Best Jigsaw Blade For Plywood. Jigsaw plywood blade

Best Jigsaw Blade For Plywood

Imagine effortlessly slicing through plywood with clean, precise cuts, bringing your woodworking project to life with a professional finish. The secret to achieving this lies in choosing the right jigsaw blade for the job. The importance of selecting the perfect blade for cutting plywood cannot be emphasized enough, as it directly impacts the quality and accuracy of your cuts and the overall success of your project.

In this engaging blog post, I will guide you through the process of finding the best jigsaw blade tailored for cutting plywood. Instead of delving into the cutting process itself (I explained the process of cutting plywood with a jigsaw in my previous blog post), my FOCUS will be on the unique characteristics and features of the blades.

Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to make an informed decision when it’s time to purchase the ideal blade for your plywood cutting needs. So, let’s dive in and unlock the potential of your woodworking projects with the perfect jigsaw blade.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Blade for Plywood

Plywood Thickness

The thickness of the plywood you are working with is an important factor to consider when choosing a jigsaw blade. Thicker plywood requires a longer blade to ensure that the entire depth of the material is cut.

For plywood up to 3/4 inch thick, a blade with a cutting length of at least 3 inches is recommended. For thicker plywood, choose a blade with a longer cutting length to accommodate the increased thickness.

Desired Cut Quality (clean, fast, or both)

The quality of the cut you want to achieve will also influence your blade selection. If you prioritize clean, tear-free cuts, choose a blade with a high TPI and a tooth design specifically meant for clean cutting, such as reverse or ground teeth.

If you need faster cuts, a lower TPI blade with a more aggressive tooth design like wavy set or side set teeth may be more suitable. Keep in mind that while some blades may excel in one aspect, such as speed or cleanliness, they may not perform as well in the other. It’s essential to prioritize your desired cut quality when selecting a blade for plywood.

Cutting Direction (straight or curved)

The type of cuts you plan to make with your jigsaw – straight or curved – should also be taken into account when choosing a jigsaw blade for plywood.

For straight cuts, a thicker and longer blade with a higher TPI is generally preferred, as it offers stability and reduces the chances of the blade bending or wandering during the cut.

For curved or intricate cuts, a thinner and more flexible blade with a lower TPI is recommended. This type of blade allows for better maneuverability and control while navigating curves and tight corners. However, keep in mind that with a lower TPI, the cut may not be as clean, so finding a balance between TPI and blade flexibility is crucial for achieving the desired result in curved cuts.

Top Jigsaw Blade Recommendations for Cutting Plywood

Recommended blade #1 – Bosch T308B

The Bosch T308B is designed for extra-fine straight cuts in hard and soft woods, plywood, laminated particle board, and MDF. This high carbon steel blade is perfect for making clean, precise cuts in plywood with minimal tear-out, providing excellent results for both professional and DIY projects.

12 Teeth Per Inch (TPI) tooth profile for extra-clean cuts
High carbon steel blade material for durability and long life
4-1/2 inch overall length, 3-1/2 inch usable length
T-shank type for compatibility with a wide range of jigsaw brands
Ideal for cutting wood, laminated particleboard, and MDF
Provides precise, clean cuts on both the top and bottom of the wood
Works well on hardwoods and pre-treated woods
Reduces tear-out in plywood, especially when cutting veneer
Users report excellent performance and control, even on intricate projects
May not be the best choice for high-speed cutting or longer rips
Some users wish for a smaller version for more detailed work
A higher price point compared to some other blades, but the quality may justify the cost

Recommended blade #2 – Bosch T101AO

The Bosch T101AO jigsaw blade is designed for clean, curved cuts in softwood, hardwood, plywood, laminates, and even plastics. Made from high carbon steel, this blade offers precision cutting with minimal tear-out and is perfect for projects that require intricate cuts or detailed shapes.

20 Teeth Per Inch (TPI) tooth profile for clean cuts
High carbon steel blade material for durability and long life
3-1/4 inch overall length, 2-1/4 inch usable length
T-shank type for compatibility with a wide range of jigsaw brands
Ideal for cutting softwood, hardwood, plywood, laminates, and plastics
Designed for clean, curved cuts with minimal tear-out
High TPI count ensures smooth and clean cutting edges
Suitable for a variety of materials, including plywood and laminates
Offers good control and precision for intricate and detailed cuts
Not the best choice for straight cuts or high-speed cutting
May not last as long as some other blades when cutting harder materials
Some users may find the blade to be too flexible for certain applications

Recommended blade #3 – Amazon Basics Assorted T-Shank Jigsaw Blades Set DS-JMD-JIG50T

The Amazon Basics Assorted T-Shank Jigsaw Blades Set DS-JMD-JIG50T is a 50-piece set designed for versatile, multi-purpose cutting jobs. These blades are made from high-speed steel (HSS) and chrome-vanadium steel (CRV) for long-lasting durability and performance. Compatible with most jigsaw brands, this set is perfect for those looking for a variety of cutting options at an affordable price.

