9 Best Table Saw Blades (for General Purpose Use)
The standard table saw makes a valuable addition to most any at-home workshop, due to its practicality when attempting to make straight cuts. Saws of this nature prove more than adequate when making cross cuts, ripping cuts, and dado cuts, in a precise and repetitive fashion.
While most table saws are more than capable of meeting the needs of avid DIY enthusiasts, the true potential of such a saw is only realized when using a premium, well-engineered blade. Luckily, there’s no shortage of premium table saw blades currently available on today’s market if you know where to look.
While many manufacturers may claim to make the best table saw blade, only a handful are worthy of this consideration. Keep reading to see our favorite saw blades and to get a better understanding of the characteristics to look for when searching for the ideal blade.
Our 9 Favorite Table Saw Blades
Product | Tooth Count | Configuration | Kerf | Made In | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Forrest Woodworker II | 40 | ATB | .125" | USA | |
Ridge Carbide TS2000 | 40 | ATB+R | .125" | USA | |
Freud P410 | 40 | Hi-ATB | .126" | Italy | |
Amana Prestige PR1040C | 40 | ATB | .125" | Israel | |
Diablo D1050X | 50 | ATB | .098" | Italy | |
CMT 215.050.10 | 50 | ATB | .126" | Italy | |
Irwin Marples 1807368 | 50 | ATB+R | .098" | Italy | |
Bosch DCB1040 | 40 | ATB | .098" | China | |
DeWalt DW3106P5 | 60 & 32 | ATB | .095" | China |
Table Saw Blade Reviews
#1 – Forrest 10″ Woodworker II (WW10407125)
Visit any woodworking forum and Forrest saw blades are usually one of the first to be brought up when it comes to recommending a saw blade. Made right here in the USA, you’ll have a hard time finding a table saw blade with a better track record.
The Woodworker II is arguably the best table saw blade on the market. It’s perfect for powering through even the most unforgiving of hardwoods, without fear of significant dulling. This blade features a total of 40 teeth, arranged in an ATB configuration, making it possible to maintain accurate cuts, no matter the scope of the task at hand.
The obvious negative is the price. But if you want a saw blade that’s unmatched in quality, you can’t go wrong with a Forrest. If at some point your saw blade shows signs of dulling, simply ship your saw blade to Forrest and they’ll re-sharpen it like new. Their customer service is hard to beat as well.
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#2 – Ridge Carbide 10″TS2000 Super Blade
The Ridge Carbide TS2000 saw blade is often heralded as the king of all multi-purpose blades. This US-made saw blade features a total of 40 ATB-style teeth, arranged in a manner that makes it possible to cut with both power and precision. These teeth are also of carbide construction, which substantially bolsters the TS2000 Super Blade’s durability.
While Ridge Carbide’s price tag might cause initial concern for some consumers, this cost is not overly difficult to justify. Due to its innate durability, one can expect to get years of faithful service out of the TS2000, thereby saving a substantial amount over the repeated purchase of replacement blades.
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#3 – Freud 10″ P410 Premier Fusion Saw Blade
If you’re in search of a highly versatile table saw blade, at a more than reasonable price, then the Freud P410 should be worthy of your attention. Made in Italy, Freud makes what many consider the best table saw blade for the money.
This blade features 40 teeth, arranged in an ATB configuration, allowing it to slice through hardwood, melamine, laminate, and plywood with ease. The P410 also features laser-cut anti-vibration slots, for increased blade stability.
In the past, some consumers have raised concerns over the Freud P410 Premier Fusion’s durability. While feelings on the issue appear to be mixed, one can assume that this blade will provide stellar results in home workshop and jobsite use when not used in a continuous fashion, such as in some industrial-type settings.
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#4 – Amana Tool 10″ Prestige PR1040C Electro-Blu
The Amana Tool PR1040C saw blade is ideal for use in applications where precision is key. This Israeli-made blade features 40 ATB-style teeth, pitched at a 20-degree bevel angle.
This allows the saw blade to effortlessly power through a variety of materials, including hardwood, laminate flooring, and MDF. Each of the teeth has been computer-verified to eliminate any blades featuring excessive runout.
Several uses have stated that the Amana general purpose saw blade has trouble cutting larger hardwood stock. While the extent of this issue is open for speculation, one can circumvent such issues by carefully considering the thickness of wood that is to be cut.
