Best Circular Saw Blade

[Cover] Best Circular Saw Blade

Picking the right saw, be it a corded or cordless circular saw, for you can be a daunting task. However, it’s only half the battle. A circular saw is only as good as the blade it brandishes. The last thing you’d want is to limit your saw’s performance by using an inadequate blade, which is why you need the best circular saw blade in your tool box.

Picking the optimal blade for the job is not as delicate as buying the optimal circular saw. However, you shouldn’t simply skimp on it as it can cost you more in the long term. You see, circular saw blades can come in a variety of types. They also vary in quality in general. However, don’t worry as we’ll be making your job a hell of a lot easier by providing you with a list of five of the best circular saws so you can choose what suits your needs.

And now, without ado, let us kick off the list of our picks for the top circular saw blades that you can add to your workplace, just alongside your power and hand tools.

The Best Circular Saw Blade – Top Picks

RECOMMENDED
Irwin Tools IRWIN 7-1/4-Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blade, 68-Tooth (4935560)
PREMIUM PICK
DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw Blade, Crosscutting, Tungsten Carbide, 80-Tooth, 2-Pack (DW3128P5)
BUDGET OPTION
Rockwell RW9282 4 1/2-Inch 60T High Speed Steel Compact Circular Saw Blade
Irwin Tools IRWIN 7-1/4-Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blade, 68-Tooth (4935560)
DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw Blade, Crosscutting, Tungsten Carbide, 80-Tooth, 2-Pack (DW3128P5)
Rockwell RW9282 4 1/2-Inch 60T High Speed Steel Compact Circular Saw Blade
$50.99
$51.69
$13.37
RECOMMENDED
Irwin Tools IRWIN 7-1/4-Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blade, 68-Tooth (4935560)
Irwin Tools IRWIN 7-1/4-Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blade, 68-Tooth (4935560)
$50.99
PREMIUM PICK
DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw Blade, Crosscutting, Tungsten Carbide, 80-Tooth, 2-Pack (DW3128P5)
DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw Blade, Crosscutting, Tungsten Carbide, 80-Tooth, 2-Pack (DW3128P5)
$51.69
BUDGET OPTION
Rockwell RW9282 4 1/2-Inch 60T High Speed Steel Compact Circular Saw Blade
Rockwell RW9282 4 1/2-Inch 60T High Speed Steel Compact Circular Saw Blade
$13.37

#1 – IRWIN 7-1/4” 4935560 Circular Saw Blade

Irwin Tools IRWIN 7-1/4-Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blade, 68-Tooth (4935560)
  • Laser cut blade
  • Anti-vibration vents prevent wobble for straighter, truer cuts
  • Metal cutting grade carbide teeth stay sharp for long-lasting durability

We’re jumping straight into the crème de la crème with IRWIN’s 7-1/4-inch circular saw blade. This is easily one of, if not, the best circular saw blades available on the market. It specializes in cutting aluminum, and it becomes clear when you see it in action as it does a terrific job.

When it comes to the specifications of the blade, it features an impressive set of 68 laser-cut teeth. You’ll have to issue cutting through everything, and you’ll also have a result that looks smooth and professional. What’s remarkable about this blade is that it literally slowly shreds off the material creating almost zero heat, making it a perfect addition to your arsenal if you’re frequently cutting painted metal.

We’re also happy to report that the IRWIN 7-1/4-inch blade is equipped with special vents that keep vibrations to a minimum. This allows use for extended amounts of time without much discomfort.

What we like about this circular saw blade

Despite its affordable price tag, the 7-1/4-inch model from IRWIN takes the lead as the overall best circular saw blade that you can get today. With a set of 68 carbide teeth, all of which are laser-cut, and anti-vibration vents that prevent wobble for straighter cuts, it can cut through any kind of metal without burning the material and ruining the paint that covers it. Simply put, you can’t go wrong with this product, and you’ll surely be satisfied with this purchase. The only issue that might turn some people off is that the blade is not meant for industrial cutting operations.

