Circular Saw blade choice

[Larry David]

I need to cut some MDF and Particle Board sheets that I already have. I am going to use the material to make some inexpensive garage shelving but I want the cuts to look decent. What blade for my circular saw (number of teeth and brand) would give me the best cut? Thank you.

[Knottscott]

24-40T should do it. Freud, Ridgid, Bosch are all reasonable choices that are readily available in the $10-$15 range.

[Larry David]

thanks Dustmight

[JR]

I am in the middle of a project for which I have to cut hardwood plywood. I bought a fresh, modestly priced 60-tooth blade (Oldham). It has worked out great.

I should stress that I am using this simple cutting guide. Because it's set up for my CS, using the blade that's on it, it provides functionality similar to a Zero Clearance Throat Plate on a table saw. There was absolutely no tearout on the cuts I've made so far. It also makes setup for each cut a breeze. The simplicity vs effectiveness ratio of this jig is outstanding.



HTH,
JR

[SARGE..g-47]

I've used the 60 T Oldham J.R. mentioned. It actually cuts MDF and ply fine. I've used it on a ton of junk projects and the first one I retired finally after it chipped a tooth on a nail. I still acturally use it for cutting up scraps, etc.

BTW.. that chipped tooth came on the 6th nail I had encountered over several years. It cut through the first five without a problem. Did throw a few sparks, but just slowed the feed rate. ha. ha... ha..ha..ha..

Not a bad blade when I paid $6.95 each for two. I think they are $12-$13 now with inflation. Not a bad blade at all.

[drumpriest]

I use a 40T Freud that can be had from the BORG for about 15$. Very nice cuts, just about as nice as my TS w/ the wood worker II on veneer stock. It's about as nice as I could as from a CS.

I typically use it to rough cut the ply and make finish cuts on the TS w/ zero clearance insert. I rarely use the CS for finish grade cuts, but I certainly don't want much chip out even when roughing out sheets, or you may loose too much veneer in a chip out. I've had chip outs from veneer that are better than 2" long.

[chopnhack]

Same here as Drumpriest
Freud TKR303 7-1/4-Inch 40-Tooth Thin Kerf Finishing Blade got it from Amazon some time ago and it cuts veneer ply really well, esp with jig like JR mentioned.

[Pappy]

Ditto on the TX303. Ultra thin kerf so less waste and excellent cut quality!

[Larry David]

Thanks for all the replies. I knew I could get some good advice here.