Last Updated on August 28, 2022 by Barry Gray
While owning a high-quality circular saw is essential for any woodworker, you cannot forget the need for a high-quality circular saw blade. You see, while you get a blade with the saw when you purchase it, that doesn’t always translate into being the perfect blade for every eventuality.
If I’m honest with you, I have too many blades for my circular saw. I’ve previously managed to fall into the trap of seeing one I know could do a job in the future and prefer to have it in my arsenal for when that time comes rather than waiting until I need it.
Now, I’m not telling you to take that approach. Also, I’m aware that not everyone fully understands the different types of circular saw blades on the market.
So, I plan on changing all of that for you.
What I intend to do here is to introduce you to what I see are the best 10 circular saw blades that you should know about. As you go through them, you will see I’ve selected blades that can be used for some particular projects. I intend to provide you with the best information to make life easier when choosing new blades for your circular saw.
But why me?
I’ve spent over 20 years working with power tools, so I know a thing or two about them. I take all of my experience and put it to good use to weigh up the pros and cons of each circular saw blade. Ultimately, that has led to me creating this list.
- Best Circular Saw Blade for Plywood – Freud D0641X Diablo 6 ½”
- Best Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blade – IRWIN Metal-Cutting Circular Saw Blade
- Best Circular Saw Blade for Hardwood – Freud Diablo D0760A
- Best Circular Saw Blade for Cutting Doors – Dremel US500-01 Ultra
- Best Circular Saw Blade for Laminate Flooring – Concord Blades WCB0538T040HP
- Best Circular Saw Blade for Wood – DeWalt DWA171424 7 ¼”
- Best Circular Saw Blade for MDF – DeWalt 10” Blade DW3106P5-60
- Best Circular Saw Blade to Cut Vinyl – Irwin 11820ZR 6 ½”
- Best Circular Saw Blade to Cut Plexiglass – Freud 10” 80 Tooth Blade LU94M010
- Best Circular Saw Blade to Cut Melamine – Freud Diablo DO760A
Oh, but that’s not all I’m going to do.
After you have checked out these blades, I will have a few simple tips that I think will make a difference when choosing your next circular saw blade. I have no doubt I can make the process a whole lot easier in just a few minutes.
How I Made My List
I didn’t want to simply pick ten different blades and say they were the best. Instead, each blade went through different qualifying criteria to make it onto my list.
I wanted to ensure each blade was reliable and robust. I certainly didn’t want it to simply break at the first opportunity. Also, I had to look to see the materials it could cut to ensure you have the best chance to complete your intended project.
In addition, I took the opinion of other people who have previously purchased the blade to see if it could stand up to being used over an extensive period. Ultimately, that led me to this list of ten blades, and I’m confident you will love whichever one you purchase.
Best Circular Saw Blade for Plywood – Freud D0641X Diablo 6 ½”
Cutting plywood with a circular saw requires specific blades to ensure you get the perfect smooth cut you are looking for. This blade is crafted from Hi-density carbide, which means it’s solid and capable of quickly cutting through the plywood. Also, it has 40 teeth, so while this is lower than you get with other blades, it still does a fantastic job regarding plywood.
But that’s not what I love most about this blade. Instead, I like how the blade comes with laser-cut stabilizer vents, and they work by reducing vibration and keeping the blade nice and cool. As a result, you don’t have to worry too much about the blade warping, so it should last longer.
Finally, this blade comes with a perma-shield coating, which makes a difference. It means it is non-stick, which leads to smoother cuts, while it also reduces the possibility of corrosion and general rusting of the blade.
Pros
- It makes short work of cutting through plywood
- It’s made from carbide, so it is robust
- Those vents keep the blade cool
- It shouldn’t warp even under pressure
- It won’t rust thanks to the coating
Cons
- Some people prefer blades with more teeth
Best Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blade – IRWIN Metal-Cutting Circular Saw Blade
One thing I like about this particular blade is that it comes with 68 teeth, and they are all carbide-tipped. That means it comes with a significant amount of strength, which makes this one of the best blades for cutting through metal.
