5 Best Saw Blade for MDF for Smooth Cut in 2024

Saw blades are essential for cutting wood products with precision and accuracy. Although MDF is an engineered wood product with a smooth surface, finding the right saw blade for cutting MDF is not easy.

As a woodworking fanatic, I have researched and analyzed some great MDF cutting saw blades. When choosing the best saw blade for MDF, select a blade with a thin kerf to provide a smoother cut, removing less material.

Also, you should consider using a carbide-tipped blade for better precision. A blade with a relatively high number of teeth (between 50 and 80) can also offer a smoother cut without breaking.

As part of this article, I will provide detailed information about the top five MDF saw blade features. I’ll also highlight various factors to consider when deciding which blade to use.

Best Saw Blade for MDF: My 5 Recommendations

MDF is generally soft and easy to work with, but it can be difficult to cut cleanly. These are my top five picks for the best circular saw blades for MDF:

1. DEWALT Tungsten Carbide Circular Saw Blades

I researched the DEWALT carbide saw blades, and they immediately grabbed my attention. Due to their thin kerf, these Tungsten Blades attract me the most.

Thin Kerf Provides Smooth Cutting Action

At only 0.063 inches thick, the blades offer a fast and smooth cutting action. I found that this feature significantly reduces the chances of blade deflection, which can cause errors and uneven cuts.

Tough Tungsten Carbide Stays Sharp Longer

Another noteworthy feature of these saw blades is that they are made of tungsten carbide. This material is known for its toughness and ability to maintain sharpness for extended periods. According to my research, this feature makes these blades ideal for cutting through hard materials like MDF, plywood, and laminate. 

Two Blade Versatility for Different Cuts

Another advantage of the DEWALT Tungsten Carbide Circular Saw Blades is that they come in a pack of two, with one blade having 80 teeth and the other 32 teeth. The 80-tooth blade is excellent for precision cutting and finishing, while the 32-tooth blade is best for speed and rough cuts.

Reduced Vibration and Noise for Comfort

Using a saw can cause vibrations, and prolonged use can lead to discomfort and fatigue. I was impressed that these saw blades have reduced vibration and noise. This feature makes them easy to use for extended periods and doesn’t cause unnecessary noise pollution.

Pros:

• The smoother and faster cutting action
• Carbide material stays sharper and longer
• 80 and 32 teeth for versatility
• Easy portable for carrying bag

Cons:

• Might dull quickly when cutting plastic or metal

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2. Makita Circular Saw Blade for Cutting MDF

As an enthusiast, I always seek the right tools. That’s how I stumbled upon the Makita Circular Saw Blade for cutting MDF. This blade is designed for durability, with high-grade carbide tips that make cutting MDF fast and easy.

Cleaner, Quieter Cutting with Laser-cut Slots

The Makita Circular Saw Blade is designed with laser-cut slots, making cutting smoother and quieter. This reduces noise and vibration, making it an ideal choice for anyone working in a small workspace.

Fluorine Coating for Reduced Pitch Buildup

In my opinion, the fluorine coating on the Makita Circular Saw Blade makes it stand out in its class. This coating reduces pitch buildup, which means your cuts will be smoother and more precise, making it easier to achieve your desired results.

Maximum Efficiency with Plunge Saw Blade

As far as I can tell, this blade’s plunge saw design allows for maximum efficiency, making it an ideal choice for you to complete your projects faster. The blade measures 0.25 x 8.25 x 9.5 inches in length, width, and height, making it one of the lightest Makita blades in its class.

Compatible with Makita Cordless Circular Saws

One of the biggest advantages of the Makita Circular Saw Blade is its compatibility with Makita cordless circular saws. This means you can use your Makita cordless saw without having to worry about compatibility issues or any other challenges that may arise.

Pros:

• Designed for durability with a carbide tip
• Reduces pitch buildup with a fluorine coating
• Compatible with Makita cordless circular saws, 6-1/2″
• Plunge saw blade design allows for maximum efficiency

Cons:

• Carbide is small in size

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3. Norske Circular Saw Blade for MDF Board

After an extensive study, I believe this saw blade offers an effective solution for anyone seeking clean, precise cuts without wasting material. Its thin design requires less horsepower, so it’s great for lower-powered saws.

Ultra-thin design for greater efficiency

One of the things I found interesting about this saw blade is that it features an ultra-thin kerf design. With a kerf of only .075 inches, this blade offers a 60% reduction in waste compared to a standard .125-inch kerf blade.

This means you can get more cuts out of your MDF board, which saves time and money in the long run. The thin design also requires less horsepower, making it an excellent choice for lower-powered saws.

