The Best Cuts

Saw blade savvy to give you an edge

- By Jay Cork

Saw blades seldom get the attention they deserve. We might purchase based on price, or just grab what's on the shelf in the correct size. And we think it'll be OK. It probably will be—just OK. The right saw blade—a better saw blade—will produce cleaner and more accurate cuts, and will do so safely. That means better DIY results the first time. Here's what you need to know about blades for table saws, miter saws and circular saws.

ALL BLADES ARE THE SAME, RIGHT?

A saw blade is more than its teeth. I prefer laser-cut blades with vibration-dampening slots cut into the blade body. Here's why: Blades with these slots cut cleaner and quieter. Blades without vibration-dampening slots are loud. This vibration makes your saw ring like a bell.

SHOPPING FOR SAW BLADES

Home centers stock many mid-level construction blades. If you're looking for a high-end woodworking blade, find your way to a specialty woodworking store like Rockler or Woodcraft. The experts at these stores will help you find what you're looking for.

TABLE SAW BLADES

THIS IS THE BLADE YOU NEED

A combination blade for the table saw is perfect F duces clean crosscuts in solid wood or plywood, and rips plywood with acceptable results. Most combo blades expose their weakness when ripping thick lumber; the gullets are too small to effectively eject chips and keep the blade cool.

THIN KERF VS. STANDARD KERF