June 17, 2023
Based on my experience, miter saw, table saw, circular saw blades and jigsaw blades are the most suitable saw blades for cutting laminate flooring. Not long ago, my best friend asked me about which table saw blade is best for cutting laminates. As someone who has worked in woodworking for a long time, I obligingly provided him some tips on how to zero in on the best table saw blades for cutting laminate.
Laminate is different from plywood. Plywood, for example, is composed of wood sheets called veneers. On the other hand, laminated wood is derived from melamine resin, high-density fiber, or wood particles. Moreover, laminate comes with a protective layer against wear and tear. This protective layer features aluminum oxide chips. So, when the saw blade cuts through the laminate, it may wear down rapidly.
Most Recommended Miter Saw, Table Saw, Circular Saw & Jigsaw Blades for Cutting Laminate Flooring
If you want clean cuts on laminate without frequently replacing your saw blade, it will help find a saw blade with a thin kerf when cutting laminate. Furthermore, it should have diamond or carbide-tips for optimum cutting efficiency. If you’re not familiar with saw blades with thin kerf and excellent tips, you can check out the following most recommended saw blades for cutting laminate flooring:
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1) Freud D0760A Diablo
One excellent option when cutting laminate for flooring is the Freud D0760A Diablo. This saw blade is 7-1/4″ in diameter. This saw blade has been designed for producing clean cuts without chips on laminates, plywood, and hardwood. Hence, if you use it, you get assured of quality cuts with laminate for flooring.
You can use this saw blade on a miter and a table saws with a 5/8″ arbor. This model is capable of eight thousand RPM. Since it features high-density carbide tips, it can continuously cut without immediately heating up. Its kerf is around .059” thick. It sports a laser-cut technology that makes this saw blade very thin.
The Freud D0760A Diablo performs like the LU79R007, but it costs less. Thus, this saw blade will be a good option if you want to spend less on a quality saw blade. It is a perfect choice for professionals and DIYers likewise.
What We Like:
- Offers excellent cuts
- A bit affordable
- Laser-cut technology
- Thin kerf for precise cuts
What We Don’t Like:
- Might cause chipping if you run it at low RPM
2) Freud LU79R010
The Freud LU79R010 is another excellent option if you’re looking for the best saw blade for cutting laminate. It is ten inches in diameter and comes with around eighty teeth. It produces a very thin kerf of about .098″.
Moreover, it comes with a 5/8-inch arbor. Hence, you can use this with any circular and miter saws. You can expect a clean cut out of this saw blade because of its very thin kerf.
The LU79R010 also features slots that reduce vibrations. These slots prevent shifting or jumping when you cut. It also features carbide-tipped teeth that make this blade last for a long time. Besides, it comes with expansion slots to help reduce the buildup of heat.
Plus, it offers non-stick coating for protection against corrosion. This coating also prevents gumming and heating of teeth. The teeth are arranged in ATB design for reducing chipping and splinters.
What We Like:
- Offers clean and chip-free cuts
- Anti-vibration slots for better and more precise cuts.
What We Don’t Like:
- A bit expensive
3) Makita A-93681
Makita as a brand is a trusted one, and one of its offerings is the Makita A-93681. This saw blade is perfect for cutting laminates. It comes with eighty teeth. Plus, it measures ten-inch in diameter. Moreover, it is compatible with most saws, given its standard 5/8″ arbor.
You will notice that the teeth of this saw blade are fully hardened and carbide-tipped. The teeth have an ATB design for better stability and precision of cuts. Besides, this saw blade features a thin kerf. Hence, it is perfect for cutting laminates.
The Makita A-93681 produces a glossy finish due to its polished carbide tips. Besides, it offers a high threshold for heat. Plus, this saw blade is more affordable than other options. Yet, it doesn’t vary much from other top-quality saw blades.
What We Like:
- Offers clean finish
- Thin kerf for precise and thin cuts.
- Excellent quality
- Excellent for cross cutting
What We Don’t Like:
- It may burn maple and oak wood.
4) BOSCH DCB1072
Another brand that keeps on rolling out quality saw blades is Bosch. One of its saw blade models is the BOSCH DCB1072 which is a ten-inch saw blade in diameter. It also comes with seventy teeth that are perfect for cutting laminate flooring.
This saw blade also comes with the standard 5/8-inch arbor, which fits any miter saws or circular saws. It also has carbide tips, which means it will not quickly become dull.
Bosch DCB1072 comes with a very thin kerf, which allows you to save time and effort when cutting. The teeth feature a coating that reduces friction. Thus, it will not overheat quickly.
