As a woodworker, there are some tools you cannot do without. There is a myriad of tools that can make work easier, faster, and give you more precision. They include saws, and with one that has a precise and efficient blade, there is nothing to stop you from getting the work done satisfactorily.
If you desire to trim your workpieces to precision, you probably should look for the best miter saw blade for trim. It should get you all the desires in your woodworking projects, and here, we have reviewed five of the best that we feel you should own.
Read through the list of our editor’s choice, budget, and best quality picks. We have also outlined their specifications, features and benefits, pros and cons, and a buying guide to help you out.
Our Top Pick for The Miter Saw Blade for Trim
Our editor’s pick for the best miter saw blade for trim is the Freud LU85R012: 12" Carbide Tipped Saw.... The 12-inch blade has 96 teeth, an ATB grind, Hi-Density carbide crosscutting blend, and requires no stabilizers. These features are more than one would be looking for in their search for a blade that can do their trimming work without a hitch.
Miter Saw Blade for Trim Reviews
1. Editor’s Pick: Freud 12" x 96T Ultimate Cut-Off Blade (LU85R012)
Specifications
Key Features
Features & Benefits
- The Freud ultimate crosscut blade leaves a flawless, glass-smooth finish. This ensures no sanding is required.
- It also boasts of a Premium TiCo Hi-Density carbide crosscutting blend which ensures it gives maximum performance. It also ensures the blade can offer longer cutting life and durability.
- It is also designed with a unique side grind which polishes the workpiece being worked on ensuring a superior finish.
- The blade is also available in thin and full kerf which makes it ideal for trim work as well as other crosscutting needs.
- Designed with a Perma-SHIELD non-stick coating, the blade has reduced drag, is protected from heat build-up, and is safe from gumming and corrosion.
- The Freud blade is also designed with laser cut anti-vibration slots that ensure reduced chatter while giving a flawless finish.
- The blade also features an anti-kickback design which helps to prevent binding.
Pros
- Flawless, glass-smooth finish results.
- Durability
- Does not require stabilizers.
- Kickback reducing design.
Cons
- Unreliable customer service.
- Tends to burn maple.
2. Budget Pick: TOMAX 12 Inch 60 Tooth Industrial Level Steel and Ferrous Metal Saw Blade with 5/8 Inch DMK Arbor
Specifications
Key Features
Features & Benefits
- The Tomax miter saw blade features construction grade carbide teeth which means they can provide maximum resistance for longer life.
- The blade is also made of industrial quality which makes the blade ideal for cutting through steel and ferrous metals.
- It also features an electrophoretic coating which helps to reduce rusting and corrosion if the blade is left out for long or exposed to rusting agents.
- The Laser-Cut Anti-Vibration slots are designed into the blade to reduce vibrations and sideways movements while also extending the blade's life and giving a splinter-free and crisp flawless finish.
- The anti-kickback shoulder designed onto the blade helps to prevent binding.
Pros
- Fits both miter and table saws.
- Cuts all types of wood.
- Extra-long life.
Cons
- May burn the materials if run past the recommended RPMs.
3. Upgrade pick: DEWALT DW3232PT Precision Trim 12-Inch 80 Tooth ATB Crosscutting Saw Blade
Specifications
Key Features
Features & Benefits
- The DeWalt precision trim ATB crosscutting saw blade boasts of a premium micro-grain carbide housing. This ensures it can produce ultra-sharp cutting edges that reduce splintering dramatically.
- The blade is also designed with exclusive dampening slots that help to reduce vibration while also enhancing cutting accuracy.
- Also, the blade’s precision-balanced and laser-cut body ensures it offers exceptionally accurate cuts.
- DeWalt has also designed this blade with an anti-stick coating which reduces drag and ensures the blade is protected from heat build-up, gumming and corrosion.
Pros
- Tough coat finish.
- Easy to use.
- Considerably quiet with reduced vibrations.
- Sturdy and durable
- Increased accuracy and precise finish.
- Can be used to cut hardwood, chipboard, softwood, and plywood.