#2 – DeWalt DW3128P5 Circular Saw Blade

DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw Blade, Crosscutting, Tungsten Carbide, 80-Tooth, 2-Pack (DW3128P5)
  • ACCURATE CUTS: DEWALT DW3128P5 80-Tooth 12 in. Crosscutting Tungsten Carbide Miter Saw Blade - 2 Pack, helps you make...
  • TUNGSTEN CARBIDE: Tougher tungsten carbide stays sharper longer
  • THIN KERF: Thin kerf for fast and smooth cutting action

When it comes to anything saw-related, DeWalt stands among the best power tool brands you could put your faith and money into (check our comparison of DeWalt vs Milwaukee). Their products are unrivaled, and this applies to their circular saw blades, more specifically, this one. DEWALT’s DW3128P5 easily claims the second spot on this list of the best circular saw blades, and for good reason.

DEWALT’s DW3128P5 comes with two blades in the package, one that has 80 teeth and another with 32 teeth. This means that if you use this on your saw, it will allow you to cut through anything effortlessly, like a hot knife through butter.

The carry bag is a nice addon, though it doesn’t grant the DW3128P5 the first spot as the best circular saw blade for a couple of reasons.

You might be wondering as to why we didn’t put this blade as our top pick for the best circular saw blade, and that would be mainly due to the fact that its teeth are not laser-cut. This comes in the detriment of this product as it decreases the life span of the blade.

Another thing that it lacks is coating, which only further decreases its durability. With that said, don’t be discouraged from getting this product as we guarantee you that it will serve you well.

What we like about this circular saw blade

Making great power tools is one thing, but producing top accessories and add-ons, such as the best circular saw blade, is a whole different ballgame – one that DeWalt does pretty well. Although the DW3128P5 doesn’t feature laser-cut teeth, it can still get any cutting task done with ease thanks to its tungsten carbide construction and thin kerf that ensures smooth, seamless cuts every time. If you’re looking for a combination of versatility, strength, and accuracy, the DW3128P5 can be the best circular saw blade for you.

#3 – SKIL 79510C 7-Inch Turbo Circular Saw Blade

SKIL 79510C 7-Inch Turbo Rim Diamond Blade
  • Longer life than abrasive wheels
  • For Circular Saws and Grinders
  • For use in all types of concrete, concrete block, brick, and general masonry

The price tag on 7-Inch Turbo is extremely tempting, but what’s even more alluring is how much bang you’ll be getting on your buck with this blade. Really, it’s rather impressive.

When it comes to the specs, the SKIL 79510C 7-Inch Turbo comes with a 7-inch saw blade diameter which makes it extremely reliable and durable. You’ll find that this product is mostly useful for circular saws as well as grinders.

Additionally, the sheer thickness of the saw blade makes it perfect for cutting all kinds of concrete as well as pavers, bricks, asphalt, and other masonry objects.

With that said, while the thickness is one of the main advantages of using this blade, it can also be its downfall in some cases as you might notice that it limits its usability in some cases. You might also notice that it might take you longer to make cuts with this blade than if you were to use another one of the aforementioned products on this list.

What we like about this circular saw blade

If you’re looking for the best circular saw blade under the 20-dollar mark, you’ve just found it. Granted, it’s not the fastest out of the reviewed batch, but keep in mind that for the amount of money you’ll be spending, you’ll be getting a lot of use from this saw blade.

#4 – Freud D1050X Diablo Circular Saw Blade

Diablo by Freud "Freud D1050X Diablo 10"" 50-tooth ATB Combo Saw Blade w/5/8"" Arbor&PermaShield"
  • Laser cut stabilizer vents trap noise and vibration keeping it cool and reducing blade warp
  • Laser cut heat expansion slots allow blade to expand due to heat build-up keeping the cut true and straight
  • Durable micrograin titanium carbide for extreme durability, razor-sharp cuts, and long life

This is one of the more popular choices among consumers. This is mainly due to the fact that it offers some great features, such as being reliable as well as easy to use. The Freud Diablo Saw Blade has an impressive 50 teeth that are laser cut as well as a thin kerf. This makes the blade quite accurate gives great results.

