The 10 Best Table Saw Blades In 2023 – Buying Guide and Reviews

You can use table saw blades to make a range of different cuts, from ripping a stack of boards to precision cuts for cabinetry. However, if you haven’t got the right table saw blades, you’ll find many of your woodworking projects a challenge. It doesn’t matter how good your table saw is, it’s only going to be as good as the blade you use. 

To cut down the time it takes for you to find the best blade, I’ve taken a close look at what’s currently available. Looking at different qualities, I’ve narrowed it down to my top ten best table saw blades. 

If you’re eager to get started on a particular project, why not jump straight into my top pick. The Freud D1050X Diablo 10” 50-tooth is one of the best out there in the market. 

The top ten table saw blades in 2023 include:

Our Top Picks for the Best Table Saw Blades 2022

Let’s dive into the reviews: learn how these 10 table saw blades stack up. 

Top Pick – Freud D1050X Diablo 10” 50-tooth

There are several reasons why I’ve awarded this table saw blade with the top pick. To start with, it’s been purpose-made for making a range of cuts through softwood and hardwood. The quality of the blade means it leaves your workpiece with an almost-finished appearance and beautifully smooth edges. 

I like to have a table saw blade that is multipurpose, and this one hits the mark. You can use it for hardwoods such as ash, walnut, and oak, together with softwoods such as spruce or pine. 

Dewalt has chosen to use TiCo™ high-density carbide for this table saw blade to maximise longevity. It also includes a non-stick coating known as Perma-SHIELD®, which reduces gumming, protects from heat, and reduces general wear.

The kerf is thin, and this helps keep your cuts clean and neat. For improved removal of chips, the manufacturer has chosen deep gullets. The stabilizing gaps between the sets of 5 teeth mean there is virtually zero vibration.

The only real downside with this table saw blade is that you need to be patient when using it. The thin kerf width means you don’t get the fastest cut.

Pros

  • Produces excellent results when cross cutting and ripping.
  • Suits both soft and hardwoods.
  • Reasonably priced.
  • Compatible with table and miter saws.

Cons

  • The cut is not the fastest.

If you’re looking for a work-horse, this table saw blade fits the bill. The way it’s been designed with 50 teeth arranged in sets of 5 means it’s able to provide a happy medium between cross-cutting and ripping, and you can use it to cut a wide selection of materials.

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Top Premium Pick – Forrest WW10407125 Woodworker II 10-Inch 40 Tooth

This table saw blade might come with a high price tag, but the quality and unique features make it worth the extra expense. If you no longer consider yourself a beginner, this blade is an investment in your future, as professionals such as furniture makers and full-time carpenters regularly use them. 

The features that contribute to its quality include the materials used and craftsmanship. Each table saw blade has C-4 carbide teeth that have been hand-brazed to the blade. Hand-tensioning to precise specifications is another part of the manufacturing process.

The configuration of the bevel teeth is alternate, allowing it to undertake crosscuts and rip cuts effortlessly. Such smooth cutting means you don’t need to worry about a second-step finish as there are no rough edges.

The only thing that might discourage you is the price tag. But if you want to take your woodworking to the next level, it has to be worth considering. Another downside is that it’s only available in a 10” size, so it’s essential to check compatibility before purchase.

Pros

  • Allows for all types of cuts and materials.
  • High-quality construction.
  • No compromise on the finish.

Cons

  • Only 10” blades available.
  • High price tag.

The Woodworker II might cost more than other blades, but it makes up for it in performance and durability. C-4 carbide is a harder metal than most lower-priced blades, so you can expect it to last longer and allow you to recover some of the additional cost. For further pricing details and info, click on the following link.

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Top Budget Pick – DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw Blade (DW3106P5D60I)

With its tungsten carbide construction, these 10” table saw blades from Dewalt pack a punch when it comes to general use and crosscutting a variety of lumber. Tungsten carbide is also a material that offers durability and sharpness. The blade plates are computer-balanced, which ensures a smooth and accurate cut with less vibration.

What makes this product, so budget-friendly is that you’re getting two blades in a single purchase. 

The kerf is thin, which provides for fast and smooth cutting. The blades have anti-kickback shoulders which improve durability and help stop binding. 

These blades are very competent when it comes to cutting applications in hardwood, plywood, chipboard, and softwood, and you can use them in both a miter and table saw.

One thing that lets this budget table saw blade down is the yellow blade coating. It will rub off onto your workpiece for the first few cuts, but it doesn’t take long for the paint to wear off and no longer be a problem.

