your wood cutting blade is to use it on metal. A metal cutting blade allows you to cut through sheet metal and piping very easily.
Combo: Combo blades are more of an all-purpose saw blade. They usually have more teeth than rip cut blades, but less than you’ll see on a crosscut blade. They offer versatility in case you don’t want to buy different blade types.
Dry-diamond: These are great for sawing through masonry and tile. Most dry-diamond circular saw blades have the same cutting surface that’ll allow you to easily and quickly saw through most types of kitchen and bathroom materials.
The Function of Circular Saw Blade
The Teeth
Although the different types of circular saws usually have different types of teeth according to their application, the quality of the teeth is quite important.
When shopping for a new circular saw blade, you want to make sure you don’t buy a blade that’s too cheap. If you spend a little more, you’ll get better quality.
Kerf
The kerf of the blade means the thickness of the blade. Thicker blades usually last longer than thinner ones. Also, a blade with a higher kerf level will last for longer periods before requiring sharpening. You’ll also have fewer broken teeth.
If you buy a blade with a thin kerf level, you’ll notice that the edge will be finer, and you’ll be able to cut through most materials at a faster rate.
If you’re using a gas-powered saw, you’ll also notice that you consume less gas, as cutting through most materials will be much easier.
The Coating
The coating of a saw blade is designed to give your blade a layer of protection against everyday use. Most manufacturers add a level of coating to their blades to protect them from friction and gum-up.
The coating also ensures that corrosion doesn’t build up on the blade over a period. Overall, a blade coating will increase the lifespan of your blade so you’ll be able to use it for years to come.
âBest Circular Saw Blades
After sampling some circular saw blades on the market, we’ve narrowed the choices down for you. Here are the best five circular saw blades in 2021.
1. Freud D12100X 100 Tooth Circular Saw Blade🥇
The Freud D12100X is a 12-inch saw blade with 100 teeth. It leaves behind a cut so smooth that it looks as if it has already been sanded.
The blade is ideal for plywood, hardwood, and aluminum, and it can even cut MDF with no problem. It also cuts through metal and steel with very little stress.
This thin kerf carbide blade is excellent for most 12-inch miter saws. It is capable of retaining its sharp edge even after long periods of constant use.
As long as you don’t rush your cuts and make sure the blade clears the sawdust from the gullets, you’ll have smooth, clean cuts every time.
It also has a shear-face grind design that helps you make effortless cuts while reducing the amp draw on tools.
This helps to maximize tool performance and reduce material waste. The D12100X also includes a laser-cut stabilizer vent to help reduce vibration and noise.
This helps to maximize tool performance and reduce material waste. The D12100X also includes a laser-cut stabilizer vent to help reduce vibration and noise.
Cutting through materials that require polished-like finishes won’t be an issue anymore, as the Hi-Density Carbide helps to ensure increased durability and long-lasting material life. This saw performs as well as many larger saws.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Cutting wood & Composites
- Material: Carbide
- Blade Size: 12-Inch
- Number of Teeth: 100
- Weight: 2.54 Pounds
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
2. DEWALT DW3106P5 – 10 Inch Saw Blade🥈
The DEWALT DW3106P5 is a 10-inch saw blade combo pack. It is perfect for cutting plywood, chipboard, hardwood and softwood.
It also gives you a quick, smooth and accurate cut every time. It comes with two thin kerf blades, one with 60 teeth for crosscutting, and the other a 32-teeth blade for general purposes. Both blades are fitted with a wedge on the shoulder design, which places increased pressure on the steel behind each blade tip to minimize breakage.
The 10-inch saw blade set cuts through plywood, softwood, chipboard, or hardwood. It also comes with a balanced computer plate that works by reducing the vibration, which gives you a better finish and improved precision.
The tool is made of a tough tungsten carbide, which helps it to stay sharp for a long time.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Softwood, Hardwood & Chipboard
- Material: Carbide
- Blade Size: 10-Inch
- Number of Teeth: 60
- Weight: 1361 Grams
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What We Didn’t Like:
3. Freud D1060X Diablo 10-Inch Finish Saw Blade🥉
If you’re looking to achieve exquisite results when working with fine-finish material, then the Freud D1060X is an ideal option.
It is precise, fast, and easy to use, which saves you time, as cutting with this blade requires little or no sanding.
The D1060X comes with a superior design so users can enjoy the stylish nature of the saw blade and the accompanying comfort.
It also comes with 60 Hi-ATB teeth and a 0.98-inch kerf between the blades. The teeth are laser cut, giving you a simple feed and excellent control over the blade.
The D1060X is a high-performance saw blade designed to produce great cross-cuts in both hardwood and softwood. It has a PermaShield coating and a 5/8-inch arbor that make it perform so excellently.