Cons
- May have run out often.
4. OVERPEAK 10-Inch Saw Blade
Specifications
Key Features
Features & Benefits
- The OVERPEAK blade is designed conveniently with 4 Laser-cut stabilizers and 6 Laser-cut expansion slots. The features help to trap noise and vibrations which ensures low noise is produced as well as a reduction in blade warping.
- The slots also reduce sideways movements in the cut which helps to extend the blade life while also offering a crisp and splinter-free flawless finish.
- The user of the blade is also guaranteed of a true cut on the 5/8” arbor with diamond knockout thanks to the laser-cut blade plate it features.
- It is also designed with a Non-stick Perma-Shield coating which helps to reduce and save the blade from gumming, corrosion and rusting.
- The blade also boasts of a tougher carbide which guarantees a long-lasting precision.
- The teeth on the blade are alternate-top bevel teeth (ATB). This means the user can enjoy smoother and effective cutting.
Pros
- Ultra-fine finishing.
- Tough tungsten carbide construction for increased durability.
- Cutting stability
- Quiet operation
- Fit for general usage in circular, table, and miter saws and for ripping wood, plywood, laminate, and crosscuts wood.
Cons
- Blade dulls quickly and can burn the wood quickly during cutting.
- Mostly suitable for softwood only.
5. OVERPEAK 6-1/2-Inch Miter Saw Blade, 2-Pack
Specifications
Key Features
Feature & Benefits
- The two OVERPEAK blades present tougher sharp carbide which guarantees a long-lasting precision from each. The tungsten carbide also ensures the blades give a 5x longer lifespan compared to other blades.
- Also, they both have 6-1/2-inch alternate-top bevel teeth (ATB). The teeth guarantee that the user can enjoy smoother, straighter, and effective trimming or cutting.
- The blades also have thin kerfs that ensure a fast and smooth cutting action while keeping the waste at a minimum.
- Low noise, reduced vibration and cutting stability. These are features enhanced by the 4 Laser cut expansion slots. The slots trap noise and vibration while working and help to keep the blades cool while also reducing blade warping.
- The blades have laser-cut blade plates for true cuts at 4/5” arbors with diamond knockouts.
- Both blades have Non-Stick Perma-Shield coating protecting them from gumming, corrosion, and rusting.
Pros
- Designed for both soft and hardwoods.
- Comes as a 2-pack package of blades
- Tough coat finish.
- Easy to use.
- Considerably quiet with low vibration.
- Durability
Cons
- Keep leaving colored patches on workpieces.
- The blades dull faster.
Buying Guide
For every saw blade one buys, the wish is to get one that mimics a hot knife cutting through butter. A woodworker’s dream is to get such a blade that will guarantee them the much-needed precision and efficiency in cutting plywood, laminate, ripping wood, and crosscuts wood. The ideal miter saw blade for trimming purposes should also meet the user’s needs without compromising the quality of work.
What is a Saw Blade?
A saw blade is the part of a saw used for cutting, ripping, trimming, slicing, and scrapping through materials. For the blade to work efficiently, it must have a teeth arrangement matching the application as well as be made of a material harder than what it is cutting. Most saw blades are made from such tough materials like ceramic, steel, iron, copper, and bronze.
How to Select the best miter saw blade for trim work
The more efficiency you want from your miter saw, the better the blade you should look for. The process of getting the right one may be daunting, but it can pay off if due diligence is done. Consider the following tips to get the right blade for your saw.
Type of Blade
The first question you should ask yourself is what blade type you are looking for. There are three main types, that is, rip blades, crosscut blades, and combination blades. The first two are for ripping and crosscutting respectively while the third option combines both ripping and cutting.
Blade Sizes
The size of the blade should also be among the topmost concerns as it can help to avoid accidents and also get the job done right. The sizes, in this case, are varied with each blade type having its specific sizing. However, most blades range anywhere between 5" to 12" and the user grabs what fits their specific needs.