This saw blade is designed for optimum performance. Moreover, it resists deflection and bending. Besides, it is very much affordable.
What We Like:
- Perfect for cutting laminate for flooring.
- Offers chip-free cuts
- Allows for precision cutting
What We Don’t Like:
- It tends to dull faster
5) BOSCH T503
Another excellent option is the BOSCH T503. This one is a jigsaw blade set that comes with three pieces of saw blades. This set features two blades for hardwood and one blade for cutting laminate. You can use these blades for precision cutting on hardwood, softwood, and metals.
These jigsaw blades come with an aggressive pattern of teeth that lets them cuts through tough materials. You can use them for creating straight cuts and notching. The one for laminate comes with 20 TPI, but the two other saw blades come with 14 TPI.
However, these three jigsaw blades feature a T-shank that allows you to install them on any jigsaws with similar shank Types. These saw blades also come with bi-metal construction, allowing for a longer lifespan.
What We Like:
- Comes with three jigsaw blades
- Can be resharpened.
- Cut various materials
- Features a bi-metal construction
What We Don’t Like:
- May wear out quickly
6) DEWALT DWA3193PCD
If you are desirous of making clean cuts on laminate, you should check out the DEWALT DWA3193PCD. This saw blade is engineered for cutting fiber cement. Yet, you can also use it for cutting laminate for flooring.
The DEWALT DWA3193PCD is a 7-1/2″ saw blade that comes with a 5/8″ arbor. It features diamond-tipped teeth that allow for precision cuts. This saw blade gets more positive reviews on online platforms, indicating it is an excellent saw blade. You will also make this one of your favorite saw blades and a must-have one in your blade arsenal.
The DWA3193PCD also comes with a thin kerf that lets you cut through different materials with ease. Moreover, it features an excellent coating that reduces overheating. You should check out this saw blade if you want something reliable and efficient in cutting flooring laminate.
What We Like:
- Effective in cutting through thick workpieces
- Lightweight at 4.2 ounces.
- Affordable
- Offers thin kerf
What We Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t come with the necessary coating against corrosion
7) DeWalt DW3712H
Another offering from DEWALT is the DEWALT DW3712H. If you are using a jigsaw to cut through the laminate, you will find this set of blades excellent to use. This set comes with five pieces of jigsaw blades that are four inches long.
These blades are U-shank blades. They are easy to use and provide you with a comfortable cutting experience. Moreover, they are easy to replace while you work on your laminates. These blades are wrought in carbon steel. Hence, they are of top-notch quality.
Each saw blade comes with many sharp teeth that let you achieve direct and clean cuts. Moreover, these saw blades cut swiftly and smoothly. Each jigsaw blade is very light and almost weighs nothing at around 1.28 ounces. Yet, these blades can tackle thick wood. They are also perfect for cutting through laminates.
What We Like:
- Comes with five jigsaw blades
- Easy and convenient to use
- Extra sharp
- Feature multiple teeth for quick cutting
- Not expensive
What We Don’t Like:
- May tend to overheat
- Doesn’t have a noise cancellation feature
Factors You Should Consider When Choosing Saw Blades for Cutting Laminate Flooring
Aside from knowing the most recommended saw blades for cutting laminate flooring, it will also help if you are familiar with the following essential factors to consider when choosing a saw blade for cutting laminate flooring:
Type
One factor you need to consider when cutting laminate flooring is the type of saw you would use. You can use, for example, a circular saw, miter saw, rotary tool, or a jigsaw. Each type of saw comes with a different design. Of course, the circular saw and miter saw may require the same types of saw blades. Nevertheless, the jigsaw and the rotary tools have different kinds of blades.
The miter saws, for example, can be stationary, allowing you to cut straight and angles with ease and accuracy. This tool uses a round blade that comes with eighty to one-hundred teeth. Thus, it can make smooth and fine cuts.
The jigsaw, however, uses reciprocating blades that are vertically positioned. It is perfect for cutting rounded shapes and curves. Nevertheless, you will find it hard to make straight cuts using the jigsaw. Moreover, if you want to cut laminate using the jigsaw, it will be best to invest in blades with carbide tips to ensure that the saw blade’s teeth will not wear out quickly.
The circular saws, on the other hand, uses almost the same cutting blades. It is portable. So, instead of carrying the material to the circular saw, you can transport the circular saw to the stationary material. It is also best used with a track or guide to produce accurate cuts.
You can also use the rotary tool on laminate. It is perfect for making small but precise cuts. Yet, you can’t use it extensively for heavy cutting of laminate.