But here is an essential point: the number of teeth here means it can make finer metal cuts, which is quite impressive. You should also find that it makes smooth cuts rather than ripping through, so you have nothing to worry about.
However, this blade is actually remarkable for several reasons. For example, it comes with an anti-kickback design, making it safer to use this blade. The amount of debris or sparks it creates will be minimal, which I love.
Add in vents to keep vibrations at a minimum and keep the blade cool, and you have a fantastic blade.
Pros
- It has 68 teeth for more delicate cuts
- The blade is thin but strong
- It has an anti-kickback design for less debris
- It has minimal vibrations
- It is smooth to use
Cons
- It works slowly if you plan on trying to use this blade for cutting wood
Best Circular Saw Blade for Hardwood – Freud Diablo D0760A
This 7 ¼” blade comes equipped with 60 teeth, giving you a smooth cut even if you go for fine margins. I love the end result this can deliver, and it also comes with their anti-vibration technology meaning the blade stays true to the line and doesn’t waver.
I love when brands include this technology. It means you can trust the cut, and that’s true about this option. In addition, it does produce less noise, and that’s another huge bonus for this model.
The blade also comes with their patented non-stick coating designed to eliminate rust and corrosion while preserving the blade’s lifespan. I find this makes a significant difference, and the blade also doesn’t stick to the material as it’s cutting through it.
Overall, the teeth on this blade make the difference, and if your saw has the power to cut through hardwood, then the blade will not let you down.
Pros
- It has 60 teeth for a finer cut
- It’s razor sharp and gets through hardwood easily
- It has anti-vibration technology
- The non-stick coating does extend the lifespan of the blade
- It has a thin kerf
Cons
- It’s not quite as durable as some blades
Best Circular Saw Blade for Cutting Doors – Dremel US500-01 Ultra
If you plan to cut doors, I recommend this blade by Dremel. It can be used for both soft and hardwoods, so versatility is not an issue here. The blades are carbide, so it has that durability you are looking for as well.
The blade measures in at just under 4”, but that’s not a huge problem when it can cope with speeds of up to 15,000 RPM. What you will find with this model is it will produce such a smooth and fine cut that you can take off the smallest pieces of wood and still be impressed with the results.
The blade is so good that you do not have to apply extra pressure to get through those doors. It manages to do all of this with minimal input, and that’s another thing I love about the model.
Overall, I love this because of its simplicity. It doesn’t go for various features but instead focuses on delivering results with whatever it needs to do. Thankfully, it does that exceptionally well.
Pros
- This is a high-performance blade
- It’s highly durable
- It can be used for both soft and hardwoods
- It creates smooth cuts
- It can be used for fine cuts
Cons
- It doesn’t like working with plywood
Best Circular Saw Blade for Laminate Flooring – Concord Blades WCB0538T040HP
This model by Concord Blades is fantastic for cutting laminate flooring. It measures some 5 ⅜” and has 40 blades, so while it doesn’t offer the smoothest of cuts, it will rip through laminate flooring in next to no time.
It has tungsten carbide teeth, which will power through the material with absolute ease. The thin kerf on this blade makes a difference with the laminate, so while it doesn’t have too many teeth, it shouldn’t cause too much damage simultaneously.
I also like how the blade is resistant to heat and warping, so you can apply some pressure without causing too many problems. It does have a thin profile, so be aware of that when it’s in use.
Overall, this blade does not break the bank but does a fantastic job.
Pros
- It has more than enough teeth to complete the job
- It is resistant to heat
- It produces relatively fine cuts
- You don’t need to apply too much pressure
- It won’t warp when being used
Cons
- It could have been slightly smoother with the cuts
Best Circular Saw Blade for Wood – DeWalt DWA171424 7 ¼”
DeWalt always excels with everything they do, and this circular saw blade is no exception. Measuring some 7 ¼”, this blade comes with 24 teeth making it the ideal solution for just ripping through wood.
