Best Jigsaw Blades for Plywood, MDF, Hardwood, & Softwood
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Whether you’re cutting through plywood, MDF, hardwood, or softwood, the right blade can make all the difference in the quality and accuracy of your cuts.
It can cut any material easily with a quality jigsaw and the right blade. But if you choose the wrong blade, even on a quality jigsaw, you can’t cut any material perfectly.
It may damage the material as well as the project. The blade design, kerf design, material, size, and tooth configuration should all be considered when selecting the best jigsaw blade.
Based on these considerations, I researched and tested a variety of high-quality and low-cost blades, as well as blade sets, to determine the best jigsaw blades for plywood, hardwood, MDF, softwood, and more.
Contents
#Top-3 Jigsaw Blades – Editor’s Choice, Budget Friendly & Premium Quality
Best Seller
- Blade Piece: 14
- Material: Bi-Metal, HCS, and HSS
- Blade size: 3-1/2 to 4
- TPI range: 6 to 32
- Compatible Material: Hardwood, Softwood, Plywood, MDF, and Metal
Premium Quality
- Blade Piece: 30
- Material: Bi-Metal, HCS, and HSS
- Blade size: 3 to 4-1/2 inch
- TPI range: 10 to 24
- Compatible Material: Hardwood, Plywood, MDF, Plastic, and Metal
Budget Friendly
- Blade Piece: 10
- Material: HCS and HSS
- Blade size: 3-1/4 to 4 inch
- TPI range: 6 to 17/24
- Compatible Material: Plywood, MDF, and Hardwood
#8 Best Jigsaw Blades For Plywood, MDF, Hardwood, & Softwood
Note: TPI= Teeth per inch; HCS= high carbon steel; HSS= High-speed steel; Bim= Bi-metal; TC= Tungsten carbon.
1. DEWALT DW3742C 14 PC T-Shank Jigsaw Blade Set
DW3742C is a compact, reliable, and durable 14-piece blade set from DEWALT with a T-shank design to fit on 90% of the modern jigsaw.
You get 5 different sets of blades on the package to have fast, clean, down, scrolling, medium wood, laminate, and metal cuts. Also, get a 2-sided durable clear case to keep the blades together and easy to carry.
Features
Design: They used a T-shank design for less breakage, a great fit, and easy change.
Material: DEWALT used two materials; HCS for wood and laminate cutting and Bi-Metal for metal cutting.
Blade size and Teeth: Within the 14 pieces, you get 2 DW3750H, DW3753H, DW3760H 4 inches HCS 6 and 10 TPI and 2 DW3765H scrolling 3-1/2-inches 12 TPI long blades for fast, clean, and tight curve cutting.
2 DW3762H 4 inches 10 TPI long blades for laminate cutting and 2 DW3774 and DW3778 3 inches Bi-Metal 18 and 32 TPI blades for medium metal cutting.
Compatible material: This blade set is specially made for cutting wood, laminate, and metal but can cut other materials like plastic, plywood, and MDF.
DEWALT offers HCS and HSS materials for wood, metal, and all-purpose cutting, each with a different tooth count per inch of support. For that reason, this 14-piece blade set is worth purchasing at this price.
2. BOSCH T30C T-Shank Multi-Purpose Jigsaw Blades
This is a multipurpose, versatile 30-piece T-shank blade set from BOSCH. This set provides high performance with excellent precise, fine, and clean cuts.
Here, you get 8 sets of blades for excellent hardwood, plywood, plastic, and metal cutting and a reusable case for easy, neat storage.
Features
Design: You get a T-shank design for excellent power transfer with a tight fit and easy change.
Material: BOSCH used three different materials; Bi-metal for hardwood, HCS for softwood like plywood and MDF cutting, and HSS for metal cutting to have better accuracy and less breakage.
Blade size and Teeth: Within the 30 blade pieces, you get 4 T101BF 4 inches long Bi-Metal 10 TPI blades for clean hardwood cutting. Also, 4 T101B, T101D 4 inches 10 TPI blades and 4 T119BO, T144D 3 inch 12 TPI blades, and 2 T308B 4-1/2 inches HCS 12 TPI blades for clean, speed, basic, and extra-clean wood, plywood, MDF and plastic cutting.
