Ultimate Guide To Table Saw Blades: Styles, Uses, and What To Buy

You stand in your workshop, ready to start a new project, but the shelves hold many blades. Which saw blade should you choose? The right table saw blade makes all the difference. If you want a clean edge and smooth cuts, picking higher quality blades matters. Kendo, known for high quality blades, helps you with choosing the best saw blade for your needs. Select a blade that matches your material and task for the best results.

Key Takeaways

• Pick the right blade for your job. A combination blade is good for beginners. Advanced users should choose blades by material and cut type.

• Use an 80-tooth blade for smooth cuts in plywood. Use a 24-tooth blade for ripping solid wood. Always match the blade to your cutting needs.

• Keep blades clean and sharp. Regular care helps blades last longer. It also makes cutting safer and cleaner.

• Know the difference between thin kerf and full kerf blades. Thin kerf blades save material and need less power. Full kerf blades are more stable and give better cuts.

• Buy high-quality blades. They make smoother cuts and last longer. Good blades also help keep you safe by lowering kickback risk.

Table Saw Blade Selection

For Beginners

If you are new to woodworking, choosing the right saw blade can feel overwhelming. You want a blade that is easy to use and gives good results. Start with a combination blade. This type works for both ripping and crosscutting. You do not need to switch blades often. Look for a 40-tooth or 50-tooth blade. It handles most tasks in your workshop. Kendo offers blades that are simple to install and use. You get clean cuts and reliable performance.

Tip: A combination blade is a great choice for beginners. It saves time and helps you learn basic cutting skills.

If you plan to cut plywood or sheet goods, pick an 80-tooth blade. This blade gives you smooth edges and less splintering. For ripping solid wood, a 24-tooth blade works best. It cuts quickly and does not bog down your saw.

For Advanced Users

You may want more control and precision if you have experience with table saw blades. Advanced users often select blades based on the material and type of cut. You can choose a ripping blade for fast cuts in hardwood. A crosscut blade with 60 teeth gives you smooth, clean edges. For sheet goods, an 80-tooth blade is ideal.

Here is a table showing what advanced users look for when choosing a blade:

Kendo makes blades for every skill level. You can trust their products for both simple and complex jobs.

Match Blade to Project

You need to match your blade to your project for the best results. Use this blade selection guide to help you choose:

• For ripping solid wood, use a 24-tooth saw blade. It cuts fast and does not clog.

• For crosscutting, pick a 60-tooth table saw blade. It gives you a cleaner edge.

• For cutting plywood or sheet goods, select an 80-tooth blade. You get a smooth, splinter-free finish.

Note: Always check your saw for blade compatibility before you start. The right blade makes your work safer and easier.

Kendo offers a wide range of table saw blades. You can find blades for every project, from basic cuts to fine woodworking. Their high quality blades help you achieve professional results. Many users rate Kendo blades highly for reliability and performance.

Types of Table Saw Blades

When you look at the types of table saw blades, you see that each blade has a special job. The right saw blade helps you get the best results for your project. Let's explore the main types of saw blades you will find in any blade selection guide.

Ripping Blades

Ripping blades are one of the most common types of table saw blades. You use these blades when you need to cut wood along the grain. Most ripping blades have 24 teeth and large gullets. The flat-top teeth design helps you cut quickly and safely. This shape also reduces the chance of kick-back. You get fast, straight cuts with less effort. High quality blades in this category last longer and stay sharp.

Tip: Use ripping blades for high-volume cutting tasks. They work best with solid wood.

Crosscut Blades

Crosscut blades are another important type in the world of table saw blades. These blades have 60 to 80 teeth and small gullets. The teeth use a Hi-ATB (High Alternate Top Bevel) grind. This design gives you smooth, clean cuts across the wood grain. You should use crosscut blades when you want a fine finish on end grain or plywood. High quality blades in this group help you avoid splinters and rough edges.

Combination Blades

Combination blades give you the best of both worlds. These types of table saw blades have about 50 teeth. The teeth alternate between ATB (Alternate Top Bevel) and FTG (Flat Top Grind) or TCG (Triple Chip Grind). You can use combination blades for both ripping and crosscutting. They are perfect if you do not want to change your saw blade often. Many woodworkers keep a combination blade on their saw for general use.

Specialty Blades

Specialty blades cover many types of table saw blades made for unique jobs. You might need a specialty blade for cutting laminate, dado grooves, or even non-ferrous metals. These blades use special tooth shapes or coatings. Always check the blade selection guide to pick the right specialty blade for your material. Using the correct blade keeps your cuts clean and your saw safe.

Note: The types of saw blades you choose can change the quality of your work. Always match the blade to your project for the best results.