Compatibility
Before zeroing in on a saw blade, it will help to consider the compatibility of the saw blade with your tool. For instance, you should check if the arbor hole is suited to the device. Check likewise if the saw blade is designed for the specific purpose you want to use it.
In this instance, you want to cut flooring laminate. Hence, you need to check if the saw blade is perfect for such a cutting job. Compatibility is crucial if you want your work safe and efficient. Moreover, checking the compatibility of the saw blade before buying the saw blade model saves you time and effort.
TPI and Number of Teeth
When it comes to cutting flooring laminate, you also need to consider the saw blade’s teeth. Blades come in different and makeup. So, you need to select the appropriate number of teeth and makeup of your saw blade.
It will help, for example, to choose diamond-tipped blades made for cutting fiber cement and laminate. These saw blades often come with fewer teeth to lessen dust billow.
But if you would use a circular or miter saw, you can also go for saw blades with 80 to 100 teeth for precision cutting. You will get finer cut with saw blades with a higher tooth count. Yet, the motor will also work strenuously when powering these saw blades with higher TPI.
Kerf and Blade Diameter
If you opt to use the circular saw or miter saw to cut flooring laminate, you will need to consider the saw blade’s diameter. Saw blades, of course, come in various diameters ranging from 6.5″ to 12″ (circular saws) and 10″ to 12″ (miter saws). With a jigsaw, however, you won’t need to bother about diameter.
The other consideration is the saw blade kerf. The blade kerf is the thickness of the blade or the width of the cut of the blade. When cutting flooring laminate, it will be best to go for a thin kerf blade. Wide kerf blades might produce chips that are not easy to hide.
Arbor Size
The saw blades need support to spin. This support or shaft is the mandrel or spindle. This shaft protrudes from the saw assembly, and we call it arbor. The arbor should fit the arbor size of the shaft’s diameter. Otherwise, if the arbor hole and the shaft don’t fit well, you can never use the saw effectively.
The arbor hole’s size usually changes depending on the blade’s size. The three-inch saw blades, for example, have 1/4″ arbor holes while the 6″ saw blades come with 1/2″ arbor. On the other hand, the 7-1/2″ comes with a 5/8″ arbor hole, while the 12″ and 16″ come with an arbor size of one inch.
Frequently Asked Questions about Laminate Flooring Blade
Aside from knowing your best options of saw blades for cutting laminates and the essential factors to consider, it will also help if you are familiar with the FAQs about cutting laminates, for these questions might also be the questions playing on in your mind:
Would I Need Specialized Saw Blades for Cutting Laminate?
Well, since the laminates feature aluminum oxide chips, you need to choose a saw blade that can withstand the effects of the aluminum oxide chips. It will be best to use thin kerf blades with carbide tips. You can also go for those with diamond teeth to speed up your work.
Is It Possible to Use a Reciprocating Saw for Cutting Flooring Laminate?
You may find it hard to cut cleanly flooring laminate using the reciprocating saw like Sawzall. The reciprocating saw exhibits a movement that is not suited for making clean cuts on flooring laminates.
Nevertheless, if you don’t have other tools aside from the reciprocating saw, go for blades with more teeth. Moreover, ensure that the board gets firmly clamped. Besides, you should cut slowly and carefully to get the best cuts possible.
Can I Use a Dremel Tool for Cutting Laminate Flooring?
Yes, you can use a Dremel tool for cutting laminates. Besides, you can cut with precision using this tool. Yet, you may encounter an issue with the board’s thickness. The Dremel tool can handle a 1/2″ thick board.
Can I Cut Laminate without Using Saw?
If you happen to be bereft of any saw at your disposal, you might as well find a utility knife. Make sure that this knife is sharp. To penetrate the laminate, you need to exert significant pressure on each cut. You need to make several passes to cut the laminate material completely.
Conclusion
After completing a flooring laminate project, you will indeed feel exhausted. Yet, as a DIYer, you will feel a sense of fulfillment for having accomplished something on your own. However, the cutting process of flooring laminate could become easy if you got the right cutting tool and saw blade. Besides, you can minimize wastage and chipping of the edges of the laminates if you use the right saw blade.
The laminates, as mentioned above, come with a distinct characteristic of having aluminum oxide chips. These chips can wear down the edges of the saw blade rapidly. The aluminum oxide chips, of course, are used for making coarse sandpaper. So, you can now imagine how rough and tough these materials are to cut using the ordinary saw blade. Hence, you need to zero in on the right saw blade for cutting flooring laminates.
Jason is a 40-year-old woodworker, carpenter and author who have been involved in the woodworking and woodcraft industry with 17 years of experience. He is expertise in technical aspects, woodcraft and furniture building projects.