Long-lasting and efficient

The Norske Circular Saw Blade for the MDF Board is built to last. This blade is made from high-quality C3 micro grain carbide, known for its durability and longevity. The blade will remain sharp and efficient even after extended use. This saw blade is built to withstand the demands of frequent use.

Accurate and Reliable

The Norske saw blade is an incredibly accurate and reliable tool. This blade features an aggressive hook angle of 10 to 15 degrees, which helps it maintain a sharp edge and prevents it from getting bogged down in the material.

Also, its stainless steel alloy body ensures that each cut is straight and accurate, which is crucial when working with precision projects.

Pros:

• Ultra-thin kerf for less waste and greater efficiency
• High-quality C3 micro grain carbide for durability and longevity
• Perfect for general-purpose use and a variety of materials
• Optimized for cordless cutting and maximum battery life

Cons:

• May not be suitable for high-powered saws

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4. Norske Thin Kerf Circular Saw Blade for MDF

The Norske Thin Kerf Circular Saw Blade for MDF is a product that can help you get the job done right. These blades are designed to cut through various materials, including MDF, plywood, and oak veneer

Super-Thin Kerf Design

As I was researching this product, its super-thin kerf design caught my attention. This design reduces horsepower loss, making it ideal for various operations. It also helps achieve the smoothest possible cut and reduces the chances of chipping, making it an ideal option for MDF projects.

Alloy Tool Steel Body

The alloy tool steel body is another key feature of the Norske thin kerf saw blade. This material ensures that the blade is sturdy, durable, and long-lasting, resulting in accuracy in your cuts, regardless of the number of operations you subject it to.

Tooth Grind

The hook angle of the blade is also a crucial feature of the Norske Thin Kerf Circular Saw Blade. With a 10 to 15-degree angle, the blade has an Alternate Top Bevel (ATB) tooth grind, effectively providing smooth cuts that do not require excessive sanding.

Suitable for Framing and Fine Woodworking

Versatility is one of the things that make this product stand out. The Norske Thin Kerf Circular Saw Blade is reliable for framing and fine woodworking projects. The pack comes with two blades, one with a 28-tooth count and another with a 60-tooth count.

Pros:

• With ATB tooth grind, you don’t have to sand too much
• Super-thin kerf design ensures reduced horsepower loss
• The alloy tool steel body makes the blade sturdy and durable
• Comes with two blades, making it value for money

Cons:

• Thin nature may lead to warping

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5. LSHUZIYU 7 1/4 Circular Saw Blade for MDF

The LSHUZIYU saw blade for MDF is specially designed for use with engineered woods. This blade’s electroplate black anti-stick coating prevents rust and gums, making it ideal for use in humid or salty environments.

Smooth and Clean Cuts

The first thing I noticed about the LSHUZIYU saw blade is its 60T blade and 0.094″ kerf. This blade delivered a smooth and clean slice with minimal tear-out. It can cut extremely precisely and accurately, a sign of excellence in craftsmanship.

Improved Stability and Durability

Another excellent feature of this saw blade is its 5/8″ arbor with a diamond washer. This enhanced its stability and durability, making it an ideal choice for professionals using circular saws daily. The diamond washer performed well on various materials, including hard surfaces.

Suitable for Humid or Salty Environments

Humidity and salty environments can cause normal saw blades to rust and gum up, but that’s not the case with this blade. Its electroplate black anti-stick coating helps to prevent rust and gumming, making it an excellent choice for those working in humid or salty environments or with treated lumber.

Pros:

• Smooth and clean cut with minimal tear-out
• Improved stability and durability with a 5/8″ arbor
• Suitable for use in humid or salty environments
• Heat stress relief slots help prevent the blade from overheating

Cons:

• May not be ideal for cutting steel or other hard materials

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Comparison Table for the Best MDF Circular Saw Blade

Product	Number Of Blade	Teeth	Diameter	Weight
DEWALT DW3128P5	2	80 & 32	12″	1.2  kg
Makita ‎B-57342	1	56	6-1/2″	0.21 kg
Norske NCSBT008	1	40	6-1/2″	0.20 kg
Norske NCSBT150C	2	28 & 60	10″	1.31 kg
LSHUZIYU CSB-185-6T	1	60	7-1/4”	0.19 kg

How Do I Choose the Best Saw Blade to Cut MDF Board?

The accuracy and smoothness of the cut on the MDF board are directly related to the saw blade you choose. I’ve discovered through my research that cutting MDF requires a blade with a narrow kerf and strong material. To select the best saw for cutting MDF, consider the following factors:

Blade Material

When cutting an MDF board, the best blade is made with tungsten carbide tips. I recommend you select Tungsten carbide, a durable and strong material that can withstand the dense nature of the MDF board.