This product will give you a chip-free cut in cabinets, veneered plywood, MDF, melamine, and any furniture.
The blade produces smooth cuts, which have reduced grabbing, thanks to the blade’s geometry and high tooth count. It also comes with laser-cut stabilizer vents that help trap noise and vibration, and also minimize the blade wrap. It works well on table saws and sliding miters.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Engineered Wood, Wood, Metal
- Material: Carbide
- Blade Size: 10-Inch
- Number of Teeth: 60
- Weight: 1.7 Pounds
What We Like:
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4. DEWALT DW9196 6-1/2-Inch 40T Saw Blade
The DEWALT DW9196 saw blade is particularly known for its durability, great performance and excellent blade control.
It has everything a professional carpenter or handyman would require from a saw blade.
It is excellent for any application that involves siding installation, roofing, and concrete forms.
The front face grind of the tooth’s geometry gives it a sharper tip, which helps to minimize the cutting force of the saw blade.
It also comes with a plating technology that not only improves the cutting performance but also helps in eliminating vibration.
The DEWALT DW9196 also features a kickback design, which reinforces the carbide tip and enhances durability.
The anti-stick rim helps to minimize gum-up and friction. The product also has ultra-thin kerf blades for faster cutting. It has a speed of 24 RPM, while the cutting and assembled diameter is 6.5 inches.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Professionals Tasked
- Material: Carbide
- Blade Size: 6-1/2-Inch
- Number of Teeth: 40
- Weight: 0.45 Pounds
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5. SKIL 75312 7-1/4-Inch Saw Blade
If you’re looking for a blade that’ll give you clean, smooth cuts when carrying out woodwork projects, then you’ll need a blade like the SKIL 75312 7-1/4-inch saw blade. It is one of the highest-quality saw blades on the market.
This saw blade combo pack comes with a great 40-tooth finish blade, and an 18-tooth ripping and crosscutting blade. This pack has everything you need for smoother cuts as well as for general cutting purposes.​
The carbide construction of the blade guarantees durability, not to mention fast cuts and high performance. It is ideal for cutting hardwood and treated lumber.
The blade also comes with expansion slots to ensure that it runs straight, giving you more value for your money.
Additional Specification
- Best For: General Purpose Woodcutting
- Material: Carbide
- Blade Size: 7-1/4-Inch
- Number of Teeth: 18
- Weight: 2.16 pounds
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
Circular Saw Blades Comparison Chart
| Name | Best For | Material | Blade Size | Number of Teeth | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freud D12100X Circular Saw Blade | Cutting wood & Composites | Carbide | 12-Inch | 100 | 2.54 Pounds |
| DEWALT DW3106P5 Saw Blade | Softwood, Hardwood & Chipboard | Carbide | 10-Inch | 60 | 1361 Grams |
| Freud D1060X Finish Saw Blade | Engineered Wood, Wood, Metal | Carbide | 10-Inch | 60 | 1.7 Pounds |
| DEWALT DW9196 Saw Blade | Professionals Tasked | Carbide | 6-1/2-Inch | 40 | 0.45 Pounds |
| SKIL 75312 7 Saw Blade | General Purpose Woodcutting | Carbide | 7-1/4-Inch | 18 | 2.16 pounds |
🙋Frequently Asked Questions & Answered
Why is my blade cutting rough on only one side?
This is commonly caused by improper tension, a bad blade or, in some cases, side clearance. You can also check the arbor, bearing and alignment, if it persists.
Why is my cut wider than the blade kerf?
This commonly happens as a result of the alignment of the blade to the fence. Ensure that you are feeding the material parallel to the blad
Conclusion
If you want to buy a circular saw blade of your own, then you’ll need to conduct adequate research so you can be sure of what you’re purchasing.
However, not everyone has the time to carry out such research and get the information they need on the various available options.
This is where this guide comes in. After carefully researching most of the options on the market, we have picked out some of the best circular saw blades available.
Because there are different types of saw blades, with each type able to cut through different components, you’ll need to make sure you buy a blade that can cut through the specific material you’re working with.
For that to happen, you’ll need to know the exact job you need the saw blade for.
The saw blades that are designed to cut through metal are generally stronger than those that were made to cut plastic, vinyl and wood.
The saw blades listed above are some of the best you’ll find, and their performance is excellent. They can cut through different types of materials, and they have been coated, so you can be sure they’ll last for years.
As technology progresses, circular saw blades are made from new materials capable of withstanding the high-temperature changes that occur when you’re cutting.
A good saw blade is one of the most versatile and useful tools you can have in your toolbox.
Our top pick is the Freud D12100X 100-tooth circular saw blade. However, if you want a blade that’ll give you the best value for your money, then go with the Dewalt DW3106P5 10-inch combo pack.
