Although plywood is a versatile material, it requires careful handling. An improperly picked tool can result in a rough cut or even damage a top veneer sheet. Circular saw blades look very similar on the outside, but that doesn’t mean they work the same way.
To save you time and money from damaged materials, I have written the best circular saw blade for plywood reviews. You will find detailed information on the size, the number of teeth, durability, effectiveness, and safety of the top five products in them. I’ve also added a quick buyer’s guide and answers to popular questions.
Contents
- 1 Top 5 Best Circular Saw Blades for Plywood Reviewed
- 1.1 1. My Top Pick: Freud D0760A Diablo
- 1.2 2. Freud LU79R007 Thin Kerf Ultimate Plywood & Melamine Blade – Premium Pick
- 1.3 3. IVY Classic 36350 Blade 60-Teeth – Runner Up
- 1.4 4. IRWIN Tools Classic Series Blade: The 7 ¼-inch Width
- 1.5 5. DEWALT DWA171460
- 1.6 4. Pro-Quality Plywood Circular Saw Blade: IRWIN Tools MARATHON 14027
- 1.7 5. Affordable Plywood Saw Blade: Concord Blades WCB0725T080HP
- 2 Plywood Blade for Circular Saw Buyer’s Guide
- 3 Circular Saw Blade for Plywood FAQ
- 4 Best Plywood Saw Blades for Your Best Results
Top 5 Best Circular Saw Blades for Plywood Reviewed
- Freud D0760A Diablo — My Top Pick
- DEWALT DWA171460 for Plywood — Runner Up
- Freud LU79R007 — Premium Pick
- IRWIN Tools MARATHON 14027
- Concord Blades WCB0725T080HP
It is important to understand that there is no universal blade that would perfectly cut absolutely any material. I recommend using those tools that are designed for a particular type of woodworking.
1. My Top Pick: Freud D0760A Diablo
Specifications:
- Item Weight: 4.8 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 1 x 7 x 7 inches
- Size: 7-1/4″
- Material: Blend
- Cutting Diameter: 7.25 Inches
This model is the best 7 1/4 circular saw blade for plywood for the money. It does an excellent job of cutting plywood in the first place, but you can also use it for melamine, laminate, hardwoods, and 2x lumber.
This brand takes the use of innovative technologies to a new level. It makes its own TiCo Hi-Density carbide to get a truly quality product. The 7.25-inch diameter hardened steel disc features 60 extra strong 10° teeth.
At the same time, it has a special Perma-SHIELD coating that protects the tool from scale, corrosion, and gumming. Tri-metal brazing makes the prongs durable and resistant to any stress.
Several slots make the body less vibrating and better dissipate heat. It not only improves the quality of your work but also extends the product life. To increase its durability, the manufacturer equipped it with a diamond arbor. You can use it with both table saws and miter ones.
What’s included:
- 7-1/4X60 BULK DIABLO
- Multifunctional;
- Produced using innovative technologies;
- Durable.
- The coating wears off rather quickly;
- Leaves red marks.
2. Freud LU79R007 Thin Kerf Ultimate Plywood & Melamine Blade – Premium Pick
Specifications:
- Material: Blend
- Voltage: 1 Volts
- Cutting Diameter: 7.25 Inches
- Item Weight: 11.4 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
Freud LU79R007 is another top-notch model from Freud America. It is the most versatile item on my list. You can use it with a miter, table, portable table, and radial arm saws. It can perfectly cut both crosscut wood and laminate or plywood. The disadvantage of this versatility is the relatively high cost.
The blade has a standard diameter of 7.25 inches and is equipped with 60 teeth of premium quality carbide (TiCo Hi-Density). To ensure a perfect cut without chipping, the manufacturer ground the teeth in a special way called HiATB.
The combination of heavy-duty material and unique sharpening guarantees long product life and superior performance. To avoid losing its unique properties, use only certified sharpeners.
What’s included:
- Freud LU79R007 Ultimate Thin Kerf Plywood and Melamine Saw Blade–7-inch diameter, 5/8-inch arbor, 60-tooth design.
- Special sharpening;
- Kickback shoulder design;
- Universal.
- Pretty expensive.
3. IVY Classic 36350 Blade 60-Teeth – Runner Up
Specifications:
- Size: 7-1/4-Inch
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 12.8 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 7.25 x 7.25 x 0.11 inches
- Number of Teeth: 60
This model was designed for professionals who work with Plexiglas, acrylic, plastic, and any other similar solid materials. However, it works equally great for amateurs. The 60 teeth of carbide cut through materials like FountainHead and Corian. Its Rockwell Hardness is 40-43 HRC. I recommend you to take proper care of this blade, and it will serve you for many years.
