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Plywood can be one of the most annoying materials to grapple with – but it is also one of the most universal materials in woodworking and in any home improvement project.
It is worth it to look into which saw blades are the most effective at cutting through plywood.
We make the argument that you can’t go wrong with a circular saw blade, and we have come up with a list of the best circular saw blades to work with.
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At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Plywood Circular Saw Blades
- OUR TOP PICK: Frued LU79R007
- RUNNER-UP: DeWalt DW3326
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Irwin 11820ZR
- BEST 4-1/2" CIRCULAR SAW BLADE FOR PLYWOOD: Porter-Cable 12057
- HONORABLE MENTION: DeWalt DW3324
Comparison Chart of the Best Circular Saw Blades for Plywood
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Best Budget Option  |
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What Size and Type of Blade Do I Need for Plywood?
Again, as mentioned, circular saw blades are really your best option for cutting any kind of plywood. But circular saw blades can vary widely when it comes to size. Generally speaking, the most common blade is about 7 ¼ inches in diameter. Smaller blades range between 5 3/8 inches and 6 1/2 inches.
Smaller blades usually can get the job done to the same level of quality, but may require multiple passes through the wood, which can up your chances of splintering or other damage.
Review of the Best Circular Saw Blades for Plywood
Here is a complete round up of all the best circular saw blades available on the market today:
Best Overall:
Freud LU79R007
PROS
CONS
Our Review
Wow! What can this blade not do? The Freud was far and above our front runner for top circular saw blade for a variety of reasons. It makes exceptionally smooth cuts, thanks to its ultra sharp carbide teeth and thin kerf. It also stays aligned easily.
If you are sick of dealing with burn marks and chip outs from your other circular saw blades, you can say goodbye to those issues forever once you start working with this Freud. Users report that as long as you are patient and take your time, you will end up with a perfect cut no matter what.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
This blade is so freaking impressive that it can really take a lackluster saw to the next level. That’s right – you can boost the power of a not so powerful saw just by using this blade. It is a miracle worker!
Runner-up:
DeWalt DW3326
PROS
CONS
Our Review
If you want to save time and get your projects done as fast as possible, this might be the best saw blade option for you. Multiple users report that this blade cuts extremely quickly, which not only makes the actual cutting process faster, but also means that if you are using a cordless circular saw, you will not need to pause as often.
You also do not need to worry about needing to switch this blade out regularly – it is tough and durable enough to last for years and years. It may, however, need to be sharpened once in a while if you expect this sort of prolonged use!
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
We were most impressed at the speed with which this blade can operate. Most blades that are able to cut as quickly as this one can also produce a lot of heat, but that is not the case with this DeWalt.
Best for the Money:
Irwin 11820ZR
PROS
CONS
Our Review
We know you are interested specifically in a saw blade for cutting plywood, but if you want to branch out to other materials, or at least have a blade in your back pocket that can handle other types of cuts, this is the one for you! This blade is particularly great when it comes to cutting sheet metal.
Regardless of whatever material you are cutting, this blade is an absolute beast. It is durable enough to make hundreds of cuts without wearing down. And it continues to cut smoothly and efficiently, without any kind of jagged edges.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
When you see the price tag on this model, you will probably think it must be some sort of scam, but we are happy to report that it is the real thing! You actually can get this high quality of a blade for such a low price.
Best 4 ½“ Circular Saw Blade for Plywood:
Porter-Cable 12057
PROS
CONS
Our Review
If you are looking for a blade that can make the finest, most accurate cuts, you should look no farther than this Porter Cable.
It has 120 super fine teeth, more teeth than any other circular saw blade reviewed on this list. Users also report that the cuts this blade makes are so smooth that you will not need to spend as much time sanding the cuts down afterwards, you can just move on to your next project.
Even though it is capable of making super fine cuts, do not assume that this blade is super fine and flimsy. It is tough and durable, and will not warp or bend sideways when you are cutting.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
You probably would not think of using a circular saw blade for something as precise as cabinet work, but multiple users report they were able to use this blade for exactly that purpose. No burning or skid marks, just even, beautiful, clean cuts!
