10 Best Saw Blades for MDF: Most Durable & Efficient [Review]

MDF, also known as Medium-Density Fireboard, is an engineered dense hardboard that comes in various thicknesses, usually between ⅜ to 1 inch. And a saw blade intended to cut through this hardboard must possess the required sharpness for quick, accurate cuts.

Unfortunately, getting for such blades amid several underperformers out there is quite tricky.

My team of experts went through several months of testing to get the best saw blade for MDF. Thankfully, we found some excellent budget options that would make your search and decision-making process much easier.

Quick Picks

Best Overall Saw Blade: Freud D12100X 100 Tooth Diablo Ultra Fine Circular Saw Blade

“This circular blade saw comes with all the features that will improve the wood’s surface and enhance cutting performance.”

Best for Durability: DeWALT DW3106P5 10-Inch Miter/ Table Saw Blades

“With tungsten carbide and anti-stick coating, this saw blade is designed to last for a long time regardless of the use.”

Best Compatible Saw Blade: Irwin 10-Inch Miter Saw Blade

“The saw blade fits several saws, such as circular and miter saws, conveniently.”

Best for Versatility: DeWALT DW3742C Jigsaw Blades

“With this saw blade, you can perform different cutting applications on metal and woods seamlessly.”

Best Saw Blade for Crosscutting and Ripping: Concord WCB0438T018HP 4⅜ – Inch TCT Blade

“This carbide-tipped blade will perform crosscuts and rip hardwood, plywood, and softwood with fewer chipping.”

Best Saw Blade for Quietness: Freud D1050X Diablo 10-Inch 50-Teeth Combination Blade Saw

“This saw blade creates less vibration and noise when in use due to its laser-cut stabilizer vent.”

Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Blade for Cutting MDF

As earlier stated, searching for the best saw blade is one hell of a task since different blades come with various features and functions.

When choosing a saw blade, you need to be careful so that you wouldn’t end up with regrets.

First off, you need to understand the different types of cut you can perform on MDF with your saw blade. MDF is a thick hardboard, and knowing the type of cuts that you can perform on it depends on your choice of saw blade.

Cuts that you can perform on MDF include; Rip cuts/crosscuts, curved cuts (jigsaw), holes, and routing.

Rip cuts and crosscuts are straight cuts that circular saws and portable handheld saws can make conveniently. However, the blade should have a carbide tip so that it can cut through the high glue content in between MDF material without the blade getting dull.

Jigsaws and handheld tools can cut curves seamlessly on MDF. However, you need to understand that the more teeth the jigsaw has, the better the smoothness of the cuts.

Multipurpose blades and circular saws can cut around a hole easily after it has been made by a drill bit or spade bit. To do this, you need to drill a hole up to 4 inches deep and 1 ½” in diameter. Then cut around with a jigsaw or a circular saw.

Blades that can rout wood will rout MDF conveniently. However, the tip must be steel to avoid getting dull quickly.

Here are other factors you should consider before choosing the best saw blade.

Blade Size

The blade size depends on what you want to cut and the type of saw you are using for cutting.

Generally, smaller blades rotate more speedily compared to larger ones. So if you’re time-conscious and would like to get done with cutting faster, we suggest you go for smaller blades.

Number of Teeth

The higher the number of teeth, the more efficient the blade, and the smoother the cut will be. This also results in fewer chippings.

If you want a clean-cut, I recommend getting a blade with at least 20 teeth per inch (20 TPI).

The downside of having a blade with more teeth is that it doesn’t have a less quick cutting capacity than blades with fewer teeth. You should be careful in your trade when choosing a blade regarding this factor.

Kerf

Kerf, also known as cutting width, describes the width of a blade’s teeth. Blades are categorized as full-kerf or thin-kerf. A blade with a thinner kerf will get woodworking jobs done better than a full kerf blade.

