clean cutting miter saw blade

What size miter saw?

For a 10in saw, a quality 60 tooth blade will do a good all around job. I use a Diablo model D1060X with good results. Diablo has a blade specifically for sliders, too—model D1060S, with a lower hook angle that would be less likely to “catch”. Dewalt Precision Trim are also good, model DW3218PT. Avoid the standard construction blade. Haven’t used any others to really know how good they are. Either the D1060X or DeWalt should run you around $40, the D1060S is a bit more.

If you really want a super clean cut, Diablo has an 80 tooth Flawless Finish and a 90 tooth Ultimate Flawless Finish blade. I’ve seen them demo’d and the cut is fabulous, though don’t own one. Those tend to run $50 and $60 respectively.

For a 12in saw, then 80 tooth is good for finish work.

Also, consider making a ZCI for your saw. That will help with tearout, as well.

-- https://www.jtplaneworks.com - In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.

Also, consider making a ZCI for your saw. That will help with tearout, as well.

- JayT

+1 for the ZCI. I replaced my CMS factory insert with a ZCI I made and put on a sacrificial fence. Tear out has pretty much disappeared.

-- I collect hobbies. There is no sense in limiting yourself (Don W) - - - - - - - - Kenny in SW VA

1+ Freud Diablo 10” 60 tooth. No blade will give you splinter free cuts, unless you backup the cut somehow.
I made a zero clearance throat plate for my Dewalt miter saw. A sacrificial fence will eliminate chipout on the back edge of the cut.

-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush

Just a note on the “flawless finish” crosscut blades—assuming they’re made like Freud’s Ultimate Cross-cut blade, which I have. The Ultimate C-C blade polishes the wood as it cuts. This is fabulous if you have end-grain that’s going to be exposed (think Adirondak chair). However, if you’ll be putting glue on that end-grain, it may not stick.

-- My mother said that anyone learning to cook needed a large dog to eat the mistakes. As a sculptor of wood I have always tried to keep a fireplace. (Norman Ridenour)

I vote for the 60T Freud. I use it as my all purpose blade and love it. I use an 80T for fine/finish cross cuts and a Glue Line Rip blade for fine rips. ForrestGrl, tell me more about your Ultimate C-C blade.

-- Ric, Mazomanie

Also, consider making a ZCI for your saw. That will help with tearout, as well.

- JayT

+1 for the ZCI. I replaced my CMS factory insert with a ZCI I made and put on a sacrificial fence. Tear out has pretty much disappeared.

- HokieKen

Any links to making one?I had made one,and ended up chopping it up when I made a 45 degree cut.Plus I didn’t really like my design.and the fence.

Also, consider making a ZCI for your saw. That will help with tearout, as well.

- JayT

+1 for the ZCI. I replaced my CMS factory insert with a ZCI I made and put on a sacrificial fence. Tear out has pretty much disappeared.

- HokieKen

Any links to making one?I had made one,and ended up chopping it up when I made a 45 degree cut.Plus I didn t really like my design.and the fence.

- daddywoofdawg

I don’t have any pics of mine but it’s pretty straightforward. I used 1/4” hardboard cut to rough shape for the insert. Then I took the factory insert out and carpet-taped it to the hardboard and went around it with a pattern bit in the router. Used the factory insert to mark the hole locations then drilled/countersunk the holes. I cut a rabbet around the edge so it sat slightly below flush with the table and shimmed it up flush. Then just installed it and used the blade to cut the clearance slot.

For the fences, I just cut some 1/2” MDF the same height as the metal fence and let it overhang the table a couple inches on either end. I screwed the MDF to the fence and cut through it with the bevel at 90 degrees. Then I took the left side of the fence off and cut another piece the same size and screwed it on the left side. I laid my bevel all the way over at 45 deg (I have a left bevel saw BTW) and cut through the second piece. I leave the first piece on when I’m doing square cuts and when I need to cut bevels, I take it off and put the other piece on. When the edges get worn out, I can move the fence pieces over a bit (why I left overhang on the sides) and close it back up to ZC.

Hope that explains it well enough. Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll take some pics when I get back home.

-- I collect hobbies. There is no sense in limiting yourself (Don W) - - - - - - - - Kenny in SW VA

You can make a quick ZCI with a piece of 1/4” hardboard and some carpet tape.

I used a scrap of masonite about 24” long and 12” wide. I used carpet tape to attach it to the flat bad on my miter saw, turned the saw on and plunged the blade into the masonite. If you need to adjust the angle of the blade or fence, just pull the masonite off the saw, set you angle, then re-attach your hardboard.

-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"

The first question has been asked, but not answered (unless I missed it) ....what diameter blade?

For a slider, it’s best to get a blade with a very low positive to negative hook angle regardless of the diameter….roughly +5° to -5°.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

10” blade,5/8” arbor. I have a 60 tooth stock blade on there now.

I have the Ryobi 10 inch slider. The Irwin Marples 80 tooth from lowes does a bang up job for me. It cost about 50 bucks and the cut is flawless. I used a piece of 1/4 inch mdf for an insert. Works great.

-- Just trying to build something beautiful

10” blade,5/8” arbor. I have a 60 tooth stock blade on there now.

- daddywoofdawg

Freud LU91M010 – $52

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

10” blade,5/8” arbor. I have a 60 tooth stock blade on there now.

- daddywoofdawg

Freud LU91M010 – $52

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

Freud 60 or 80 tooth and negative hook are the best at reasonable price

-- Bert