Also, 4 T118A, T118B 3-5/8 inches 24 and 14 TPI HSS blades for basic metal cutting.
Compatible material: This blade set offers precise, fine, and clean cuts in hardwood, plywood, MDF, plastic, and metal materials.
In this set, you get three different material blades with the advantage of cutting difficult materials. Also, if you are looking for the best jigsaw blade for hardwood, this is the 30 pieces blade set you can get.
3. BOSCH T5002 T-Shank Multi-Purpose Jigsaw Blades
BOSCH T5002 is a versatile multipurpose 10-piece T-shark Jigsaw blade set from BOSCH. This blade set is compatible to fit on 90% of the modern jigsaw that accepts T-shark blades.
On the package, you get two each of T101B, T119BO, T144D wood cutting and T118A, T118B metal cutting T-shark jigsaw blades to have a straight, fast, curved, and clean cut on any material and get a durable plastic case for easy storage.
Features
Design: You get a T-shark durable precision design to fit all professional and current jigsaws, and it is easy to change without external tools.
Material: This set blade is constructed with two different materials; HCS for wood and HSS for metal to ensure less breakage and excellent cutting.
Blades/ Blade size and Teeth: T101B, T119BO, and T144D are specially made for both thin and thick cutting wood. The T101B is a 4-inch 10 TPI blade for clean and straight woodcuts.
T119BO is a 3-1/4-inch 12 TPI scroll blade for precious curve woodcuts. T144D is a 4-inch 6 TPI blade for fast and straight woodcuts.
On the other hand, T118A and T118B Wavy Set & Milled teeth 3-5/8-inch basic blades are specially made for cutting metal. The T118A has 17-24 TPI for smooth and straight cuts, and T118B has 11-14 TPI for fast and straight cuts.
Compatible material: This blade set is specially made for cutting wood like plywood, MDF, and metal.
Though it’s only 10 piece set of blades, its blade quality, with a 6 to 24 TPI range, easily cuts thin and thick wood and metals and won’t disappoint you at this $15 price.
4. Diablo DJT20S 20 pc T-Shank Jig Saw Blade Set
DJT20S is an optimized multipurpose 20-piece T-shank blade set from Diablo. These blades run 48% longer cutting life than other blades and save money.
In the set, you get 9 sets of blades to cut on different materials like wood, plastic, and metal.
Features
Design: You get a T-shank design for well fit and easy blade change. Also, the teeth points are different in individual models for different cuts.
Material: Diablo on different blades used three different materials; Bi-metal for hardwood, HCS for softwood, and HSS for metal cutting to have better accuracy and less breakage.
Blade size and Teeth: Within the 20 blade pieces, you get 1 DJT308BFP 4-5/8 inch 13 TPI and 2 DJT345XF 5-1/4-inch long 5/10 TPI Bi-metal material blades to have ultra-fine finish top to bottom cut and general-purpose cut on hardwood and metal.
Also, 2 DJT101BR 4-inch 10 TPI, 3 DJT101AO scrolling 4-inch 20 TPI, 3 DJT101D 4-inch 6 TPI, and 3 DJT101B 4-inch long HCS material blades to have reverse cut, curve cut, fast & clean cut, fine finish cut on wood and plastic.
Also, 2 DJT118A, DJT118B, and DJT118G 3-5/8-inch long 17/14, 17/24, and 36 TPI HSS material blades to cut thick, medium, and thin metal.
Compatible material: These blades are designed to cut hardwood, softwood, plastic, stainless steel, and metal materials.
Here you get different sizes, teeth, and teeth-pointed blades; for that, it is a good option to choose a variety of blades in one set to cut different materials.
5. BOSCH T101AO3 3-Piece T-Shank Jig Saw Blades
T101AO3 is an optimized scroll T-shank blade from BOSCH. This blade can cut splinter-free cuts on both sides to ensure precious cutting.
Here you get 3 pieces blades with a reusable plastic case for easy storage.
Features
Design: You get a T-shank design blade that fits and is easily changeable. Also, the pointed teeth design reduces splintering.