Additionally, the Freud D1050X Diablo Saw Blade also comes with a coating, which further protects the blade from vibration; thus, increasing its durability even more. The coating also prevents the blade from getting damaged, which would otherwise decrease its accuracy.

With that said, this product’s teeth, although great, are not optimal for cross-cutting. The fact that it’s thin also results in it not delivering good cuts for hardwood. Extended use for of this blade can also result in a bit of drag.

What we like about this circular saw blade

The Freud D1050X Diablo Circular Saw Blade features a set of 80 laser-cut teeth capable of cutting through anything with butter, though they’re not ideal for cross-cutting. The price is appealing, as well. It’s not the most expensive, neither is it the cheapest, meaning that it holds the sweet spot right in the middle as the jack of all trades, master of most of them. If versatility is what you’re after, this can be the best circular saw blade for you.

#5 – Rockwell Circular Saw Blade

Rockwell RW9282 4 1/2-Inch 60T High Speed Steel Compact Circular Saw Blade
  • Rockwell 4-1/2 inch 60T HSS Saw Blade
  • 60 teeth and thin kerf for fast and smooth cutting
  • For cutting wood, plastic, aluminum, metal and drywall

When it comes to the blades mentioned so far, this is the weaker product on this list. This is not to say that it is necessarily bad; however, it pales in comparison to the rest of the blades mentioned here.

For instance, it’s not as reliable as some of the other blades here. In fact, it will start to slowly lose its edge after only a few tries. Additionally, it’s not mean for anything that’s relatively thick. You’ll get the most use out of it by cutting thin metal, plastic, and other delicate materials.

What we like about this circular saw blade

Simply put, this blade is mostly meant for those who don’t make frequent cuts. However, there are more appealing products that you can get for better prices, so we can’t label it as the best circular saw blade.

Choosing the Best Circular Saw Blade – Buying Guide

[BG] Best Circular Saw Blade

Buying the adequate saw is only half of the fight. The matter of the fact is that a saw is only as good as the blade you use it with. This means that when you’re looking to buy the best circular saw blade, your decision will have to be adequately educated and based on a couple of factors. Just like any other product, saw blades come in different sizes and materials. Each blade is meant for a specific type of cutting.

With that said, here’s what you need to look out for when you’re out there hunting for a saw blade.

Blade Size

This is the first thing you should take into consideration when looking for the best circular saw blade as you’ll need to get the correct size for your saw. If you use a large saw blade on a tiny saw, the saw will probably lag behind in performance.

However, here are some things to keep in mind. 10-12-inch blades are more commonly used on table saws while 14-inch blades are more suited for metal cutting saws. Finally, 7-10-inch blades are meant for handheld saws.

Blade Type

Saw blades can come in a variety of types, and each blade will be geared towards a specific kind of work. As an example, turbo rims are optimized for cutting concrete and brick, whereas continuous rim blades are meant for cutting slates and tiles. There are also segmented blades which have diamond-edged blades. These can mercilessly cut through anything, but they don’t provide the smoothest cuts. Abrasive blades are the most popular due to their versatility as they can cut silicon oxide, metal, concrete, and a variety of other materials.

Saw Type

Another crucial thing to keep in mind when shopping for the best circular saw blade is the type of the saw you’re using. Just like you need the right Chainsaw Mill, the blade needs to synergize with the saw in order to guarantee the best performance. What you need to keep in mind is that the blade’s arbor must fit the shaft design of the saw.

Also, remember that each kind of power saw has its own blade, so make sure the one you get is suitable for your circular saw and not intended for a sliding compound miter saw or tile saw.

Blade Reliability

The reliability of a product is a critical factor to consider, regardless of whether you’re buying a blade, Table Saw, Cordless Tool Set, or Random Orbital Sander. In this case, the reliability of the blade refers to its availability. Why is it important? Because any saw blade you’re going to buy, no matter how durable, will eventually break and when that happens, being able to easily purchase spare parts or find a way to repair it is extremely helpful.