50-piece set of T-shank jigsaw blades for versatile cutting applications
Durable HSS and CRV construction for long-lasting performance
T-shank design for enhanced grip and stability
Universally compatible with most jigsaw brands
Comes in a handy Velcro pouch for easy storage and organization
An affordable option with a wide variety of blade types for different cutting needs
Durable materials provide good wear tolerance and longevity
Compatible with most jigsaw brands, making it a versatile choice
Good performance when compared to other budget-friendly blade options
May not perform as well as some premium blades in terms of cut quality and tear-out
Some users have reported that blades can bend or break more easily than higher-end alternatives
The provided case may not be of the highest quality

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Teeth Do You Need for a Plywood Blade?

The number of teeth needed for a plywood blade depends on the desired cut quality and the thickness of the plywood. In general, a higher teeth per inch (TPI) count is recommended for cutting plywood to achieve cleaner and smoother cuts. For most plywood cutting applications, a jigsaw blade with a TPI range of 10 to 20 is suitable.

For thinner plywood (1/4 inch or less), a blade with a higher TPI (around 20) is ideal to minimize tear-out and ensure a clean finish. For thicker plywood (1/2 inch or more), a blade with a lower TPI (around 10-14) can still provide clean cuts while being more efficient.

Keep in mind that the type of blade and its tooth design also play significant roles in achieving clean cuts in plywood. Therefore, it’s essential to consider all factors when choosing the right blade for your project.

Conclusion

Selecting the right jigsaw blade for cutting plywood is crucial to achieving clean, precise cuts and preventing damage to the material. The right blade can make a significant difference in the quality of your work and overall satisfaction with your project.

I encourage you to consider the factors and blade features discussed in this article, such as TPI, tooth design, blade material, and length, when selecting a blade for cutting plywood. The recommended blades I’ve provided, Bosch T308B, Bosch T101AO, and Amazon Basics Assorted T-Shank Jigsaw Blades Set DS-JMD-JIG50T, are excellent starting points to help you find the perfect blade for your specific needs.

I invite you to share your experiences and recommendations with jigsaw blades for cutting plywood in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев section below. Your input can be invaluable to others looking to find the perfect blade for their projects. Let’s help each other achieve the best results possible with our woodworking endeavors.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

My name is Arron. I am a DIY enthusiast. I love working on my home improvement projects. My lovely wife Sara says it has become my obsession (her words, not mine).

I love testing the latest power tools and gadgets from the top brands. At one point I realized that I should start writing down my opinions about items I have tested or am planning to buy (or suggest you refrain from buying).

Bosch T-Shank Clean Cutting Jigsaw Blades for Wood. 3 1/4-in L x 3/64-in T. 20-TPI. High-Carbon Steel. 5 Per Pack

This item is not currently available for immediate purchase, but can be ordered by visiting the selected store.

◊ Information regarding the delivery method for your purchase:

Parcel shipping: Most orders will ship next business day. Some orders may take up to 7-14 days (where inventory is not available in store). Delivery time may vary due to factors beyond our control. You will receive an email when your order has shipped.

Bosch T-Shank Clean Cutting Jigsaw Blades for Wood. 3 1/4-in L x 3/64-in T. 20-TPI. High-Carbon Steel. 5 Per Pack

Frequently bought together

How to Cut Plywood with a Jigsaw Without Splintering

Handyman’s World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

In this article, we will talk about how to use a jigsaw to cut plywood. We’ll cover everything you need to know, and we will especially make sure that the process you learn today will help you accomplish the task without the sheet of plywood splintering.

Is a Jigsaw the Best Tool for Cutting Plywood?

The reason why this question is important to answer is not necessarily because a jigsaw is not a good tool or the right type of saw to use for cutting plywood, but because plywood is known to splinter whenever it is cut. Generally speaking, if you have the right blade and operate the saw at the right speed, the jigsaw is as good a tool as any other to use for this task.

That said, to be fair, a jigsaw is more likely to cause splintering when sawing plywood because of the reciprocating movement of the blade, that Rapid up and down motion. For this reason, many people recommend using a circular saw instead. They do so because with that type of saw, the blade only moves in one direction.

If the blade only moves in one direction, such as with a table saw, a handheld circular saw, or a miter saw, splinters are less likely to occur, and if they do, they won’t be too severe. However, if a jigsaw is the only type of saw you have at your disposal, you can absolutely use it to cut plywood, but you need to be very careful and you need to follow the steps outlined below.

How to Cut Plywood with a Jigsaw

Keep in mind that this is not exactly going to be a step-by-step kind of guide (although that will be an element present), but more of a guide focusing on how to prevent splintering from occurring when sawing plywood with a jigsaw.