Gullet Size

This refers to the gap between one tooth and another in a blade. The saw blade’s gullet size impacts the amount of material or sawdust expelled while the blade is in motion. It also affects the type of cutting you make.

For instance, a larger gullet size is suitable for rip cuts, while a smaller gullet size is better for crosscutting. You should choose the right gullet size to avoid wasting material.

Hook Angle

The hook angle is the exact position of the hook when the saw blade gets in contact with the material or cutting surface.

There’re two types of hook angles – high/positive and low/negative.

A high/positive angle will produce aggressive cuts rapidly, while a low/negative angle will have a slower feed rate and inhibit cutting efficiency. For MDF, we suggest you go for a high/positive angle.

Bevel Angle

This is another factor to consider. The higher the blade’s bevel angle, the smoother the cut will be, and the sharper will be cut through dense materials like MDF.

Diameter

The blade bore diameter is the diameter of the hole in the center of the blade. The bore diameter of the blade will affect its compatibility with the saw guard.

Before buying a saw blade, you need to ensure that you know the blade’s bore diameter to achieve proper fitting and safe sawing.

Arbor

The next factor to consider is the arbor. You need to check if the blade’s construction is compatible with the design of the saw’s shaft. If it isn’t, it will be hard working with the blade. This means it will take a longer time and energy to achieve the desired result.

Grind

The pattern of the tooth or kerf is known as the grind. The grind determines what situations you can apply a blade for.

There are several blade grinds, with each of them designed for a purpose. For instance, Flat Top Grind (FTG) is best suited for ripping. Alternate Top Bevel (ATB) is best for crosscutting, while Triple Chip Grind (TCG) is great for hardwoods, non-ferrous metals, and plastics.

Other types of grind, such as Multi-Purpose Carbide Tipped (MCT), are used for miter cutting, ripping, and crosscutting.

Best Saw Blade for Cutting MDF That Guarantees Expedite Cutting

Here is our experts’ review of the best MDF saw blade:

1. Freud D12100X 100 Tooth Diablo Ultra Fine Circular Saw Blade

If you are looking for a high-quality saw with the right features for your MDF, Freud D12100X is the ideal choice.

This 12-inch circular blade saw is designed to make woodcuts smoother and effortless through its long 100 teeth.

Its sturdiness and rugged construction are top-notch – one of the reasons I’m impressed with it. It’s designed with TiCo hi-density carbide and Parma-Shield coating, which results in enhanced durability.

The carbide tip makes it convenient to cut through plywood, steel, and metal. Additionally, it comes with a thin kerf design, further enhancing the speed of the cuts and precision. Hence, minimizing the amount of material wasted.

Speaking of precision, this saw blade features an advanced laser-cut stabilizer vent that absorbs vibration (and noise) while in use. The laser-cut technology also prevents the blade’s sideways movement, leading to more accurate and clean cuts. You won’t be wrong to call the laser-cut stabilizer a safety feature too.

The blade’s finish is near-flawless and comes in superior quality.

What’s more? The blade is super easy to use and will fit in perfectly on any 12-inch saw.

What We Liked

• Well-constructed with durable material for longevity
• Easy to use
• Delivers accurate and fast cuts
• Comes in a carbide design for enhanced cutting on metals and steel
• Has multiple teeth to maximize effortless, smoother, and accurate cutting

What We Didn’t Like

• Relatively expensive
• Causes vibration when installed in some 12-inch saws

2. DeWALT DW3106P5 10-Inch Miter/ Table Saw Blades

If you want a high-performing and versatile saw blade for crosscutting, I’d recommend the DeWALT 10-inch Miter/Table saw blade. Here is why;

This saw blade is designed with tough tungsten carbide for increased sharpness and more extended use. It also has an anti-stick coating, making it resistant to corrosion and heat.

What’s more? The combination of a 60-tooth fine-finish blade and a 30-tooth general purpose blade makes the saw suitable for MDF, plywood, softwood, and hardwood. This speaks volumes regarding versatility.