Pros

  • Tungsten carbide construction.
  • Computer-balanced blades for smoother cuts.
  • Anti-kick shoulders prevent binding.

Cons

  • Yellow paint issue can be frustrating at the start.

If you’d prefer not to put in extra work to improve the finish and want a blade that cuts smooth straight away, this double pack from Dewalt shouldn’t disappoint. Its tungsten carbide construction helps improve durability, but you’ve got a spare blade when one has worn away.

Click on the link below if you want more information or to purchase from Amazon.

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Freud D1024X Diablo 10″ 24-Tooth Table Saw Blade

This 24” ATB ripping blade is well-suited for general construction applications but most particularly ripping. It has a thin kerf that allows it to rip lumber and sheet pieces easily. You’ll find it has little hesitation when used to cut hardwoods and pine and gives the user improved handling when cutting. 

The cut is clean and the tearout minimal, which means there’s less of a need for further finishing.

Other features include TiCo™ Hi-Density carbide construction and the Perma-SHIELD® coating that’s non-stick and protects from corrosion, gumming, and heat. Laser-cut stabilizing vents make cutting more comfortable as they reduce vibration and noise while also reducing blade friction. 

The ATB teeth have one disadvantage in that they don’t have a flat top. What this means is that the channel cut won’t be flat on the bottom. This is something you should take into consideration when you make non-through cuts. You also need to regularly clean the blade as the pitch’s build-up could make you think the blade is dull. 

Pros

  • Thin kerf makes rip cuts quickly.
  • Strong blade lets you cut a range of woods.

Cons

  • Channel cuts aren’t flat on the bottom.

This blade is one to include in your workshop arsenal if you’re regularly ripping wood of all shapes, sizes, and types. The blade’s construction includes features that reduce friction, heat, and gumming and its design makes it more comfortable to use.

The only downside is that the ATB teeth don’t leave a flat bottomed channel, but plenty of other tools can perform this type of cut.

You can find out a whole lot more about this product by clicking on the link below. 

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DEWALT 10-Inch 24 Tooth Table Saw Blade

This 10” table saw blade from Dewalt is manufactured from micro grain carbide. The result is a blade that produces an ultra-sharp cut and also minimizes splinters. The blade’s body has laser-cut dampening slots and a rough coat finish. The purpose of this is to reduce friction and heat but also to ensure an accurate cut.

The 24 ATB teeth can tackle not just the hardest of woods but plastic and non-ferrous metal. Compared to many multi-purpose blades, it rips exceptionally well. You can also use this blade for making crosscuts, but it doesn’t perform as well as some other blades. 

The teeth have a steeper than normal hook angle, so you can expect an aggressive cut when you use the blade. There is also a large space between the teeth which means you’ll remove more material as you move your workpiece through the blade. That being said, you can still expect a smooth finish because of the thin kerf of the blade.

There have been issues with the blade twisting and deforming under extreme heat. The obvious solution is to limit the amount of strain you put the blade under. 

Pros

  • Excellent blade for ripping hardwoods.
  • User-friendly design for comfort.
  • Extra sharp micro-grain teeth with carbide tips.

Cons

  • Disappointing cross-cutting performance.

With its micro-grain carbide edges, this blade performs very well when it comes to ripping all kinds of material, but mainly hardwoods. The design means it’s easy to use and doesn’t cause too much discomfort or pain. For pricing information and other details, make sure to click on the link below.

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Diablo D1040X ATB General Purpose 40 Tooth Saw Blade

This blade manages to balance perfectly between cross cutting and ripping. Diablo’s 40-tooth blade combines a good cutting speed with superb finish quality for both types of cuts. 

Diablo’s TiCo™ high-density carbide is used to make the teeth, and the result is a blade with a long life span and the ability to hold an edge for much longer than cheaper blades. 

The angled arrangement of the teeth is also a critical factor. For this blade, they’ve gone with an alternate top bevel design. This results in a point rather than a flat bottom when cutting.

ATB teeth tend to have a reputation for chipping much easier than teeth that rake. In this case, the material used to make the teeth counteracts this problem. 

For this type of blade, the kerf is relatively thin, which makes cutting easier and reduces any strain on the tool.

If you’re more of a finish carpenter, this saw blade might not suit your needs. You’ll probably need a blade with more teeth for a cleaner finish. Sixty teeth or more might work better. Likewise, if you need to cross-cut or rip rough timber, a blade with fewer teeth will give you more speed. 

