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Table Saw Blades

by Blades Admin

Table Saw Blades: Types, Materials, Cutting Performance, Applications, and How to Choose the Right Blade

A table saw blade is one of the most important components of any woodworking setup. Whether used by professional contractors, cabinet makers, furniture builders, or DIY hobbyists, the blade determines the quality, speed, and precision of every cut. From ripping lumber and crosscutting hardwoods to slicing plywood, trimming laminate, crafting joinery, and cutting composite materials, the right table saw blade makes a dramatic difference in accuracy and finish.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about table saw blades, including blade types, tooth configurations, materials, coatings, kerf sizes, and how to select the ideal blade for your project.

What Is a Table Saw Blade?

A table saw blade is a circular blade mounted to a table saw’s arbor. As the motor turns the blade at high speed, the flat work surface allows material to glide against the blade using rip fences, miter gauges, or sleds to make precise cuts. The blade’s design—its diameter, material, tooth count, and grind—determines cutting performance.

Most table saw blades come in 10-inch and 12-inch diameters, though compact saws may use 8-inch blades and industrial saws may use larger.

How Table Saw Blades Are Constructed

A high-quality table saw blade includes several key components:

1. Blade Body

Made from heat-treated steel to resist warping.

2. Teeth

Usually crafted from carbide or high-speed steel. Carbide teeth retain sharpness far longer.

3. Expansion Slots

Small laser-cut gaps that reduce vibration and prevent heat-related warping.

4. Coatings

Some blades include anti-friction coatings to reduce pitch buildup and heat.

5. Arbor Hole

Center opening that fits onto the table saw’s arbor—commonly 5/8-inch for most saws.

Types of Table Saw Blades

Different projects require different cutting characteristics. Below are the primary types of table saw blades and what they are used for.

1. Rip Blades

Rip blades are designed to cut with the grain. Features include:

  • Fewer teeth — Often 24–30

  • Deep gullets — Removes sawdust quickly

  • Aggressive cutting action — Moves through wood efficiently

Rip blades excel at:

  • Processing lumber

  • Cutting boards to width

  • Preparing stock for joinery

They produce fast cuts but leave slightly rougher edges.

2. Crosscut Blades

Crosscut blades cut across the grain, requiring cleaner slicing action.

Characteristics include:

  • High tooth count — 60–80 teeth

  • Small gullets

  • Alternating top bevel (ATB) for smooth finishes

They’re ideal for:

  • Trim work

  • Cutting hardwoods

  • Precision fitting

  • Clean edges on plywood and softwoods

Crosscut blades produce finish-quality cuts.

3. Combination Blades

Combination blades are versatile “all-purpose” options.

Typically designed with:

  • 40–50 teeth

  • Groups of teeth arranged in a pattern (e.g., 4 ATB + 1 raker)

  • Balanced rip and crosscut capability

Perfect for hobbyists who use one blade for multiple tasks.

4. General Purpose Blades

Similar to combination blades but optimized for broader use.

Features include:

  • ATB tooth geometry

  • 40–60 teeth

  • Good balance between smoothness and speed

Best for:

  • Everyday woodworking

  • Sheet goods

  • Softwoods and hardwoods

5. Fine-Finish Blades

Designed for delicate, high-quality work.

Common features:

  • 80–100+ teeth

  • Ultra-thin kerfs

  • Low-vibration body

  • Highly polished edges

Used for:

  • Cabinetry

  • Furniture

  • Veneered plywood

  • Trim carpentry

Produces ultra-clean edges with minimal tear-out.

6. Dado Blades

Used to cut wide grooves, dadoes, and rabbets.

Two main types:

  • Stacked dado sets — Multiple chipper blades + shims

  • Wobble dado blades — Vibrates side-to-side to create adjustable width

Essential for joinery tasks.

7. Plywood and Laminate Blades

Special blades designed for fragile sheet goods.

