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Best Miter Saw Blade For Mdf Of 2024: Completed List

Brandon Forder
  Mar 28, 2024 8:24 PM

No of the saw type, the blade that comes standard is almost always the cheapest option. A basic woodcutting mode is typically included in even the highest-quality miter saws; while this mode is sufficient for slicing through commercially available lumber, the result is often less than ideal. These low-cost saw blades can't cut through hardwood, plywood, laminates, etc. with any precision.

With the proper saw blade, however, cutting any of these materials is a breeze. Choosing the proper one is difficult. This article provides a concise breakdown of the factors to consider when choosing a miter saw blade.


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Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

Types

Straight Cuts

Rip cuts and crosscuts can be made in MDF with any circular saw or portable cutting tool, although the blade should be carbide-tipped due of the high glue concentration of the material. The dust created is greater, but chipping is less likely, when the number of teeth on the blade is higher. It is possible to use a table saw to cut an MDF sheet since it is the same size as a plywood sheet; however, the saw should be equipped with a vacuum removal system to keep sawdust from clogging the blade and damaging the engine.

Curved Cuts

MDF can be cut with a jigsaw just as readily as plywood, albeit the more teeth the blade has, the less likely it is to chip the material as you work. A steel blade may be slower to cut, but it will preserve the edges during a delicate cut. Curves in MDF can also be cut with a handheld multi-tool or rotary tool with a multi-purpose cutting blade. When a plunge cut is required to make a notch in an already completed MDF cabinet, this is a solid alternative to consider.

Holes

MDF can be drilled with the same ease as plywood up to a diameter of 1 1/2 inches with a standard drill bit or spade bit, and up to 4 inches with a hole saw. Drill the corners of the outline of the hole using a drill bit, and then cut around the outline with a jigsaw, to generate a larger hole or a hole that isn't circular. To avoid this, you can use a handheld multipurpose or rotary tool with a multipurpose cutting blade, dipping the blade into the outline and then carefully maneuvering the tool around it.

Other Blades

MDF can be cut using a handsaw, albeit the process will be tedious and taxing on the tool. More control and less chipping will result from using a pull saw. While using a router to shape MDF's edges is similar to working with ordinary wood, you should still wear goggles to protect your eyes from the massive amounts of dust that will be generated. When comparing MDF with wood, there is still another important distinction to make. Hand planes and jointers cause severe chipping when used on MDF edges.

Material

All miter saw blades have a steel core and body. When it comes to making knives, Japanese steel is unrivaled in quality.

Since steel rusts easily, most miter saw blades include an anti-rust coating. Advanced coatings may also offer a nonstick surface and better heat dissipation, both of which improve the cutting experience. Slots carved into the body of most blades, like elongated question marks, are a common design feature. These holes, also called expansion slots or stabilizer vents, prevent the blade from warping when heated. Blade vibration can be dampened by adding expansion slots, which in turn can enhance the finish.

Teeth are typically fabricated from a single slab of steel. Many of them have been brazed (welded) with tungsten carbide tips. These tips, more commonly referred to as "carbide," are tougher than steel and maintain their sharpness for a longer period of time, making them more useful overall.

Size, Thickness, and Kerf

Ideally, the blade would be tailored to the miter saw's capacity. If you have a 12-inch saw, don't use a 10-inch blade. It will ruin the dynamics, prevent the engine from running at its optimal speed, and lessen the efficiency of the cutter. Since it attaches to the saw via the arbor (the hole in the centre), its diameter should be appropriately sized. A 10-inch blade typically has a 5/8-inch arbor, while a 12-inch blade typically has a 1-inch arbor.

Kerf width is proportional to blade thickness. The kerf and thickness of a standard miter saw blade are both relatively high. When dealing with inexpensive softwood from the hardware store, this is adequate, but when working with more expensive hardwoods, a smaller kerf is required for precision. The reduced surface chipping caused by the thinner teeth makes these ideal for use on laminates.

Number of Teeth, Tooth Shape, and Configuration

The saw's cutting rate and quality are both affected by the number of teeth. In most cases, the fewer the teeth on a blade, the faster it will slice. A finer texture can be achieved with a blade that has more teeth. Cutting 24 timber rapidly is no problem at all with a blade that has 30 or 40 teeth. A blade with 100 teeth can make short work of even the hardest wood.

The layout and shape of one's teeth also have a significant role. The cutting edge of many crosscut blades alternates between the right and left sides of the tooth in a pattern known as "alternate top bevel" (ATB). High Alternate Top Bevel (HATB or Hi-ATB) blades are available for use with plywood and laminate; these blades feature teeth with an acute (high) cutting angle in addition to alternating edges.

Blades designed for both crosscutting and ripping often feature a mix of ATB and Flat Top (FT) teeth, with a ratio of 4 ATB to 1 FT. Finally, blades for plastics and nonferrous metals typically feature Triple (or Triple Chip) teeth, which alternate a tall, narrow tooth and a flat tooth.

Other Specifications

The number of teeth on a blade is undoubtedly an essential characteristic, but it is only one of several that must be carefully evaluated.

The next technical feature to examine is the tooth layout. There are five main categories of tooth cuts, and while there isn't universal agreement on which is ideal, the triple-chip grind (TCG) is often held to be an excellent option.

The TCG tooth geometry is one among many that can ensure a clean cut. Both hardwood and metal benefit from the design's functionality.

Other common tooth designs include a flat-top grind (typically seen on rip blades for quick, clean slicing), an alternating top bevel (for clean, chip-free cutting), an alternating top alternating face bevel (for even sharper cutting and a more pointed edge, great for working on brittle materials), and a high or steep alternating top bevel.

Additional Characteristics

Some blades may come equipped with supplementary features that contribute to their already impressive practicality and durability.

Check out the blade's storage for extra components. These ensure that the metal may expand during construction without becoming distorted by the heat. Expansion slots are a common feature of miter saw blades.

It's possible that some of the blades are coated, too. As a rule, it will play a preventative role, shielding the blade from wear and tear. Coated miter saw blades are more expensive but last longer than uncoated ones.

Last but not least, you may want to consider purchasing some extra blades if you anticipate needing them for specific work. When working with extreme precision, a blade with a fine-tooth finish is essential. Tile can be sliced with dry-diamond blades. There are also abrasive wheels available, which can be used to chip away at concrete and brick.


FAQS

How do I clean and maintain a miter saw blade?

Take the blade out of the drawer and set it down in a safe place. Get a cleaning pad and some watered-down all-purpose cleanser (not a scourer). Place a toothbrush in the area of your teeth and use it. Take your time so you don't hurt yourself if you slide. To protect your carbide tools, don't use oven cleansers.

How many teeth should a miter saw blade have?

It's typical to have a variety of saw blades on hand so you may switch between them depending on the task at hand. The aforementioned article provides further clarification.

Do you need a mask to cut MDF?

The adhesive resins in the material (MDF) cause it to shed a great deal of dust, and the tiny particles it breaks down into have been shown to have high quantities of urea-formaldehyde. Wearing a mask throughout the cutting process is therefore recommended.

What is the best circular saw blade for veneer MDF?

When cutting MDF, the Freud D12100X circular blade is your best bet. The blade has a 12-inch circular blade and 100 teeth that are ideal for clean cuts and can make your work go more quickly and smoothly than ever before.


Conclusion

If you need a new miter saw blade, you should be aware of the pitfalls to avoid. In this light, we have examined a number of key aspects that deserve your attention. All of the items on our list share at least one of these characteristics. In the end, you'll be able to purchase the item you need from our catalog.


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