Pros

  • Reduced risk of teeth chipping.
  • Tearout is less of a problem.
  • Thin blade for easy cutting.

Cons

  • Not suitable for the cutting extremes.

For most of your cutting needs, this general purpose 40-tooth blade will be all that you need. The price is more than reasonable, and you can expect repeatable and consistent performance. Click on the link below for more info or to purchase from Amazon. 

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TOMAX 10-Inch 40 Tooth ATB Finishing Saw Blade

TOMAX has used construction-grade carbide teeth for this ATB finishing table saw blade because it improved the blade’s durability and life. To reduce corrosion and rusting, there is an electrophoretic coating. This coating also reduces the drag of the blade and offers a quicker feed rate. 

Anti-vibration slots have been cut into the blade to ensure a stable cut. Any movement sideways and vibrations are virtually non-existent, which means you’re almost guaranteed a finish that’s splinter-free.

This quality blade performs very well for finishing softwoods, but you’re probably better purchasing a heavier-duty blade for hardwoods. 

Pros

  • Special blade coatings reduce rust and corrosion.
  • Less drag and quicker feed rate.
  • Reduced vibration and sideways movement.
  • Splinter-free finish.

Cons

  • Not suitable for cutting hardwoods.

This blade from TOMAX is very reasonably priced and performs just as well as many higher-priced blades. It’s comfortable to use, produces less vibration, and provides a uniform finish.

Click on the link below for more information or to make a purchase.

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CMT 215.050.10 10-inch 50 Tooth Industrial Combination Blade

If you’re the kind of woodworker that spends several hours every day in their workshop, you need a heavy-duty table saw blade. CMT uses a laser-cut, German steel heavy-gauge plate for this blade, and the result is outstanding cutting performance. 

The micro-grain carbide teeth have been brazed to the body of the blade using a special tri-metal bonding process. Such a method improves cut delivery and extends the length of the blade.

Expansion slots help reduce noise and vibration, while a PTFE non-stick coating protects against corrosion, helps keep the blade cool, and minimizes a build-up of pitch.

To further help reduce any pitch build-up, CMT blades use a unique design for the teeth. A triple chip grind is placed on every 5th tooth. This design cleans out material and provides a cleaner cut.

You can use the blade on table saws, miter saws, radial arm saws, and other special saws to cut hard and softwood, chipboard, and plywood. It’s a combination blade that works accurately and efficiently whether you’re cross cutting or ripping.

There have been some issues reported with regards to burn marks. You can prevent such an issue by being patient and not pushing the blade past its limit. The blade might also be heavier than others you’re used to, but you do become accustomed to it over time.

Pros

  • Produces clean cuts
  • Efficient removal of pitch.
  • Effortless cutting action.
  • Suitable for crosscuts and rips.

Cons

  • Heavy blade.
  • Possibility of burn marks.

With its standard kerf, this blade from CMT will not feel out of place in most workshops. It delivers good crosscuts and rips across a range of different woods, and it can also deal very well with sheet materials. It’s a little on the heavy side, but this does mean there’s less of a chance of vibration.

For further details or to make a purchase, follow the link below.

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Diabo by Freud D1060X 10″ x 60 Tooth Fine Finish Saw Blade

The outstanding feature of this blade is the super-thin laser kerf. It produces durable, fast, and above all, clean cuts. There is also much less risk of a blowout or “grabbing.” After using this blade, there’s no need for additional sanding as the surface finish is smooth.

The carbide tips can withstand extreme use because they’re attached using a tri-metal brazing technique. A non-stick Perma-SHIELD® coating protects the blade from corrosion, gumming, and overheating.

While the blade is extremely thin, it’s been made using hardened steel which makes it exceedingly durable. Versatility is another feature of this blade. It fits a variety of table and miter saws. 

Some customers have complained that the blade burns or wobbles, but this is mainly down to incorrect use. It’s also a fine finishing blade which means it’s not going to perform well if you try heavy-duty cuts.

Pros

  • Super-smooth cuts in soft and hardwoods, melamine, and plywood.
  • Enhanced cutting performance.
  • Fewer issues with overheating, gumming, and corrosion.

Cons

  • Designed specifically for fine finishing work.

The Diabo by Freud D1060X is a fine finish table saw blade ideal for cutting wood composites and wood. It’s the ideal choice for any trim carpenters since it leaves a very smooth surface. Little or no sanding is required. You’ll find more details by clicking on the following link. 