Features include:

  • High tooth count (80+)

  • Triple-chip grind (TCG) for durability

  • Thin kerfs to reduce chipping

Excellent for:

  • Plywood

  • MDF

  • Melamine

  • Laminated sheets

8. Non-Ferrous Metal Blades

Used for materials like aluminum, brass, and plastic.

Characteristics:

  • TCG teeth

  • High tooth count

  • Lubricated or coated designs

Perfect for trim carpenters who cut aluminum track or plastic molding.

Understanding Tooth Geometry

Tooth geometry heavily influences blade performance. Here are the main types.

1. ATB (Alternating Top Bevel)

The teeth alternate left and right bevels.

Benefits:

  • Clean crosscuts

  • Good for plywood

  • Minimal tear-out

2. FTG (Flat Top Grind)

Teeth are flat and square.

Benefits:

  • Best for rip cuts

  • Fast and efficient cutting

3. ATBR (Combination Grind)

4 ATB teeth followed by 1 raker tooth.

Benefits:

  • Versatile for ripping and crosscutting

4. TCG (Triple-Chip Grind)

Alternates between chamfered and flat-top teeth.

Benefits:

  • Durable for cutting abrasive materials

  • Ideal for laminates and metals

Kerf Width: Standard vs. Thin-Kerf Blades

Kerf refers to the thickness of the cut the blade makes.

Standard Kerf (1/8-inch)

Benefits:

  • Stronger teeth

  • Less blade deflection

  • Better for hardwoods and thick stock

Thin-Kerf (3/32-inch)

Benefits:

  • Requires less power

  • Ideal for portable and lower-powered table saws

  • Reduces waste

Thin-kerf blades are popular among DIY contractors using jobsite saws.

Carbide vs. Steel Blades

Carbide-Tipped

  • Long-lasting

  • Stay sharp much longer

  • Excellent for hardwoods, plywood, and composites

High-Speed Steel

  • Cheaper

  • Dulls faster

  • Best for softwoods or short-term use

Carbide blades are industry standard for performance and durability.

Coatings and Heat Reduction

Modern table saw blades often include:

  • Non-stick coatings

  • Laser-cut stabilizers

  • Anti-vibration slots

  • Heat-resistant finishes

Coatings reduce friction and prevent pitch buildup, extending blade life and improving cut quality.

How to Choose the Right Table Saw Blade

Selecting the right blade depends on your project.

For Ripping Hardwood

  • 24-tooth FTG blade

  • Standard kerf

  • Heavy-duty carbide tips

For Crosscutting

  • 60–80 tooth ATB blade

For Sheet Goods

  • 80-tooth TCG or ATB

  • Thin kerf for delicate veneers

For Joinery

  • Dado blade set

For General Woodworking

  • 40–50 tooth combination blade

Signs You Need a New Blade

Watch for these indicators:

  • Burning wood

  • Tear-out on edges

  • Increased resistance

  • Loud vibration

  • Chipping

  • Excess heat

Blades can also be resharpened by professional services if the carbide is thick enough.

Table Saw Blade Safety

Always follow safety guidelines:

  • Disconnect power before changing blades

  • Use proper blade height (about one tooth above material)

  • Ensure blade tightness before use

  • Wear eye and ear protection

  • Use push sticks for narrow cuts

  • Keep blade clean and pitch-free

Proper handling prevents accidents and ensures clean cuts.

Maintaining Your Table Saw Blades

To maximize lifespan:

  • Clean blades regularly with resin remover

  • Store blades in padded cases

  • Avoid cutting nails or screws

  • Use the right blade for the material

Well-maintained blades cut cleaner and last longer.

Conclusion

A table saw blade is the heart of the table saw's cutting power. From ripping thick hardwoods to slicing smooth edges on plywood, crafting precise joinery, or making flawless crosscuts, the right blade determines the quality and efficiency of your work. Understanding blade types, tooth geometry, materials, and applications allows woodworkers and contractors to make smarter decisions, extend tool life, and produce professional-grade results. Whether you’re outfitting a woodworking shop or tackling weekend home projects, the right table saw blade transforms your table saw into a precision cutting machine.

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