Honorable Mention:
DeWalt DW3324
PROS
CONS
Our Review
This blade is nothing if not built to last! If you are sick and tired of needing to change out your circular saw blades every few months, you need to invest in this DeWalt and say goodbye forever to ordering replacement blades. This product is specially coated to reduce as much friction as possible when cutting, which will make it last longer.
The coating also prevents rust, which can be a safety hazard. While the blade’s teeth arrive already sharp, it is also a simple process to resharpen them if they ever do become dull, instead of needing to just buy a whole new blade.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
This product has a thicker body than some of the other circular saw blades we have reviewed on this list, which means it is both more durable and more likely to be effective with heavy duty cutting projects beyond just plywood.
Editor’s Pick:
SKIL 74501
PROS
CONS
Our Review
The most impressive aspect of this SKIL blade for us was the multiple features that make it so simple and convenient to use. Upon arrival, it is already sharpened to its maximum point, so you will not have to spend time honing the blade’s edges before you can get started with cutting.
It also comes with an included adapter so that it can conform to different kinds of saws that require blades of different sizes. And finally, it is a straightforward and simple process to install this blade onto your saw, so you can get going on your projects right away.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
Multiple users reported that this saw blade was the best option they were able to find for making cuts in plywood without creating a bunch of splinters. If you are sick of needing to sand down your edges, you should invest in this blade.
What Makes a Circular Saw Blade Great for Cutting Plywood?
The thing about cutting plywood is that it has a high tendency to splinter and tear as compared to other kinds of cutting materials, like aluminum, and even other kinds of thick wood.
The other thing about plywood is that it is often used for projects where splintering and tearing are a big deal because they mess up the overall aesthetic of the piece.
All of these qualities mean that you should invest in a blade specifically designed for cutting plywood, and out of all the options, circular saw blades are the best.
The circular motion of the blade provides a continuous cut, as opposed to the back and forth motion of other types of circular saw blades, which increase the possibility of friction and splintering.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying?
New to circular saw blades? Don't worry. Below are the key factors you need to consider when looking at blades.
Teeth Count
This is probably one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a circular saw blade. The greater the teeth, the more likely the cut is to be smooth and clean – but if these teeth are dull or poorly made, there is a greater possibility of tear out, so this quality cuts (get it?) both ways.
What Else a Blade Can Cut
Even if you intend on using your blade primarily to cut plywood, it is quite convenient to have a blade around that can tackle other projects if they happen to come out. Many blades on this list are also great for cutting sheet metal, vinyl, and other materials.
Durability
Any saw blade will wear down over time and the quality of its cuts will decrease. But, some blades will wear down a lot faster than others. Blades that wear down more quickly are a worse investment and can ultimately end up being a safety hazard as well.
Hold up, are you interested in other topics about circular saws? If so, these might be something to check out:
Conclusion
Circular saw blades are really are the gold standard when it comes to working with plywood. There are no other blades that will work better at preventing tear outs, splintering, smoking, and many of the other annoying aspects of cutting through plywood. We guarantee that you will have an excellent experience with any of the circular saw blades we have reviewed on our list.
People Also Ask
In case you have any remaining questions about circular saw blades and plywood, we hope to clear those up here:
What Is Plywood?
Plywood is so named because it is comprised of multiple layers (“plies”) of wood. There is no such thing as a plywood tree; plywood is many thin layers stacked on top of each other, which is how it splinters much more easily than other kinds of wood.
How Thick Is Plywood?
Like everything else, it can range depending on the manufacturer and the intended purpose. The standard thickness of plywood is about half an inch. Thinner sheets can be down to 1/8 inch and thicker sheets can be up to ¾ inch.
How To Cut Plywood With A Circular Saw
The key to using a circular saw to cut plywood without causing splintering is consistency. You should guide your saw steadily through the wood, maintaining a constant speed and not slowing down or speeding up.