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IRWIN Tools MARATHON 10-inch 80 Tooth Carbide Table Saw Blade

This Marathon table saw blade has #400 grit teeth that have been diamond ground to deliver a smooth finish. To provide an accurate cut, the blade is precision-balanced and tensioned.

You can expect an extended life because the carbide, construction-grade teeth, and the thin kerf increase the speed of the cut.

Other features include the heat vents and reinforced shoulder to reduce the risk of the blade warping. 

It’s not the best table saw blade for crosscutting because of the aggressive angle of the hook. There are plenty of other blades you can use for such an application. 

Pros

  • Smooth finish.
  • Accurate and fast cuts.
  • Lower risk of overheating and warping.

Cons

  • Not as versatile as others.

This blade’s price is slightly on the steep side, but it makes up for it with its efficiency. It can cut through a range of materials as if they were butter, and it just seems to keep going. Design features help to reduce wear and tear, so you can recoup some of the additional cost because it won’t need replacing for some time.

For more details or to make a purchase, click on the link below.

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What to Look for When Choosing the Best Table Saw Blade

There are several factors to consider before you start looking for the best table saw blade. This buyer’s guide should help you better understand what to look for. With a good understanding of your options, making an informed choice and purchasing the right blade for your needs is possible.

Blade Types

Understanding how different table saw blades can meet your needs is critical if you want to pick the right one. Here are some of the most common types. 

Crosscut

Crosscut blades are designed to make very smooth cuts, usually across the grain of the wood. They typically have fewer gullets and more teeth. 

There will also be fewer spaces between the teeth, allowing the blade to remove less material and leave a smoother cut. 

For finish carpentry, other precise applications, and to leave a smooth finish, crosscut blades outperform other types. 

Flat-Tooth Ripping

You use a ripping blade to cut with or along the wood’s grain. The blades feature flat teeth or various configurations, as this is all that’s needed when making such easy cuts. This type of tooth removes large chunks of wood very quickly. 

It is usual for this type of blade to have between 10 and 30 teeth. The angle of the teeth is also more severe, usually a minimum of 20 degrees. 

A ripping blade is not suitable for making cross cuts as there is too much tear-out. They tend to leave ragged edges as well.

Combination

A combination blade can make rip cuts and crosscuts. The number of teeth varies between 40 and 50. If you’re working on a project that requires both types of cut, a combination blade eliminates the need to swap blades mid-project. 

A combination blade doesn’t excel at either cut but is more of a middle ground saw blade. 

Dado

If you want to create wide grooves for drawers, shelving, or door panels, a dado blade will meet your needs. There are two designs of this specialty blade: wobble and stack.

A wobble dado blade rotates in an offset pattern. It cuts a wide groove as it spins. There will be an adjuster you can use to alter the wobble’s width. A wobble blade is usually cheaper than a stacked blade but doesn’t offer the same level of cutting quality. 

Comparatively, a stacked blade is made up of multiple cutters and spacers. These are sandwiched together and produce a wider profile. It can remove vast amounts of material but still maintain a smooth cutline.

If you want to know more about dado blades, check out my article on the best dado blade in 2023.

Tooth Count

The number of teeth a saw blade has is key to its functionality. The fewer teeth a blade has, the more aggressive and quicker the cut. 

However, a low number of teeth means you can expect a rougher finish that you’ll need to clean up or smooth out using sandpaper. If you’re just making rip cuts, this might not be so much of a problem.

A blade with many teeth will leave a cleaner cut, particularly when making a cross-cut. There is also a trade-off with this feature. You’ll need a slower feed rate because the individual teeth will be removing less material each cut they make.

How many teeth a blade has can also affect the noise level of the tool you’re using. 

Tooth Shape

There are four different shapes used for the saw blade teeth. Each has its pros and cons

Flat Top Grind (FTG)

This type of shape is excellent for making rip cuts. The teeth sit square to the saw’s plate and cut through the wood similar to a chisel. The wood is ripped perpendicular to the grain, but the cuts are not clean.

Alternate Top Bevel (ATB)

With this type of blade, every second tooth is angled opposite to the other teeth around it. This is a general-purpose cutting blade that’s often used for shearing wood. It’s great for joinery applications but not best suited for precise or refined work.

ATB blades also make a better cut when used for sheet goods such as melamine, MDF, particleboard, plastic laminate, and plywood. Usually, the more teeth, the better.

Alternate Top Bevel/Raker (ATB/R)

This type of blade is often referred to as a combination blade. It generally has an arrangement of 50 teeth, in groups of 5. Four ATB teeth are followed by a raker tooth. This setup is used for cross-cutting and typically produces a much more refined finish. 

