Choosing the right blade for your miter saw, and making sure it’s sharp, are crucial for cutting tight-fitting joints. You can’t make perfect cuts with a dull blade, one with too few teeth or one that’s designed for ripping. Check your blade for sharpness by cutting a 45-degree miter on a 1x3 or larger piece of oak or other hardwood (photo). If the blade cuts smoothly with very little pressure and leaves a clean, almost shiny cut with no burn marks, it’s sharp enough.
When you check your blade or shop for a new one, here’s what to look for.
First, it should be labeled as a “trim” or “fine crosscutting” blade. A 10-in. blade should have at least 40 teeth, a 12-in. blade at least 60. If the blade is for a sliding miter saw, be sure the teeth have a hook angle of zero to negative five degrees. Teeth with a neutral or negative hook angle are less aggressive and safer for sliding miter saws. Expect to spend a little more money for a carbide-tipped blade that’ll perform well and last.