These blades work best for both rip cuts and crosscuts and are perfect for use with handheld circular saws and table saws.

Blade Size

Choosing the right blade size is crucial when cutting MDF. The blade’s diameter must match the size of the saw’s arbor hole. As far as I can tell, using a blade with a too-small diameter can cause damage to the saw, while using a too-large one will not fit and, therefore will not work.

A blade with a 5/8-inch diameter is the most common size and can fit most standard circular saws, while a 7/8-inch diameter is perfect for larger saws. Its 1-inch diameter is designed for chop saws and heavy-duty cutting.

Kerf

Kerf is the width of the blade’s cut. When cutting MDF board, a thinner kerf is better as it produces less sawdust and a smoother cut. After careful analysis, I agree that a blade with a 0.094-inch kerf is perfect for MDF cuts.

However, a thicker kerf may be necessary when dealing with thicker MDF boards, such as 0.118-inch standard or 0.134-inch extra thick.

Carbide Tip

From my perspective, having a carbide-tipped blade is fundamental to achieving the desired results when cutting MDF. The tip’s diameter significantly influences the blade’s cutting power, making it crucial to pick the proper diameter and type of carbide tip.

The ideal carbide tip for cutting MDF board has a large diameter to maximize the cutting power to make clean, precise cuts. A carbide tip with a negative hook angle reduces the risk of snags or kickbacks on dense MDF.

Number of Teeth

The number of teeth on a blade influences the smoothness of the cut. A blade with more teeth tends to provide a smoother cut than one with fewer teeth. However, it also generates more heat and needs more power to spin, making it important to choose the right number of teeth for the job.

Choosing a saw blade with a high tooth count, usually between 50 and 80, is the best idea when cutting an MDF board. These blades offer a smooth cut without generating a lot of heat, which is essential to prevent the thermal breakdown of the MDF board.

Anti-Rust Coating

MDF board is prone to moisture and humidity, which can cause a blade to rust. To protect against this, I advise you to select a saw blade with an anti-rust coating. An electroplated coating is the best option that provides maximum corrosion resistance.

When looking for a blade with corrosion-resistant coating, it’s wise to research different manufacturers’ websites or read reviews about the saw blades.

Lightweight and Durable

Choosing a lightweight and durable saw blade will help reduce fatigue while cutting and make it less likely to bind in operation. Selecting a saw blade with enough durability to withstand the dense MDF board is also essential. Durable blades are less likely to dull over time.

Does MDF damage saw blades?

According to my research, MDF can be quite harsh on saw blades due to its fine fibers and the resin that can accumulate on the blade. It is important to use a high-quality blade and to clean it frequently to prevent resin buildup.

Otherwise, the blade may become dull quicker than expected. It’s important to note that one can use a saw blade on MDF for a long time with proper care.

Is MDF harder to cut than wood with a circular saw?

Based on my observations, cutting MDF with a circular saw is no more complicated than cutting wood.

While cutting intricate designs into plywood may be more challenging due to potential splintering and voids, achieving a smooth cut with MDF can be done with the same difficulty level as with wood.

Ultimately, it comes down to the type of blade used and how one handles the materials to achieve the desired outcome.

What is the best saw for trimming MDF?

The best type of saw to use for MDF trim is the table saw. A table saw provides a more precise cut, resulting in less splintering and chipping off the edges of your MDF.

Also, table saws typically come with a fence, making it easy to get straight cuts throughout the length of the board. While other types of saw can also be used, such as a circular saw or a jigsaw, these may not provide the same level of precision and smoothness that a table saw can offer.

Take safety measures when using any type of saw to prevent injury. Wearing eye and ear protection, using the proper blade, and securing your workpiece are just a few ways to minimize risks.

Choose the Right Saw Blade for MDF to Enhance Your Cutting Experience

To get the most suitable saw blade for MDF, consider the blade size, kerf, carbide tip, number of teeth, and anti-rust coating. From my analysis, I believe a saw blade made with high-speed, tool, stainless, or carbon steel is ideal for MDF.

When selecting a blade, consider a thin kerf, a carbide tip appropriate for MDF, an anti-rust coating, and several teeth between 50 and 80 for smoother cuts.

Even though all the saw blades mentioned above are top-of-the-line, in my assessment, the DEWALT Carbide Circular Saw Blades have a tungsten blade that outperforms them. This blade cuts out the box nicely, with no tear-out on top and bottom.

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API