Crafted from high-density tungsten carbide, you are looking at a blade that is exceptionally rugged and tough. It will easily contend with any type of wood and make short work of whatever is placed before it.
I do love how it also comes with their patented Toughtrack tooth design. What that does is it helps for accurate tracking of the blade as it’s being used. Basically, you know when it’s past its best, but that won’t be for a long time.
It comes with a thinner kerf than you expect, which means it can produce smoother cuts than anticipated. That does make something of a difference when using it.
Also, it has a non-stick coating to help increase the blade’s lifespan. Overall, it comes to the high standards you would expect from DeWalt, and this blade will never disappoint you.
Pros
- It’s very tough and durable
- It can cope with any type of wood
- It has a thin kerf for finer cuts
- It has a non-stick coating which does help the blade
- It’s not going to let you down
Cons
- It’s not as universal a blade as some people would like
Best Circular Saw Blade for MDF – DeWalt 10” Blade DW3106P5-60
I love this DeWalt blade, and if you plan on cutting MDF, then I think it will be the perfect blade for that material. With 60 teeth, it is tungsten carbide tipped, which means it can slice through MDF without any problems.
It also comes with a thin kerf, which helps produce smoother cuts. I do find that this blade is well-balanced, and it does reduce vibrations, which is an added bonus. It should also easily last for some time before it needs to be replaced, so you should be able to produce numerous cuts with one blade.
It will also not warp or overheat, so there is no need to stress about burning the edges of the material. The non-stick coating also helps, so you should have no snagging when in use.
Overall, this is a fantastic blade and will work exceptionally easily with MDF.
Pros
- It has 60 teeth for a smoother finish
- It’s tungsten carbide tipped for a stronger blade
- It’s well balanced and has little in the way of vibrations
- It has a thin kerf, so it means a smoother cut
- It will last for a crazy number of cuts before needing changing
Cons
- There really is nothing wrong with this blade
Best Circular Saw Blade to Cut Vinyl – Irwin 11820ZR 6 ½”
Cutting vinyl requires a specific circular saw blade, and we think this option by Irwin is ideal for this situation. This 6 ½” blade comes with 140 teeth, so it does a fantastic job of slicing through vinyl without causing any ripping.
Complete with a ⅝” arbor, it leads to precision cutting, while the blade itself is crafted from high carbon steel. That should mean it lasts for an incredible length of time while maintaining its sharp teeth for multiple cuts.
This fully hardened plate is exceptional at what it does. However, for me, the sheer smoothness of the cut stands out. I think you would find it difficult to find a blade capable of matching it in that department.
Pros
- It’s heavy-duty
- It makes exceptionally fine cuts
- The smoothness of the cuts is amazing
- It has a ⅝” arbor
- It should last for years without any problems
Cons
- You are restricted with how you can use this blade
Best Circular Saw Blade to Cut Plexiglass – Freud 10” 80 Tooth Blade LU94M010
If you plan on cutting plexiglass, this is the blade you need. Manufactured by Freud, it comes with 80 teeth resulting in a smooth cut, which is perfect for the material in question. It also comes as a 10” blade, so you must keep that in mind when lining it up with your own circular saw.
It is made from high-density carbide and has a modified triple chip grind. This is intended to produce smoother cuts but also not generate heat which could lead to the melting of the material. You can instantly see how this would help with this material.
It also comes with a negative hook angle. That means it won’t grab onto the plexiglass and rip into it, causing damage. Add in anti-vibration vents and an ultra-thin blade, and you get the perfect blade to produce those fine, smooth cuts you will be looking for.