Its cutting speed and precision are what I’m most impressed about. We made crosscuts on MDF alongside softwood with no chipping at all. I’d say that this is one of the best saw blades that made fine crosscuts.

That’s not all. The blade has a thin-kerf design that provides super-fast cuts and minimizes the amount of sawdust wasted. Each tip on the blade is designed with reinforced steel to improve its robustness and offer cleaner cuts.

What about vibration? DeWALT DW3106P5 features a built-in computer balanced plate that results in less vibration during cutting. As a result, you’ll have better control over the movement blade, ensuring you get the best crosscuts finish.

What We Liked

• Very affordable
• Produces minimal vibration when in use
• Delivers super-fast crosscuts
• Combines a 60-tooth and 30-tooth blade for versatile cuttings
• Constructed with tungsten carbide for longevity and more sharpness

What We Didn’t Like

• Leaves off yellow paint when used for the first time
• A 60-tooth blade becomes blunt when used frequently on the hardwood.

3. Irwin 10-Inch Miter Saw Blade

When it comes to performance, this 10-inch classic miter saw blade from Irwin doesn’t disappoint.

The circular saw blade is made with steel alloy material for extended life. Also, it features high-precision-ground teeth that give accurate and smooth cuts.

And if you think that this blade isn’t going to cut metal sheets, you are wrong! The blade is one of the best we have used to cut metal roofing sheets. We didn’t experience any hassle. And during cutting, we experienced zero heat.

The cutting speed is outstanding. Also, since it has multiple teeth grind, you can finish up your cutting in no time, whether it’s metal, concrete board, softwood, etc.

Irwin saw blade can fit into any 10-inch circular or miter saw quickly. Cutting with these saws and the Irwin blade will cause no chipping.

I’d recommend this blade to any hobbyist who desires precise and quick cuts.

What We Liked

• Effective in cutting metals and iron
• Produces chip-free cuts
• Long-lasting and resistant to wear
• Compatible with 12-inch and 10-inch blades
• The cutting speed of the blade is unique.

What We Didn’t Like

• The cutting speed gets slower after prolonged usage.
• Requires protective clothes before using them.

4. DeWALT DW3742C Jigsaw Blades

If you have to work on various woods and metal pieces, our team suggests you go for DeWALT DW3742C. And why is that?

This jigsaw blade comes with 14 blades that help to execute your cuttings effortlessly.

What we love most about this set of jigsaw blades is its versatility. The blades can perform diverse cutting applications due to a 6-teeth per inch blade, 10, 12, 18, and 32-teeth blades. With these blades, you can cut metals and all sorts of wood seamlessly.

Also, each of the blades comprises high-quality materials that cut materials precisely. The 12-teeth blade is constructed with HCS material, while the 18 and 32-teeth blades are designed with Bi-Metal material, all of which can efficiently cut through any thick material.

One of the best features of this blade is its T-Shank design. This makes it readily compatible with all Bosch and DeWALT jigsaws. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about this set of blades fitting in or not.

For easy transportation and storage, this blade set comes with a transparent case that safely holds the same blade together.

What We Liked

• Performs a wide range of cutting applications
• Made of durable, high-quality materials for increased resistance and longevity
• Comes with a case for storage
• It easily fits all Bosch and DeWALT jigsaws.

What We Didn’t Like

• The slide latches of the case are sloppy.
• The case only has six slots for six pairs of blades instead of seven.

5. Concord WCB0438T018HP 4⅜ – Inch TCT Blade

As far as cutting woods and metals are concerned, Concord blades are excellent carbide blades that will give you the desired cuts and finish.

Our experts used this blade for crosscutting and ripping several plywood, softwoods, hardwoods, and the experience was pleasant.

This powerful cutting blade has a thin 1.8 mm kerf design that allows for a clean and quick finish with less material waste. The blade also has a 15-degree hook angle and ⅝ inches arbor that enhances cutting performance.

