What blade should I try on my DeWalt saw?

For solid poplar ripped along the grain, a thin-kerf 24-tooth or 30-tooth rip blade is worth considering on a compact saw. It takes less effort than a higher-tooth blade in many cases. Freud, Diablo, and CMT all have options in that general category, but check the exact blade specs and your saw manual before buying.

For plywood, a sharp 40-tooth combination blade can give a cleaner edge. If you switch blades often, that may be more convenient than using a dedicated rip blade for every cut.

If a new blade is struggling with 3/4-inch pine, I’d check the saw setup before spending more money. Make sure the blade is installed in the right direction, the fence is parallel to the blade, and the riving knife is aligned. Feed the board steadily without forcing it, and stop if it starts binding or burning.

Tooth count alone doesn’t explain every rough cut. The blade type, alignment, feed rate, and how the wood is supported can all matter.

A 40-tooth blade can be a useful middle ground for plywood and general cuts, but not every 40-tooth blade is designed the same way. Check whether yours is meant for ripping, crosscutting, or general use, and whether it’s sharp and suitable for your saw.

If you want one blade to leave installed, a decent combination blade is a practical choice. If most of your work is ripping solid boards, a dedicated thin-kerf rip blade may cut more easily, with a separate blade for cleaner plywood or crosscuts.