The most crucial thing to note here is that certain sizes are meant to be used on particular types of saws and, therefore, cannot fit into every saw that you have. The best recommendation would be to consult the user's manual on the saw that you have for the manufacturer's recommendations. For example, you should never try to fit or use a Freud blade on a DeWalt Miter Saw to avoid accidents.
Kerf Width, Hook Angle, and Number of Teeth
For each blade, these features are specific. The size of the kerf width, the hook angle, as well as how many teeth your blade should have are dependent on the type of saw that you have. You should, therefore, consult the user manual again to ensure you get the right blade for the right saw.
Construction Material
The housing material, in general, determines the durability of the entire blade. If you want a blade that can serve you for longer, a carbide, steel, or titanium one would be the best option.
OUR TOP PICKS
How to Replace the best saw blade for trim
If you have noted excessive burn marks or chipping on your workpieces, you do not need to be told what to do. It should be the right time to replace your miter saw blade. You should not wait until your workpieces are completely defaced and then start running from one power tool’s shop to the other.
Changing the blade on your miter saw can be fairly fast and easy. You will only need a couple of tools and several minutes to get done. To replace your miter saw blade, follow the followings steps:
Remove the Blade Guard
The very first step is removing the miter saw from the power outlet. As you unplug it, also ensure that its power trigger or lock switch is on the OFF position. After you are certain, electric dangers are well-taken care off, loosen the screw holding the blade guard in place and with your hand, get the blade out of the way.
Press the spindle lock on the miter saw to ensure the blade is secure. Check the lock either on the rear or front part of the saw housing and ensure that it is secure. Before you progress, ensure the blade is also locked into place.
Remove the Blade
From your toolset, grab a wrench and use it to turn the bolt that fastens the blade to the saw. Turning it clockwise loosens it. After the screw is off, remove the out washer with your fingers or any other simple tool that can help but leave the inner washer in place.
Replace the Blade
If you have the manufacturer’s manual, make sure to consult it before replacing the blade with a new one. This is because the instructions may vary considerably from one blade to the other.
Using a washcloth, wipe the droplets of oil that may be visible on the outer and inner washers. The oil helps to keep the saw blade lubricated, and before replacing it, you should apply newer or fresh oil. This is one of the simplest ways of keeping the saw in proper and working condition.
Installing the blade should be done in the right way with the teeth facing down as doing it otherwise may result in serious injuries. After you have installed the replacement, put the outer washer back to its place and ensure it sits comfortably with your hand. Fasten the bolt back and tighten it using your wrench in a counterclockwise direction.
Before replacing the blade guard, ensure that the blade is tight enough to avoid accidents. Re-attach the guard and fasten the screw with a screwdriver.
What is the Best Miter Saw Blade for Trim: Our Pick
We feel that the Freud LU85R012: 12" Carbide Tipped Saw... is our editor’s choice. It is a 12-inch, 96 teeth, and 1-inch blade. With a 0.116-inch kerf and 10o hook angle, the blade promises precision and maximum performance.
Our budget pick goes to the TOMAX 12 Inch 60 Tooth Industrial Level... With 60 teeth, 1-inch arbor, and 12-inch diameter, the blade is ideal for cutting through ferrous metal and steel.
If your budget is not strained, you can grab our upgrade pick, the DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw Blade,... With a 1-inch arbor, 12-inch diameter, and 80 ATB teeth, DeWalt has made a blade that promises the most accurate cuts. With a premium micro-grain carbide, the blade is worth the price tag.
References & Further Reading
- 12" Ultimate Cut‑Off Blade (LU85R012) – Freud Tools
- TOMAX 12-Inch 60 Tooth ATB Fine Finish Saw Blade with 1-Inch Arbor – Tomax Tools
- Large Diameter Precious Blades – DeWalt
- Types of blades and blade cuts – Wikipedia
- How to Replace a Miter Saw Blade – Do It Yourself
- FAQ: Miter Saw Blade Replacement – RYOBI Tools USA (YouTube)
- Selecting the Proper Saw Blade – The Spruce Crafts
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API