I'm currently building a cabinet for a dishwasher insert, and while my cuts have been okay for hidden pieces, I really want to ensure that the exposed edges look nice and clean. What's the best blade to use on a circular saw for making fine finish cuts on cabinet plywood?
3 Answers
Don't forget to tape the cut line! I use standard painter's tape, and it works wonders. Just make sure you really press it down to bond it with the wood fibers. This way, it holds everything in place during the cut. While a blade with more teeth is definitely beneficial, I've managed clean cuts using a 24-tooth blade with this technique. Just be gentle when removing the tape afterward so you don't ruin the veneer.
To get cleaner cuts, a blade with more teeth is key. I usually go for a 72-tooth 6.5" blade. It's usually sufficient for cabinet plywood. If the plywood has any laminate or a delicate surface, taping down the cut line helps as well. Just remember to make a shallow cut first for the best finish!
Great tip about the shallow cut! I'll give that a try next time.
For best results, use high tooth count crosscut blades. I had great luck with an 80T Diablo blade on my table saw for veneered plywood projects, which you can snag at Home Depot for around $50. For cuts with my circular saw, I've used other Diablo blades with good results too. Look for blades with a high tooth count and alternate bevel teeth for the cleanest cuts. It really does help!
Good to know, I’ll keep an eye out for more teeth on my next blade!
Thanks for the tip! Taping really makes a difference.