What is the Best Circular Saw Blade for Cutting Plywood?

When you’re tackling a plywood project, choosing the right circular saw blade can make all the difference. Let me walk you through some key points to help you get that perfect, clean cut.

Choose a circular saw blade with 40–60 carbide-tipped teeth and a thin kerf for plywood. This combination ensures smooth, splinter-free cuts by minimizing tear-out. Additionally, smaller gullets and a low hook angle enhance precision and blade durability, resulting in clean, professional finishes. Plywood can be tricky because of its thin layers, but using the right blade helps reduce tear-out and keeps your work neat.

Let’s dive into the details.

Are All Circular Saw Blades the Same?

When I first started working with saw blades, I assumed they were all pretty much the same. But the more projects I tackled, the more I realized how much the blade you use impacts your result.

Circular saw blades come in many varieties, each designed for specific purposes. The main differences are the number of teeth, tooth shape, and materials used. For plywood, you need a blade that minimizes tear-out, so choosing one with a high tooth count is ideal. Not all blades are created equal—using the wrong type can make your cuts rough or even ruin the material.

There are three main categories of circular saw blades: ripping blades, crosscut blades, and combination blades. Each of these serves a unique purpose. Ripping blades have fewer teeth and are designed for fast cuts along the wood grain. Crosscut blades have more teeth, making them ideal for cutting across the grain and achieving smooth, clean cuts. Combination blades, as the name implies, are versatile and work well for both ripping and crosscutting, making them a good choice for general-purpose cutting. However, when it comes to plywood, a specialized plywood blade is the best choice.

The material of the blade also plays a critical role. Most saw blades are made of steel, but higher-quality blades have carbide-tipped teeth¹. Carbide is a material known for its hardness and durability, which means that carbide-tipped blades stay sharp longer and require less frequent sharpening. This makes a huge difference when you’re working with plywood, which can quickly dull ordinary steel blades.

Another factor to consider is the kerf of the blade. The kerf is the width of the cut that the blade makes in the material. A thin-kerf blade requires less power from the saw and results in less material wastage, which is particularly important when working with expensive plywood sheets. Thin-kerf blades also reduce the chances of splintering, giving you a cleaner cut.

It’s also worth noting that different saw blades have different gullet sizes. The gullet is the space between the teeth of the blade, and it plays a role in chip removal. A larger gullet helps to remove more material quickly, which is beneficial when making rough cuts. However, for plywood, a smaller gullet is preferable as it provides more control and reduces tear-out.

Ultimately, choosing the right circular saw blade for plywood comes down to understanding your project requirements and selecting the blade that is best suited for the job. Investing in a high-quality, carbide-tipped blade with a high tooth count will save you time and frustration, and will result in a much better final product.

Tooth Count and Blade Types

The teeth on a saw blade are like your best friend on a project day—they can make or break the experience. If you choose a blade with fewer teeth, say around 24, it’s better suited for rough cuts on thick wood, not something like plywood. On the other hand, blades with 40 to 60 teeth² provide a smoother finish, which is what you want for plywood. A thin kerf (the cut width of the blade) also makes a big difference; it requires less power from your saw, and results in cleaner edges.

Now, let me share a little story here. When I first cut plywood using a 24-tooth blade, I thought it was all about speed. Well, let’s just say the results were less than pretty. After that, I switched to a finer 60-tooth blade, and it was like magic. No more splinters, no more frustration—just nice, smooth cuts that made me actually look like I knew what I was doing.

Blade Type	Teeth Count	Suitable For
Ripping Blade	24	Cutting along wood grain
Crosscut Blade	60	Plywood, clean finishes
Combination Blade	40	Versatile, smooth cuts

Blade Geometry and Tooth Design

To really understand why different saw blades perform differently, it’s important to dive into the details of blade geometry and tooth design. The shape of each tooth, called the tooth profile, determines how the blade interacts with the material. Common tooth profiles include flat-top grind (FTG), alternating top bevel (ATB), and triple chip grind (TCG).

• Flat-Top Grind (FTG): These teeth are flat on top and are often used for ripping blades. They provide fast cuts but may leave rough edges.
• Alternating Top Bevel (ATB): This profile alternates between left- and right-angled teeth, creating a cleaner cut. It’s ideal for crosscutting and works well with plywood due to its ability to minimize tear-out.
• Triple Chip Grind (TCG): This profile combines a flat tooth with a beveled tooth, providing durability and a clean cut. TCG blades are often used for cutting hard materials, such as laminates and plastics, and can also be used effectively on plywood.

In addition to the tooth profile, the hook angle of the blade is another crucial factor. The hook angle is the angle of the tooth relative to the center of the blade. A positive hook angle means the teeth are angled forward, which helps pull the blade through the material. A negative hook angle, on the other hand, provides more control and is often used for cutting materials like plywood and laminate, where a slower, more controlled cut is desirable.

The gullets between the teeth also play a role in blade performance. For plywood, smaller gullets are preferable because they help maintain control and reduce tear-out. Larger gullets are better suited for ripping blades, where fast chip removal is necessary.

What Circular Saw Blade Should I Buy?

Choosing a blade can feel overwhelming, with all those numbers and labels staring back at you from the hardware aisle.

For cutting plywood, go with a carbide-tipped blade with 40-60 teeth. Carbide tips make the teeth more durable and keep the blade sharper for longer. Trust me, there’s nothing more annoying than dealing with a dull blade halfway through a project—it’s worth the small extra cost.