The 18-teeth blade is made of titanium carbide material for optimal resistance against corrosion and an ATB grind for performing the best crosscuts on wood.

In terms of compatibility, the saw blade can easily fit into several saws 14 inches models, such as miter saws, hand saws, and chop saws. Combining any saw with Concord WCB0438T018HP will give smooth crosscuts and no chipping.

However, we were slightly disappointed that the blade wasn’t able to cut through aluminum material. It didn’t perform exceptionally well on very thick hardwood. But that’s quite understandable, especially if you consider the price tag.

For the price, this blade saw is a bargain and would make a great choice.

What We Liked

• Made of titanium material for prolonged use
• Incredibly affordable
• Performs clean and smooth crosscuts on several wood materials
• Ensures quick finish with minimal material waste

What We Didn’t Like

• Can’t cut through aluminum
• Sometimes, the blade wobbles

6. Freud D1050X Diablo 10-Inch 50-Tooth ATB Combo Saw Blade

If you want a durable saw blade that will perform rip cuts and crosscuts seamlessly on your softwood and hardwood, Freud D1050X Diablo is an excellent choice.

This 10-inch combo saw blade has 50 ATB teeth that can conveniently cut through wood and its composite. It’s easily affordable, making it one of the best budget saw blades available.

The durability of this saw blade can’t be questioned as it’s made with a TiCo hi-density carbide tip and robust steel plate for long-lasting use. It’s also coated with Perm-Shield nonstick and Tri-metal shock-resistant to avoid being corroded.

While this blade comes as an excellent multipurpose option, we discovered that it’s better at ripping and crosscutting wood during our testing. We were satisfied with the outcome as it gave a smooth finish.

With the thin kerf laser-cut design, you have more control over the blade’s position and the material. This improves the job’s efficiency and enhances precision.

Also, we noticed the quietness of the saw during use. It produced minimal vibration and noise during use. This saw blade made the least vibration of all the blades we tested, and this pleased my team.

What We Liked

• Highly durable
• Great value for money
• Produces minimal vibration and noise during use
• Effectively curbs chipping

What We Didn’t Like

• Available in a single size only
• Not suitable for cutting non-ferrous metals

7. Oshlun SBW-055036 5 ½ – Inch 36-Tooth ATB Saw Blade

The Oshlun saw blade is an excellent option to consider if you want a blade that will deliver clean cuts on your softwood, plywood, and hard materials.

Despite being small-sized, this saw best is one of the best saw blade for MDF. Why?

First off, it’s a 5 ½ – inch circular blade saw with 36 teeth that makes it possible to cut through several materials with ease. The ⅝ – inch arbor ensures the blade fits the saw’s shaft for quick cuts.

The blade’s finishing and trimming are unique and designed for smooth and fast cutting, mainly when used with compatible portable saws. We tried this blade on six sheets of plywood, and Oshlun’s finishing didn’t disappoint.

Furthermore, the saw blade comes with a slim kerf design to expedite cutting. The aggressive hook angle and its micro-grain carbide precision ground allow you to have deeper and accurate cuts.

What about safety? You don’t need to worry about getting cuts while using the blade, as it has an anti-kickback safety design. This provides optimal protection for the user.

What We Liked

• Performs flawless and clean cuts
• Can be used on several wood materials
• Great for trimming and finishing
• The blade fits perfectly when installed in compatible saws

What We Didn’t Like

• A little pricy compared to its counterparts.
• Causes a burning sensation if the blade rotates improperly

8. Freud D1090X Circular Saw Blade

This Diablo circular saw blade’s longevity and accuracy are two things that we love it for.

With its 90 teeth, this blade produces an ultra-fine finish when used on softwood and hardwood. Also, it features a thin kerf design to make cutting splendid and accurate.