Pros
- It has 80 teeth for a smooth cut
- It is manufactured from carbide, so it is tough
- It has anti-vibration vents to reduce friction
- It won’t melt the material thanks to heating up
- It has a negative hook angle, so it won’t grab the plexiglass
Cons
- This is a real specialty blade, so don’t expect to use it on too many materials
Best Circular Saw Blade to Cut Melamine – Freud Diablo DO760A
When cutting melamine, you need to be careful that you do indeed have the correct blade, and I suggest this option from Freud. It comes with 60 teeth and is designed to strike a balance between fast cuts while simultaneously keeping things nice and smooth.
It comes with a thin kerf, which makes a difference in the results you can achieve. It won’t simply grab onto the melamine and rip its way through. It’s undoubtedly far more refined than that.
It is also designed to eliminate the chances of chipping, which you should always aim for when cutting this type of material. I also love their non-stick coating as it works exceptionally well and will also increase the blade’s lifespan.
Overall, this hard and robust blade will last for years without many problems. It will also increase your chances of getting those smooth cuts you should be looking for when cutting melamine.
Pros
- It has 60 teeth for a smooth cut
- The non-stick coating is essential
- It has a thin kerf, so it makes finer cuts
- It doesn’t grip and rip
- It is robust
Cons
- Once again, this is more of a specialty blade, so expect limitations when cutting materials
How to Choose the Correct Circular Saw Blade
Throughout this list, I’ve chosen blades that work better with specific materials; for me, this will be your primary concern moving forward. You see, certain blades only work with certain materials, so it makes sense to better understand your project before you start.
So, to help you out, here are a few tips.
Material
Clearly, the key here is the material you are cutting through, which directly determines the blade you will use. Note that some blades can cut through more than one material, so you must double-check their capabilities before buying.
Generally, most blades used for cutting through wood can cope with wood, plywood, or MDF via one blade. So, you don’t have to go ahead and select a new blade for every single type of material.
But those blades designed for wood will often be constructed differently, resulting in them being incapable of cutting through the likes of wood or even vinyl.
Choosing the wrong blade for the wrong material will result in the blade being damaged or the material you are cutting being ripped. If you want a smooth cut, then you need the correct blade.
Size
You must also think about the size of the blade and how it corresponds to your circular saw. You must ensure it fits, or you will fail to get the full capabilities out of the saw itself.
Thankfully, most brands will have the same blade in different sizes to correspond with the correct saw. Simply make sure it fits, and you should have no problem getting the results you want.
Coated Blades
I would generally go for blades with a non-stick coating, as it means they will pass through the material without being caught up. If a blade sticks, you have a major problem, so anything that can reduce the chances of that should be appreciated.
Also, coatings on the blades mean they tend to last longer without needing to be replaced. It won’t protect the teeth part, but it does stop the integrity of the inner part of the blade from being compromised, thanks to corrosion. At that point, the blade could disintegrate, rendering it useless.
Teeth
As you go through the list, you will notice I mention the number of teeth on a blade, which is an essential part of the blade.
The more teeth a blade has, the smoother the cut, which you might want to think about. Of course, if you simply want to rip through the material roughly, then opt for fewer teeth as it leads to a faster cut, but without the finesse you get with more teeth.
In addition, blades with fewer teeth also often come with a lower price tag.
Aside from those four areas, there is very little else to think about when it comes to buying circular saw blades. You may want to look for innovations designed to reduce the chance of the blade overheating or warping, but if you are a light user, then it may not always apply.
Overall Conclusion
Owning the correct circular saw blade for the job in question is important. That is why I suggest you think carefully about your project and what you will be cutting to better determine if you have the correct blade.
I would also stress that you should invest in several blades before you get started. You will generally be using your circular saw for a variety of projects, but just make sure you get a blade of the correct size for your saw.
A high-quality blade can make a difference to your experience with a circular saw is outstanding. However, I know each blade that appears in my list above will be more than capable of performing a job, no matter the material you plan on cutting.