When buying a blade, consider not only the tooth count but also the quality of the blade. High-quality blades tend to have features that reduce vibration, such as laser-cut stabilizer vents. These vents help to reduce noise and heat buildup, resulting in a smoother cut and extending the life of the blade. Look for blades with anti-vibration technology, as this will help you achieve more precise cuts and reduce hand fatigue, especially during longer projects.

Another important factor to consider is the arbor size. The arbor is the hole in the center of the blade that fits onto the saw’s spindle. Make sure the blade you choose has the correct arbor size for your saw. Most circular saws have a standard arbor size of 5/8 inch, but some saws may require a different size, so it’s always a good idea to double-check before making a purchase.

If you’re planning to do a lot of work with plywood, you might also want to consider investing in a specialized plywood blade. These blades are designed specifically for cutting sheet goods and have a high tooth count, a thin kerf, and a low hook angle to minimize tear-out. While they may be more expensive than general-purpose blades, the quality of the cuts they produce is well worth the investment.

It’s also worth considering whether you need a blade with a coating. Some high-end blades come with a non-stick coating that helps to reduce friction and heat buildup, which can be particularly useful when cutting materials like plywood that have a tendency to gum up the blade. These coatings also help to prevent rust and make the blade easier to clean.

Is More Teeth on a Saw Blade Better?

More teeth generally mean a smoother cut—but is it always better?

Yes, more teeth typically produce a finer cut, but there’s a trade-off. More teeth also mean slower cuts and more resistance, which may put more strain on your saw. For plywood, more teeth are definitely better, as they prevent chipping and leave a cleaner edge. But if you’re cutting thick lumber, fewer teeth would be more efficient.

The number of teeth on a blade is directly related to the smoothness of the cut and the type of material being cut. Blades with more teeth, such as 60 or 80 teeth, are ideal for cutting plywood because they produce a clean, smooth edge with minimal tear-out. However, these blades also generate more friction, which can cause the blade to heat up and may slow down the cutting process.

On the other hand, blades with fewer teeth, such as 24 or 30 teeth, are better suited for ripping lumber. They remove material quickly and are less likely to overheat, making them ideal for fast, rough cuts. However, they tend to leave a rougher edge, which is not ideal for plywood, where a clean finish is important.

When choosing a blade, it’s important to consider the type of saw you’re using. For handheld circular saws, a blade with 40 to 60 teeth is usually the best choice for cutting plywood. This provides a good balance between smoothness and cutting speed, and it reduces the risk of tear-out. For table saws, you might opt for a blade with even more teeth, such as 80 teeth, to achieve a glass-smooth finish.

The kerf of the blade³ also plays a role in determining the quality of the cut. A thin-kerf blade has a narrower cut width, which reduces the amount of material being removed and results in less resistance. This makes it easier to cut through plywood and reduces the likelihood of splintering. However, thin-kerf blades can be more prone to flexing, so it’s important to use a saw with enough power to maintain control.

In addition to the number of teeth, the hook angle of the blade also affects the quality of the cut. For plywood, a low or negative hook angle is preferable, as it provides more control and reduces the risk of tear-out. Blades with a high positive hook angle are better suited for ripping, as they help to pull the blade through the material quickly.

How Many Teeth Should a Circular Saw Plywood Blade Have?

I’ve been asked this one so many times: "How many teeth are enough?"

A plywood blade should ideally have between 40 and 60 teeth. The higher count ensures the blade will make smoother passes, reducing splintering. Always make sure your saw is steady, and take your time—rushing it will only increase tear-out, even with a great blade.

Focusing on Smoothness vs. Speed

The tooth count also decides the balance between speed and smoothness. Let me break it down: if you’re looking for a quick rough cut, something like 24 teeth will get it done fast, but it won’t be pretty. However, for plywood, which is often used in visible parts of your projects, you need those clean, polished edges—so, stick with 40-60 teeth. And don’t forget, always cut with the "good" side facing down to minimize visible splintering.

Another aspect to consider is the diameter of the blade. For most handheld circular saws, a 7-1/4 inch blade is standard, but larger saws may require a 10-inch or 12-inch blade. The diameter of the blade affects the depth of the cut, so make sure to choose a blade that is compatible with your saw and suitable for the thickness of the plywood you are cutting.

When cutting plywood, it’s also important to use the right cutting technique to minimize tear-out. One of the most effective ways to prevent splintering is to use a piece of painter’s tape⁴ along the cut line. This helps to hold the veneer layers of the plywood in place and reduces the likelihood of splintering. Another technique is to score the cut line lightly with a utility knife before making the cut. This creates a clean edge for the blade to follow and helps to prevent tear-out.

In addition to choosing the right blade and using the right technique, it’s also important to support the plywood properly while cutting. Plywood sheets are large and can be unwieldy, so make sure to use sawhorses or another support system to keep the sheet stable while cutting. This will help you maintain control of the saw and achieve a cleaner cut.

For projects that require a particularly clean finish, such as cabinetmaking or furniture building, you might want to consider using a zero-clearance insert. A zero-clearance insert is a custom-made insert that fits into the throat plate of your saw and has a slot that matches the width of the blade exactly. This helps to support the wood fibers on either side of the blade and reduces tear-out, resulting in a cleaner cut.

Finally, it’s important to keep your blade clean and sharp. Plywood contains adhesives that can gum up the blade over time, reducing its cutting efficiency and increasing the likelihood of tear-out. Regularly cleaning your blade with a blade cleaning solution will help to maintain its performance. If the blade becomes dull, it should be sharpened or replaced to ensure a clean cut.

Conclusion

The right blade transforms your plywood projects. Choose a high-tooth carbide blade and take your time—you’ll thank yourself later.