IVY Classic Industries produces reliable tools for work. They have a rich history, and I appreciate the fact that I can always get in touch with this American-based company.
Though I have never experienced any issues with the product to use this opportunity, the thought that I can contact them through the support team on the website is quite comforting.
What’s included:
- Laser Carbide 7-1/4-Inch 60 Tooth Solid Surface and Plastic Cutting Circular Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Diamond Knockout Arbor, 1/Card
- Long and accurate cuts;
- Cut through hard materials;
- Expansion slots reduce heat;
- 60 teeth;
- Reliable developer.
- Pricey compared with the other blades.
4. IRWIN Tools Classic Series Blade: The 7 ¼-inch Width
Specifications:
- Style: 7 1/4-Inch, 60T, ATB
- Material: Carbide
- Item Weight: 10.4 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 12 x 7 x 1 inches
- Number of Teeth: 60
This is a standard 60-teeth saw of 7 ¼-inches diameter. The teeth are made of high-quality carbide, which is sharp enough to go through wood and plastic. It makes smooth and exact cuts. While I still recommend you clean the blade and rub it carefully with a towel after every working session, this blade is covered with a corrosion-resistant coating to avoid rusting.
Irwin Tools is a well-known American brand. They produce hand and power tools with accessories for them. The company was founded in 1885 in Ohio. Nowadays, this brand is popular around the world.
This blade is practically weightless. Its weight is 0.65 pounds, and you can easily forget about the tool in the backpack. Still, there is no protective sheath, and I strongly advise you to buy the cover for it.
What’s included:
- IRWIN Tools Classic Series Corded Circular Saw Blade, 7 1/4-inch, 60T
- High-quality teeth;
- Wide range of materials to cut through;
- Weightless;
- Well-known developer;
- Affordable price.
- The blade can heat in no time during work.
5. DEWALT DWA171460
Specifications:
- Material: Tungsten Carbide
- Item Dimensions: 0.5 x 8.5 x 9.75 inches
- Number of Teeth: 60
- Item Weight: 0.56 Pounds
- Warranty: official three-year warranty, one-year free service
Any professional and amateur know about the American company DEWALT. It is a power tool leader, and its DWA171460 is considered the best saw blade for plywood. With it, you get an ultra-fine finish without chips or cracks. This steel item measures 7.25 inches in diameter and features 60 heavy-duty tungsten carbide teeth.
In its body, you can notice curly slots. It is specifically done to lower blade vibration and get a smoother cut. The impact-resistant tooth material is incredibly durable, and the ToughCoat coating reduces friction and debris adhesion.
By the way, the teeth themselves have a unique design called ToughTrack. The special sharpening guarantees a perfect cut even after many months of use. And for greater reliability and safety, the blade has reinforced shoulders.
What’s included:
- 7 1/4″ 60T Blade
- Gives a smooth cut without chipping;
- Special tooth design;
- Very durable;
- Non-stick coating.
- The body is quite thin.
4. Pro-Quality Plywood Circular Saw Blade: IRWIN Tools MARATHON 14027
Specifications:
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Item Dimensions: 9 x 1.7 x 1 inches
- Number of Teeth: 140
- Item Weight: 0.49 Pounds
- Compatible Material: Engineered Wood, Plastic
The Irwin Tools brand has existed for over a hundred years. The company produces several highly specialized product lines that are intended for use by professionals in different fields. Thus, their MARATHON blades are durable and reliable. Even if you hit staples or nails using your circular saw, the blade will remain sharp as on the first day of use.
The 14027 is made of steel, and the teeth are made of a tough carbide alloy. The item’s diameter is 5.5 inches, which is slightly smaller than the previous products on my list. The blade has 18 teeth and is intended for use with cordless circular saws only. Ultra-thin kerf and large tine angle (20°) ensure high quality and speed of work.
What’s included:
- Irwin 11820ZR 6-1/2-Inch 140 Tooth TFG Plastic, Plywood, and Veneer Cutting Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor
- Easily and quickly cuts wood;
- Long-lasting;
- Thick body.
- Small diameter;
- Only for cordless saws.
5. Affordable Plywood Saw Blade: Concord Blades WCB0725T080HP
Specifications:
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Item Dimensions: 4.38 x 0.3 x 4.38 inches
- Number of Teeth: 18
- Style: 4-3/8-Inch 18 Teeth
- Compatible Material: Engineered Wood, Wood
One of the more budget-friendly models on my list is the Concord Blades WCB0725T080HP. It is mostly because complex technologies were not used for its production. This blade doesn’t have a non-stick coating, laser-cut body, or ventilation holes. Regardless, it is quite versatile and does a great job of cutting hard and soft plywood.