Use the Right Jigsaw Blade

Any expert carpenter who knows a thing or two will recommend that a reverse tooth blade be used for this purpose. This type of blade may still cause minimal splintering, but it’s your best bet for cutting plywood nonetheless. The other thing to keep in mind here is that your jigsaw blade should have a large tooth count when it comes to cutting plywood. Anything over 20 teeth per inch being fine, and the more teeth per inch your blade has the better.

Ensure That Your Blade Is Sharp

The type of blade and the amount of teeth it has per inch is not the only important thing to consider here. The simple fact of the matter here is that if you use a blade that is in any way dull or worn down, you will see that plywood splinter like you never thought possible.

A dull jigsaw blade, even with lots of small teeth is going to turn that plywood back into the shreds that were used to glue it together in the first place. When attempting to cut plywood with a jigsaw, it’s preferable to use a brand-new blade right out of the package.

Keep the Cutting Speed Moderate

One of the biggest mistakes that people make when attempting to cut a piece of plywood with a jigsaw is to assume that maximum speed produces the best results. It is a fair assumption because in many cases, saws do need to move at super high speeds to make fine and clean cuts, but it is not an assumption that holds true for this case.

That said, you also don’t want to have your jigsaw moving too slow. A medium speed, somewhere between high and low is best. If you go too slow, the plywood will shred due to not having enough speed (the teeth will stick into the plywood and rip it apart), but if you go too fast, you’ll end up losing control and making a mess of things.

As you might have gathered by now, having a jigsaw with a variable speed dial or lever is going to come in handy, if not just downright necessary.

Three Important Things to Avoid Splintering

For the best results when attempting to cut plywood with a jigsaw, follow the next three steps in the order as laid out here:

Equip your saw with a splinter guard: Before you start cutting or even measuring, a good idea is to attach a splinter guard to your jigsaw. These are cheap and used specifically for this purpose, to prevent tear-out and splintering.
Score the cut beforehand: Something that will help prevent splinters here is to score the plywood using something like a utility knife. If you are using a blade with downward-facing teeth, score the underside of the board, and vice versa.
Use a piece of masking tape: Get yourself some transparent masking take and cover the score mark. The tape will keep the plywood in place, and even if it does splinter a little bit, it will prevent larger splinters from occurring.

Power the Saw Up and Make the Cut

If you followed and applied all the steps outlined above,aAll you have to do now is make the cut just like you would when cutting any other piece of wood with a jigsaw. Put on your safety gear, make sure that the plywood is supported on both sides, turn on your jigsaw to medium speed, and move the saw through the plywood.

Mistakes to Avoid, Tips Tricks

Lastly, let’s go over a few general tips for you to follow to produce the best result when cutting plywood with a jigsaw:

Never use an old or dull blade, as this is a sure-fire way to cause splintering.
Always make sure that the blade you are using has at least 20 teeth per inch.
Always wear the appropriate safety gear such as safety goggles, earplugs, and a mask.
Always tie back long hair and never wear loose-fitting clothing.
If possible, angle the blade forward for a more aggressive cut.
Make sure to lubricate the jigsaw before use as this will allow for smoother blade action.
Don’t apply too much forward pressure as this can result in broken teeth or even a snapped blade.

Summary

There you have it people, everything you need to know about using a jigsaw to cut plywood without turning it into shreds.

If you follow the steps and tips as outlined here today, you should not have any problems completing this task.

Jigsaw plywood blade

Choose additional country / region / language Milwaukee Tool websites

Choisissez des sites Web supplémentaires de pays / région / langue pour Milwaukee Tool

Elija sitios web adicionales de Milwaukee Tool por país / región / idioma

Get Connected. Receive FREE Decal!

Claim your free Milwaukee decal by joining HEAVY DUTY NEWS the trusted source of new Milwaukee solutions, events, contests and more.

We experienced a technical difficulty while processing your request. Your request may not have been correctly sent.

By signing up, you agree to receive emails from Milwaukee with news and other information. To unsubscribe at any time, go to Privacy Policy. For more information regarding free Milwaukee decal giveaway, please visit Terms Conditions. While supplies last. Please allow 4-5 weeks for delivery.

Sources:

https://www.jackstoolrack.com/best-jigsaw-blade-for-plywood/
https://www.rona.ca/en/product/Bosch-t-shank-clean-cutting-jigsaw-blades-for-wood-3-1-4-in-l-x-3-64-in-t-20-tpi-high-carbon-steel-5-per-pack-t101ao-1983137
https://handymansworld.net/how-to-cut-plywood-with-jigsaw/
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Accessories/Cutting/Jig-Saw-Blades

Articles best, blade, jigsaw, plywood

Best Jigsaw Blade For Plywood. Jigsaw plywood blade