Saw Blade Anatomy

Tooth Count

Tooth count changes how your saw blade cuts wood. Fewer teeth mean faster cuts but rougher edges. More teeth give you smoother cuts but take longer. You should pick the right tooth count for your project. Use rip blades with 20-30 teeth for quick cuts along the grain. Choose crosscut blades with 60-80 teeth for clean cuts across the grain. Combination blades with 40-50 teeth work well for many tasks.

Blade Diameter

Blade diameter affects how deep you can cut and the quality of your work. Larger blades make deeper cuts and smoother edges. Smaller blades cut less deep and may leave rougher surfaces. You should match the blade diameter to your saw and project needs.

Tip: Always check your saw for the correct blade diameter before you buy a new saw blade.

Kerf Types

Kerf means the width of the cut made by your blade. Thin kerf blades waste less material and need less power. Full kerf blades cut wider and need more power. Thin kerf blades work well with smaller saws. Full kerf blades give you more stability and smoother cuts.

Materials

The material of your saw blade affects how long it lasts and how well it cuts. High-speed steel and carbide-tipped blades stay sharp longer and resist heat. These materials help you get clean cuts and make your blade last. Kendo uses advanced materials like D2 tool steel and S35VN stainless steel. These materials give you excellent edge retention and durability. You get high quality blades that stand up to tough jobs.

• High-speed steel blades offer good hardness and heat resistance.

• Carbide-tipped blades last longer and cut cleaner.

• Kendo blades use advanced steel for better edge retention and durability.

Note: Choosing the right blade material helps you get the best results and saves you money over time.

Woodworking Tasks

Ripping

Use ripping blades when you cut wood along the grain. These blades have about 24 teeth. The big gullets help clear sawdust fast. This keeps the blade cool. You get quick and clean cuts. Less heat builds up as you work. A ripping blade makes your job easier and faster.

• Ripping blades are best for long cuts in solid wood.

• Their shape helps stop burning and kickback.

• You save time because the blade cuts quickly.

Tip: Make sure your saw blade fits your wood's thickness for safe ripping.

Crosscutting

Crosscut blades help you get smooth finishes and neat edges. Pick blades with 60 to 80 teeth for this job. More teeth mean each tooth takes away less wood. This gives you a shiny surface and stops splinters. Crosscutting is good for cutting across the grain or trimming boards.

Note: Crosscut blades are great for making exact cuts on end grain and for finishing work.

Sheet Goods

Cutting plywood or MDF needs special care. Use a blade with fine, sharp teeth and a smart design. This helps stop splinters and rough spots. MDF is tough and wears blades out, so pick a strong blade. Plywood blades help you get smooth edges for cabinets and furniture.

• Tooth shape helps stop splinters.

• Blade design makes cuts better.

• Strong blade material helps it last longer.

Laminates

Laminates can chip if you use the wrong blade. Pick carbide-tipped blades with 80 to 100 teeth. This type helps stop splinters and rough spots. Do not use blades with less than 60 teeth. They can burn the wood and leave rough edges.

Joinery

Joinery jobs like dadoes and rabbets need special blades. Use a dado set for wide, flat-bottomed cuts. Box-joint blades make thin grooves with flat bottoms. Flat-top rip blades leave a flat-bottomed cut. This is good for grooves and rabbets.

Tip: Always use the right table saw blade for joinery. This helps you make strong and neat joints.

Thin Kerf vs. Full Kerf

Thin Kerf Pros

You may notice that thin kerf blade options have become popular for many woodworking projects. These blades cut a narrower slot in the wood. This means you lose less material with each cut. Thin kerf saw blades also need less power to operate. If your table saw has a motor under three horsepower, you will see better efficiency. You can use these blades in smaller workshops because they create less dust. This helps keep your workspace cleaner and safer.

• Thin kerf blades reduce material waste.

• They require less power, making them ideal for low-powered saws.

• You will notice less dust during cutting, which is helpful in tight spaces.

Full Kerf Pros

A full kerf blade gives you more stability and better cut quality, especially when you work with thicker or harder materials. These blades are thicker and resist bending or vibration. You get cleaner cuts and less chance of the blade wandering. If you use a saw with more than two horsepower, a full kerf blade works best. The table below shows how full kerf blades compare to thin kerf blades in different situations:

When to Use

You should choose a thin kerf blade if you use a low-powered saw or want to save material. These blades work well for crosscutting and general woodworking. If you need to cut thick or hard wood, a full kerf blade gives you better results. Full kerf blades also make measuring easier when you cut parts from large boards. Keep in mind that thin kerf blades may bend or vibrate during long cuts, especially if you push too fast. Slow your feed rate to avoid heat buildup. For most crosscutting jobs, both blade types can work, but full kerf blades offer more stability and cleaner edges.

Tip: Match your saw blade to your saw's power and your project's needs. This helps you get the best results every time.