The 7.25-inch blade contains 80 titanium teeth with carbide tips, which is much more than many popular products. Moreover, their shape is made in such a way that debris does not accumulate in the gaps and does not blunt the blade. Combined with a pretty thin kerf, this gives a smooth cut but can create burrs when working on particularly soft surfaces.
What’s included:
- Concord Blades WCB0725T080HP
- Universal;
- Durable;
- Many teeth of titanium and carbide.
- Can make burrs.
Plywood Blade for Circular Saw Buyer’s Guide
Below you will find a quick guide as well as helpful tips for using circular saw blades. There are several essential characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing the right product.
What blades are best for plywood
The term “plywood” includes a large list of materials, which means no definite answer to this question. It is generally accepted that a 7.25 inches blade is the best blade to cut plywood. Plus, a lot depends on the type of work and what kind of finish you want to get. The cleaner and smoother you want the cut, the more teeth a blade should have.
However, these products have their drawbacks. In particular, blades with many teeth will require you to work more slowly, as the cutting process can be complicated. This can lead to heating of a disc surface and even smoldering of plywood.
That is why the product should have a non-stick coating and ventilation holes in its body. For rougher works, or if you plan to veneer or mill the cut, you can use blades with fewer teeth. However, they still should have vent slots. They dampen vibrations, help cool your tool, and reduce sound vibrations that can damage your hearing.
How to cut plywood straight with a circular saw
The key to straight saw cuts lies in correct measurements and reliable support of a plywood sheet. Regardless of which tool you use (handheld or stationary), follow these simple rules.
Support a sheet from below
Place a few thick planks under the plywood, or use a horse scaffold so that all sides of the sheet lie securely. Make sure that both the main part and the cut are supported. I recommend securing them with clamps to prevent the sheet from shifting.
Mark a cutting line with a pencil
Carefully measure the distance you need from the edge and draw a line from start to finish, observing the correct angles. It is even recommended to make a small initial cut at the beginning of the markup.
Use a guide
You can make a simple cutting guide yourself or buy a professional guiding tool from a store. Even a piece of board with an even factory cut is suitable as a guide. The main thing is that its size should coincide with the piece’s width that you plan to cut.
Do not neglect masking tape
Stick it over the cutting line to reduce the chance of chipping on the sheet’s top veneer. After the plywood piece has been cut, the tape should be lifted towards the cut at a 90-degree angle to avoid peeling the topcoat.
Choose the right side
Often, the object you work on has front and back sides. While cutting plywood with a circular saw, stack a sheet face down so that chips or burrs appear on the bad side, where your saw slides. If you work with a material that has a glossy surface (e.g., laminate), stick masking tape on the saw sole.
How to rip plywood with a circular saw
Experts identify several types of cuts that you can get when working with plywood. The so-called “rip cut” is one of the most difficult as it runs along the entire length of your sheet. The general rules described in the previous section apply to this method. However, since this type of work is quite time consuming, special care should be taken.
Try to cut the plywood non-stop, with one smooth but steady motion. This is the only way to get a really nice cut. Ensure the saw cord (if you don’t use a battery model) is long enough for the entire distance and check if it won’t snag anywhere.
You may even have to stand on a plywood sheet, so it is best to place it on planks on the floor. As there is always the possibility of kickback, stand slightly to the side of the saw’s line.
Circular Saw Blade for Plywood FAQ
In this section, I answered frequently asked questions from my readers about working with plywood.
What size and type of blade do I need for plywood?
It depends on your saw model and the thickness of the sheet you will be working with. Most often, plywood blades come in from 4.5 to 12 inches. Since there are no universal products, choose one designed specifically for working with wood, particularly with plywood.
Can you cut plywood with a circular saw?
Sure! Circular saws are one of the most versatile tools around. It is only necessary to choose the right blade since plywood is a rather delicate and flexible material and can easily crack with excess power.
How do you cut plywood with a circular saw without splintering?
In addition to choosing the right tool, you should follow a few simple rules. Place a plywood sheet with its good side down, support it firmly underneath and fix it securely. You can also run the knife along the kerf line to slightly cut the top cover. After that, the saw will not chip or crack it.
Best Plywood Saw Blades for Your Best Results
Plywood sheets can be tricky to work with due to their large size and flexibility, so you need to find the perfect tool. I recommend using the DEWALT DWA171460 as it has excellent performance and price. However, the other products definitely deserve your attention, as well.
Regardless of which model you choose, don’t forget about safety when working with circular saws and wear protective gloves and goggles.
What is the best item, in your opinion? Do you have your own tips for sawing plywood? Please share them with my readers and me in the comments below this article!
“A good tool stays with you for many years and choosing carefully ensures the job is done right, your work is neat, and the tool is always a pleasure to use”
