What Saw Blade is Best for Cutting Wood

When it comes to woodworking, the quality of your cut often depends more on the saw blade than the saw itself. The best saw blade for cutting wood depends on the type of wood you're working with, the cut you need, and the finish you want. Over the years in manufacturing and testing blades, I've found that matching blade type to the task makes a huge difference in both speed and quality.

Factors That Matter

Before choosing a blade, consider:

Type of Cut – Ripping (with the grain) vs. crosscutting (across the grain).

Tooth Count (TPI) – Fewer teeth for faster cuts; more teeth for smoother edges.

Tooth Shape – ATB (Alternate Top Bevel) for clean crosscuts, FTG (Flat Top Grind) for fast rips, and Combination teeth for mixed cuts.

Blade Diameter & Kerf – Match your saw's capacity; thin-kerf blades waste less material and require less power.

Best Saw Blades for Different Wood Cutting Tasks

Ripping Solid Wood

24–30 Tooth Rip Blade (FTG) – Cuts quickly along the grain, ideal for framing lumber and hardwood planks.

Crosscutting Hardwood & Softwood

60–80 Tooth ATB Blade – Produces a clean, smooth finish with minimal tear-out.

Cutting Plywood & Veneers

80+ Tooth ATB or TCG Blade – Reduces splintering and chipping on thin or delicate surfaces.

All-Purpose Workshop Use

40–50 Tooth Combination Blade – Suitable for both ripping and crosscutting when you don't want to change blades frequently.

Industrial Applications

From our customers in furniture manufacturing to construction contractors, here's where each blade excels:

Furniture & Cabinet Making – Fine-tooth crosscut blades for precision.

Construction – Rip or combination blades for faster work.

Custom Woodworking – Specialized blades matched to exotic hardwoods or decorative veneers.

Pro Tips from a Manufacturer

Keep blades clean — resin build-up affects performance.

Use the right blade for the right job — it extends blade life and improves results.

Don't push the saw too fast — let the teeth do the work.

Invest in quality carbide-tipped blades for longer service life.

Final Answer

The best saw blade for cutting wood depends on your material and cutting style:

Rip cuts → 24–30 tooth FTG blade.

Crosscuts → 60–80 tooth ATB blade.

Plywood/veneers → 80+ tooth fine crosscut or TCG blade.

All-purpose → 40–50 tooth combination blade.

Choosing the right blade ensures cleaner cuts, less waste, and greater efficiency — whether you’re working in a small workshop or a high-volume production line.