Table Saw Blade Maintenance

Cleaning

Keeping your saw blade clean helps it work better and last longer. Soak the blade in a cleaner or water-based degreaser for 10 to 15 minutes. After soaking, scrub the teeth with a soft brush or pad to get rid of buildup. Rinse the blade with water and dry it right away so it does not rust. You can spray a thin layer of silicone to protect the blade. Many woodworkers use Pitch & Resin Remover or Simple Green for cleaning. Clean blades make cutting easier and safer.

Tip: Clean your saw blade often to keep your cuts sharp and your projects looking good.

Sharpening

A sharp blade gives you the best cuts for crosscutting and ripping. You do not have to sharpen your blade after every project, but check it often. If you see burning, rough edges, or cutting gets harder, it might be time to sharpen. Some people sharpen their blades before they get too dull. Sharpening early saves money and keeps your blade working well.

Kendo has guides and support to help you know when and how to sharpen your blades.

Storage

Storing your saw blade the right way keeps it safe from damage and rust. Always clean and dry your blade before putting it away. Put on a thin coat of oil or a spray that stops rust. Store your blades in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and damp air. Use drawer cabinets, box organizers, or racks to keep blades apart and safe. Blade protectors help stop nicks and scratches. Label each blade so you can find the right one fast.

• Clean and dry blades before storing them.

• Use blade protectors and good organizers.

• Store in a cool, dry place.

Replacement

Sometimes, you cannot fix a saw blade by sharpening it. If you see broken or missing teeth, or if the carbide tips are damaged, replace the blade. A blade that has been sharpened many times but still cuts badly is worn out. Using a damaged blade can cause uneven cuts and be unsafe, especially when crosscutting.

Note: Kendo gives you helpful resources and support to help you take care of and replace your blades for the best results.

Why Quality Table Saw Blades Matter

Performance

When you use a high quality saw blade, you notice the difference right away. The blade glides through wood and leaves a smooth edge. You get clean cuts that make your projects look professional. The number of teeth per inch (TPI) on a blade changes how your cuts turn out. If you pick a blade with more teeth, each tooth acts like a tiny chisel. This gives you finer cuts, but you need to move slower to avoid burning the wood. Fewer teeth let you cut faster, but the finish feels rougher.

• More teeth per inch give you smoother cuts.

• Fewer teeth help you cut quickly, but the edges may look rough.

• Higher quality blades help you achieve precise results.

Kendo designs blades that deliver accuracy and smoothness. You can trust their products for both simple and advanced woodworking tasks.

Safety

Safety matters every time you use a table saw. A high quality blade helps keep you safe by reducing the risk of kickback. When you use a blade with sharp, well-made teeth, the wood does not pinch or bind. This lowers the chance of the workpiece flying backward. If you use a guard, splitter, or riving knife with your saw blade, you add even more protection. Raising the blade increases the space between the wood and the teeth, making it less likely for the blade to catch and throw the wood.

• Sharp blades prevent wood from pinching and causing kickback.

• Guards and splitters work with the blade to keep you safe.

• Good blade design helps you control each cut.

Kendo's commitment to safety means you can work with confidence.

Longevity

You want your saw blade to last through many projects. High quality blades stay sharp longer and resist damage. You spend less time replacing or sharpening blades. This saves you money and keeps your work moving. Kendo uses advanced materials and smart designs to make blades that stand up to tough jobs. You get more value from each blade and enjoy reliable performance.

Tip: Choose higher quality blades for better results and longer life.

Conclusion

Picking the right saw blade helps you make clean and safe cuts. Think about what your project needs before you buy a blade. Many woodworkers care about a few main things:

• How well the blade cuts

• How long the blade lasts and its quality

• The number of teeth and the type of blade

• The kerf width to save material

• Setting up the blade right for safety and accuracy

• Easy care so the blade lasts longer

Kendo has blades that fit all these needs. You can count on their blades for any woodworking job. Start your next project feeling sure and get better results.

FAQ

What table saw blade should you use for plywood?

You should use an 80-tooth crosscut blade for plywood. This blade gives you smooth edges and helps prevent splintering. Kendo offers blades designed for sheet goods, making your cuts clean and professional.

How often should you replace your table saw blade?

Replace your blade when you see chipped teeth, dull edges, or burning marks on wood. Most users check their blades after every few projects. Kendo blades last longer, but regular inspection keeps your cuts safe and sharp.

Can you sharpen carbide-tipped blades at home?

You can sharpen carbide-tipped blades at home with a diamond file or blade sharpener. Many woodworkers prefer professional sharpening for best results. Always follow safety tips when handling sharp blades.

Tip: Wear gloves and eye protection when sharpening blades.

What is the difference between ATB and FTG teeth?

ATB (Alternate Top Bevel) teeth give you smooth cuts. FTG (Flat Top Grind) teeth cut faster but leave rougher edges.