Triple-Chip Grind (TCG)

With a TCG blade, the teeth are raker and chamfered teeth alternately. The chamfered teeth provide a rough cut, and the raker teeth neaten up the cut. If you want to cut Corian, plastic laminate, or non-ferrous metals such as aluminum or brass, this is the best blade to use.

Diameter

Table saw blades come in various diameters, but the standard size is 10” in diameter. When considering whether to purchase a small or large diameter blade, there are certain things to consider.

A smaller blade won’t be able to make the same depth of cut as a large blade. Consider the size of lumber you’re going to cut when choosing your blade. 

A large blade tends not to be as accurate as a small blade. With a smaller blade, there is less risk of “wobble” or instability.

Smaller blades are often much lower in price, so they might suit your budget better. 

Larger blades can accommodate more teeth. This translates to a fast feed rate and better cutting quality. However, it does depend on the material you’re cutting.

Arbor Size

The diameter of a table saw’s spindle is referred to as the arbor. Most table saws accommodate an arbor of 5/8”. However, some have different specifications. It’s always best to check in the table saws manual. 

Kerf

Kerf is the term for a blade’s thickness. A blade with a higher kerf removes more material. It will also be more resistant to bending. On the flip side, a thicker kerf blade needs more power from the saw.

Most table saws can manage 1/8” blades. That being said, if your table saw has less than 3 HP, it might be better to use a thinner blade as it requires less energy. It will also make more precise cuts and produce less waste. Having said that, the likelihood of it warping increases.

Cuts and Materials

The type of material you’re going to cut is an important consideration as it will affect the type of blade you purchase. 

Many manufacturers develop blades with a particular material in mind. Regular blades may chip or cause splintering when used to cut plywood, laminate- or melamine-coated materials. 

A material-specific blade will usually have more teeth and less severe hook angles. The shape of the teeth will also score the material first to prevent chip-out.

The type of cut you want to make also has a bearing on the kind of blade you buy. Are you going to make cross cuts or rip cuts primarily?

Blades for ripping commonly have fewer teeth. The teeth will also be set at a more severe hook angle and be separated by a larger gullet. These features are better at clearing away wood chips. Flat-topped teeth are also better suited at cutting with the grain.

Making crosscuts is more challenging for a blade as you’re cutting across the grain. Achieving a clean edge is difficult as well. A crosscut blade tends to have more teeth, and they will be set at an angle that’s less aggressive.

If you don’t want to be switching out blades and need one that can handle both crosscuts and ripping, you should check out a general-purpose or combination blade. A blade of this type will have the right balance between the hook angle, shape of the teeth, and the teeth number. 

A dado blade is another specialty blade that is a must-have if you’re undertaking cabinetry projects, making furniture, or shelving and need to make recessed grooves.

Blade Material and Coating

A blade of the best quality will generally be steel or carbon steel. The teeth of the blade might be tungsten carbide or metal composites that have been specially hardened.

If you want to know more about the effect of carbon in steel, watch this video.

Some blades have diamond-tipped teeth. This is a combination of metal powder and diamond, which is known as a composite blade. You would use this type of blade on a table saw and for cutting slate or ceramic tile.

Nowadays, blades often have a special coating. Coatings are designed to lower heat build-up and reduce friction. They will also prolong the life of your table saw blade and make it easier to keep the blade free of pitch.

You can tell whether a blade is dull because there will be issues with the blade breaking and tearing wood fibers, leading to chip out and tearout. Burn marks may also happen more often and there is likely to be more resistance when you make a cut. 

Whether or not to sharpen a blade is a common dilemma. The simple answer is yes, it is worth it, particularly if the blade was more expensive. Cheaper blades tend not to be worth sharpening and it’s usually better to simply replace them. 

Conclusion 

If you’ve got a table saw in your workshop, having the right table saw blade can make all the difference. You’ll be better equipped to work safely, correctly, and efficiently. There’s a wide variation in what’s available for you to buy, as you can appreciate. 

In my list, the ten saw blades I’ve featured are highly recommended, but if you want me to highlight my top choice, I’d nail down on the Freud D1050X Diablo 10” 50-tooth.

You can use it across a range of different materials and make different types of cuts. This all-purpose blade works well on various woods and doesn’t come with a premium price tag. 

The 50-tooth ATBR combination provides a happy medium and saves you from having to switch out the blade.

I'm a mechanical engineer by trade but my passions are woodworking, tools and DIY.

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