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#5 – Diablo (by Freud) 10″ Saw Blade (D1050X)
For those looking for a rugged table saw blade at a price point that is difficult to argue with, then look no further than the Diablo D1050X. Made in Freud facilities in Italy and with the popular Diablo name, the saw blade is great for beginners and pros alike.
This table saw blade features a total of 50 ATB-style teeth, designed to cut through whatever it is pitted against. The D1050X also features shock-resistant brazing, making it nearly impossible for this blade to fail structurally, even under shock loading and extreme stress.
Some have complained that Diablo saw blade creates a significant amount of noise when in use. Luckily, one can buy a lifetime’s supply of earplugs with the money saved when purchasing this particular blade, over some of its higher priced alternatives.
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#6 – CMT Orange Tools 10″ Industrial Combination Blade
The CMT 215.050.10 combination saw blade is perfect for laying down smooth, seamless rips and crosscuts, and can be used alternatively in your miter saw when the need arises.
This blade features 50 teeth of an ATB design. These teeth are arranged at an 12-degree hook angle and are of micrograin carbide construction. The CMT saw blade also comes coated in a non-stick PTFE coating, for enhanced cooling properties and corrosion protection.
See Also: Table Saw vs Miter Saw
It’s worth noting that a handful of users have claimed that some CMT saw blades have a tendency to dull a bit quicker than average. However, this complaint tends to be of little concern (especially with occasional use), as the blade’s carbide teeth can be re-sharpened as needed, with relative ease.
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#7 – Irwin Marples 10″ Table Saw Blad (1807368)
The Irwin 10” combination saw blade is among the most efficient blades at its particular price point, and may be the perfect choice for those looking to upgrade from their table saw’s stock blade.
This blade features a total of 50 ATB teeth, made of high-strength carbide. These teeth are also arranged in a “racer” configuration, allowing the blade to power through a wide variety of materials without so much as the slightest issue.
As some consumers have stated, the cuts made by Irwin saw blades tend to leave something to be desired, in terms of finish and appearance. However, this is nothing that cannot be cleaned up in hindsight, in a matter of mere minutes.
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#8 – Bosch DCB1040 “Daredevil” 10″ Saw Blade
The Bosch Daredevil general purpose table saw blade is a good choice for any DIY enthusiast, wishing to locate a singular blade to tackle a multitude of tasks.
This blade features a total of 40 teeth, arranged in an ATB configuration. These teeth are also constructed of ultra-durable carbide, which minimizes the chance of impact-related damage. The Bosch table saw blade should prove capable of executing a number of cuts, including cross-cuts and ripping.
Like with other lower cost blades, some have claimed that the DCB1040 saw blade dulls rather quickly while cutting laminate flooring. However, as the blade’s carbide teeth can be re-sharpened as needed with relative ease, this complaint can be quickly and easily taken care of.
It’s also worth mentioning that while Bosch is a German company, this saw blade is made in China.
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#9 – DeWalt DW3106P5 10″ Saw Blade (2-Pack)
If you’re in search of an extremely versatile table saw blade multi-pack, then the DeWalt crosscutting/general purpose combo is worth a look. This package includes both a 60-tooth crosscutting blade, as well as a 32-tooth general purpose blade, giving consumers the ultimate bang for their buck.
Each blade is constructed with ATB teeth, of an upgraded carbide construction, in a bid to provide the cleanest cuts, without any durability-related issues.
Some users have stated, the cuts made by DeWalt blades tend to have issues with splintering. Luckily this is something that can be cleaned up in a matter of minutes. But for the fact you’re getting two saw blades, it’s hard to beat the price.
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Types of Table Saw Blades (and Their Uses)
Ripping
Ripping blades are primarily used to break down longer segments of stock in preparation for future use. These blades tend to feature FTG blades, with an average of 24-30 teeth. In certain situations, general purpose blades can also be used to satisfy needs of this type.
General Purpose
General purpose blades are intended for use in a multitude of situations, and generally feature a total of 40-50 teeth. Blades of this nature usually provide a cleaner cut than standard ripping blades, though they typically cut at a somewhat slower rate.
Combination
Combination blades serve as a “one size fits all” approach to making the most out of chores requiring the use of a table saw. These blades typically feature 32-50 teeth and can be used for a multitude of tasks, including ripping and cross-cutting.
Cross-Cutting
Cross cutting blades are designed to cut across the grain of a particular board, rather than in line, thereby preventing end splitting. Blades of this configuration generally feature 60-100 teeth, of an ATB design.