You need not be bothered whether this saw blade will last or not, as it’s built with high-performance TiCo Hi-density carbide to prolong its lifespan and prevent wear. The carbide material allows the blade to stay sharp even after prolonged usage.

This saw blade produced minimal noise, and the vibration level was reasonably manageable.

Freud D1090X is coated with Perm-Shield nonstick and tri-metal shock-resistant brazing to fight corrosion and wear. This allows the blade to withstand extreme heat impact due to build-up. Hence, maintaining straight and fine cuts.

What We Liked

• Low noise and vibration level
• Resistant to corrosion
• Coated with Perm-Shield nonstick for enhanced durability
• Can withstand extreme heat
• Performs various cuts on softwood and hardwood

What We Didn’t Like

• Not compatible with some table saws
• Takes a long time to rip cuts in stocks

9. Freud LU79R010 10-Inch 80T Thin Kerf Ultimate Plywood & Melamine Blade

It isn’t surprising to see yet another product from Freud in this review since it makes some of the best blade saws in the world.

Now, what does this saw blade offers that qualifies it as one of the best saw blades for MDF?

Freud LU79R010 incorporates the new laser cut anti-vibration technology to reduce the vibration produced from its movement. Consequently, this creates a better and crisp finish.

The next thing is the blade’s design. This blade has laser-cut steel for maximum cut efficiency and precision. The ultra-thin kerf, High Alternative Top Bevel, and 2-degree hook angle offer great support, effortless and splinter-free cuts.

This product is designed for extended use. Its blade surface is coated with the Perm-Shield nonstick to reduce friction, protect it from corrosion, minimize heat build-up, and consequently prolong the blade’s life.

Furthermore, this blade is made with superior quality hi-density construction for increased durability. We were pleased with the overall performance of the saw and its durable design.

What We Liked

• Cuts smoothly and precisely
• Coated to prolong the blade’s use, reduce friction, and resistance against corrosion
• Reduces vibration and noise to the minimum via the laser-cut stabilizer
• Has ATB teeth for better cuts and finishes

What We Didn’t Like

• Becomes blunt and ineffective after prolonged usage
• Slightly expensive

10. Overpeak 10-Inch 90-Teeth Table Saw Blade

We love this powerful blade for its professional finishing. Overpeak 10-Inch 90-teeth table saw blade is designed with a robust tungsten carbide that quintuples its cutting lifespan.

This saw blade is relatively thick and comes with a 90 teeth carbide tip, capable of crosscutting and ripping softwood with ease. The ATB teeth blade will make your cuts perfect and clean.

We didn’t experience any chipping while testing this saw on the hardwood. It left straight and polished cuts on our wood surfaces, even after using it for several hours for various cutting applications. However, we weren’t too impressed with the slow feed rate.

This saw blade is compatible with saw machines like miter saws, table saws, and circular saws as far as it fits the blade guard.

We were also satisfied with the low level of noise and vibration from this saw blade. It comes with six laser-cut expansion slots and laser-cut stabilizer vents to minimize noise and vibration.

What We Liked

• Comes with a rigid, sharp carbide tip for more precision
• Low noise and vibration
• Comes with an ATB 90 teeth for unique cuts
• Can be used with several saw machines
• Built to last due to its tough tungsten carbide

What We Didn’t Like

• Not suitable for cutting PVC
• Has a slow feed rate

Final Verdict

If you want the best job to be done, you will need the right tools for it. As evident in this review, using the best saw blade to cut MDF will not only improve the cutting quality and performance of your MDF material but ensures you do it quickly.

After testing all these saw blades, our team of experts was most impressed with the Freud D12100X 100 Tooth Diablo Ultra Fine Circular saw blade. Hence, making it our pick as the best saw blade for MDF.

This saw blade comes with multiple teeth that make cutting smooth and convenient. The blade also has superior construction, with its kerf design ensuring you have an effortless finish.

Are you interested in getting the best saw blade for cutting MDF? Click here to buy now!

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