You’ll also want to look for a product with a lot of honest reviews so you can rest assured of its quality.

Know What You’re Going to Do with It

Just as we mentioned before, there are different saw places for different cutting tasks. Knowing what you’re going to use the saw for will help you a lot in choosing the best circular saw blade.

As an example, if you’re going to be cutting through metals, you’d rather go with a blade that’s stronger. On the other hand, if you plan on cutting wood or thin materials, then you’re better off using weaker materials as the added sturdiness won’t help you. You should also take into account the number of blade teeth. The more teeth, the easier time you’ll have cutting through the material.

How To Cut Straight Line With A Circular Saw.

Picking the Best Circular Saw Blade – Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Different Types of Circular Saw Blades?


Here’s a roundup of the different blade types according to the functionality of the saw you’re using:

Metal Cutting Blades:
As the name indicates, metal-cutting blades are excellent for – hey, surprise! – cutting through different kinds of metal, which is the case for the IRWIN 7-1/4” model, which we labeled above as the best Circular Saw Blade.

Crosscut Blades:
If most of what you do as a woodworker include cutting lumber across the grain, the crosscut model is the best circular saw blade for your needs as it comes with a great number of small teeth, allowing it to cut through fiber-rich wood with ease.

Ripcut Blades:
Ripcut blades feature fewer teeth than crosscut models, allowing them to cut along the grain effortlessly.

Dry-diamond Blades:
A dry-diamond blade is the way to go if you frequently need to cut through masonry, tile, and most kinds of kitchen and bathroom materials.

Combo Blades:
Combo blades are the jacks of all trades. As a general rule of thumb, they feature more teeth compared to rip cut models but fewer than crosscut blades. If you’re looking for a versatile blade that you can get instead of buying different types of saw blades, a combo blade is the best circular saw blade for you.

What Are the Different Tooth Grinds Used in Saw Blades?


Alternate Bevel Top or ATB

This kind of grind is usually found on general-purpose blades. Here are its main properties:
– Insignificant tear out
– Can be used for crosscutting as well as ripping
– Fragile tips that are vulnerable to wear

When sharpening a blade with an ATB grind, remember to be extra careful as the tips are quite weak.

High Alternate Bevel Top or HI ATB

This grind is generally found on saw blades that are used to cut man-made materials and surfaces, such as laminates, acrylics, etc. Here are its main properties:
– This grind features fragile tips that are vulnerable to wear
– No chipping

Triple Chip Grind or TCG

The Triple Chip Grind can be found on saw blades that are used to cut solid surface materials, such as plastic, metal, etc. Here are its main properties:
– The Triple Chip Grind offers balanced cutting for streamlined chip flow
– This grind is the least prone to wear

If you’re looking for a grind that allows fast cutting, find the best circular saw blade with a Triple Chip grind.

Flat Top Grind or FTG

The Flat Top Grind or FTG is found on saw blades that are used for specialty applications. Here are its main properties:
– High chipping and tear out.
– Double-sided kerf cuts
– Reduced blade stress thanks to balanced cutting.

Thanks to the cute bevel and long teeth, the flat top grind ensures super-fine cuts.

Verdict

Choosing the best saw blade for your saw will eventually come down to a number of factors. These factors will include what you’re going to need it for, how often you’re going to use it, the product’s reliability as well as the price point.

We’ve tried to make this task as easy for you as possible by providing you with five of the best saw blades you can get on the market. What’s left for you to do is set your budget, determine your needs and preferences, and choose the best circular saw blade.

No matter what you pick, remember to stay safe and get the right safety gear, such as chainsaw chaps. Most importantly, remember to share this post and spread the word!

References:

Jeffrey Alfaro

Jeffrey is a craftsman and writer who specializes in testing tools and covering the tool industry for construction and woodworking professionals.

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