Dado
Dado circular saw blades are used to make intricate dado or groove cuts when preparing any number of projects. Blades of this type generally feature carbide teeth, which must be periodically re-sharpened in order to prevent “bucking”, when in use.
Tooth Count
The majority of today’s general purpose table saw blades feature a total of 40-50 teeth. Blades of this type can be utilized to complete a variety of cuts, and are among the most commonly used by consumers. Universal table saw blades with this tooth count can also be used for ripping cuts, cross-cuts, and joinery work.
However, there are also a significant number of specialty table saw blades available on the market. These blades vary in tooth count, and are designed to provide superior performance when used in the particular application for which they are intended.
One of the most common of all specialty table saw blades is the ripping blade, which generally features a total of 24-30 teeth. Blades of this nature are engineered to quickly power through stock of various thicknesses.
Tooth Configuration
There are several different tooth configurations utilized by the bulk of today’s table saw blades. The most common of these blade configurations include Triple Chip Grind (TCG), Combination, Alternate Top Bevel (ATB), and Flat Top Grind (FTG).
Alternate Top Bevel (ATB)
Blades of an Alternate Top Bevel Configuration feature angled teeth, which are slanted at opposite angles to one another. This unique tooth design enables clean, precise cuts, which tend to be far more refined than those made with blades of alternate configurations.
Triple Chip Grind (TCG)
The teeth on a Triple Chip Grind blade alternate in configuration between FTG-style and chamfered. When placed in motion, the blade’s chamfered teeth initialize a cut, while the FTG-style teeth follow through on this action.
Flat Top Grind (FTG)
Table saw blades of a Flat Top Grind configuration feature teeth that are square to the body of the blade itself. Blades of this type are among the best choices for making numerous rough cuts, in the most time efficient manner possible.
However, these cuts are not always the cleanest, and generally require some degree of finishing work.
Combination
Combination blades rely upon the use of both ATB and FTG-style teeth. A combination blade’s FTG teeth make a ripping cut, while the blade’s ATB-style teeth create a more refined finish, free of excess imperfections.
Thin Kerf vs Full Kerf
The most notable of differences between thin kerf and full kerf table saw blades resides in the width of the teeth affixed to each blade. While the teeth of full kerf table saw blades generally measure 1/8” (0.125″) in thickness, those found on thin kerf blades measure 3/32” (or 0.098″).
Because of this reduced tooth width, thin kerf blades tend to be ideal for use with saws of low rated output. This stems from the fact that thin kerf blades produce less drag, and therefore tend to reduce bog-down.
However, the flip side of this equation is that thin kerf blades are prone to increased deflection, thereby reducing the precision of cuts applied to thicker stock.
How Long Does a Saw Blade Last?
The longevity, or lack thereof, is largely the product of an individual blade’s construction and craftsmanship. While cheaper, generic blades seldom last longer than 1-2 years under moderate use, premium blades of robust construction can last for more than a decade, if properly maintained.
Of course, the lifespan of a table saw blade is also largely dependent upon the manner in which it is used. A blade that is frequently used to cut hardwood, will naturally sustain far more wear than a blade used to cut softer materials.
Table saw blades also tend to last longer when regularly cleaned and sharpened. Regular maintenance of this keeps a saw blade in optimum condition, thereby preventing undue stress when placed in use.
Can Table Saw Blades Be Sharpened?
While many have gotten in the habit of discarding their old table saw blades as they dull with use, doing so is not always advised. In many instances, a weathered table saw blade can be re-sharpened to satisfactory condition. This not only extends the effective service life of such a blade but saves an individual money in the long run as well.
A table saw blade can be sharpened with the use of a specialty diamond blade. This blade is used to re-edge each individual tooth of a dulled table saw blade, along its interior curve. With the use of all appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment), the teeth of a dulled saw blade can be surfaced, one-by-one.
Unless you have multiple blades that need sharpening, paying someone to have it done is often the best option. The manufacturer Forrest offers a sharpening service where you mail in your dull saw blade (any brand), they professional re-sharpen it, and send it back to you. Expect to pay about $40 for the service so it only makes sense on higher-end saw blades.
If you Google “saw blade resharpening near me”, you’ll get some local options but prices can be all over the place.
Finally, purchasing a saw blade sharpener at Harbor Freight, Amazon, or other retailer is oftentimes a good option, especially when you have more than one blade that needs sharpening. Don’t expect professional results but they work surprisingly well.