Material: You get an HCS blade that cuts softwoods better than others.
Blade size and Teeth: These 3-piece T101AO3 model blades are 3-1/4-inch long HCS 20 TPI blades for ensuring clean cutting.
Compatible material: These blade pieces are specially designed to cut wood like softwood, plywood, MDF, and laminates for clean cuts.
Though it is a 3-piece blade set, the quality and teeth it provides are best for cutting plywood and MDF.
6. BOSCH T744D3 3-Piece T-Shank Jig Saw Blades
T744D3 is an extra-long durable T-shank fast wood cutting blade from BOSCH. This blade can easily cut 4×4 and 4×6 lumber and even thicker wood.
You get 3-piece long blades for cutting mostly hard and softwood in the package.
Features
Design: You get a T-shank design for well fit and easy change, and back teeth point blade design for fast cuts.
Material: The blades are made of high-carbon steel for durability, better accuracy, and less breakage while cutting wood.
Blade size and Teeth: These 3-piece T744D3 model blades are 7-inch long HCS 6 TPI blades for ensuring thick, fast, and clean cutting. This blade can easily cut up to 1/4- to 5-5/16 depth woodcuts.
Compatible material: This blade set offers thick, fast, and clean cuts, specifically on wood like hardwood, softwood, plywood, fiberboard, chipboard, laminated veneer lumber, and MDF.
Although it is a 3-piece blade set, the depth of cut and longer cutting life make it best for cutting thicker hardwood and softwood.
7. BOSCH T118AHM3 3 Piece TC Bosch Shank Jigsaw Blade
T118AHM3 is an optimized flexibility 3-piece T-shank blade from Bosch. The main advantage of this blade is its carbide-tipped edges that ensure clean cuts in hard material.
Features
Design: You get a T-shank five-point-of-contact power transfer blade that ensures flexibility and fit well. Also, its back teeth carbide-tipped edge design ensures clean cuts.
Material: BOSCH T118AHM3 blades are made of tungsten carbide material to ensure more flexibility and 10 times lifespan than Bi-metal blades.
Blade size and Teeth: These 3-piece T744D3 model blades are Wavy Set & Milled teeth 3-1/4 Inch 24 TPI carbide edge blades for straight, scroll cuts and curve cuts on stainless steel and hard metals.
Also, these blades’ thin kerf reduces extraction, which ultimately generates less heat and increases performance.
Compatible material: These blades are specially made for cutting hard or specialty metal materials like stainless steel and tile.
This blade set uses a carbide-tipped thin kerf that ensures hard metal cutting with reduced heat and increased performance. For that reason, this BOSCH blade set is one of the best jigsaw blades for hardwoods.
8. Bosch Thermotechnology T30W 30-Piece Woodworking Jigsaw Set
This T30W is an optimized, fast, clean-cutting T-shank 30-piece blade set from Bosch.
In the package, you get 3 sets of blades; T101B, T101D, and T144D to cut softwood and plastic. Also, get a clear plastic tube case to store all your blades.
Features
Design: You get a T-shank design for well fit on 90% jigsaws, and easy change and back teeth point blade design for fast cuts.
Material: All three sets of blades are made of High carbon steel to prove excellent performance.
Blade size and Teeth: Within the 20 blade pieces, you get 10 T101B 4-inch long 10 TPI HCS blades for straight and fine cuts, 10 T101D 4-inch 6 TPI blades for straight and clean cuts, and 10 T144D 4inch 6 TPI blades for straight and very fast cuts.
Compatible material: These blades are designed to cut wood like softwood, plywood, chipboard, fiberboard, MDF, and plastic.
This 30-piece blade set is mainly for straight, clean, fine, and fast cutting on wood. However, if you’re looking for a set designed specifically for cutting softwoods, this could be one of them.
Buying Guide – Jigsaw Blades for Plywood, MDF, Hardwood, & Softwood
A blade ensures cutting quality that ultimately felt an effect on your project. Check these points before purchasing a blade for your project to get a better idea of which project you should buy which blades for.
T-shank jigsaw blades have a better design, a stronger grip, and more compatibility with modern saws than U-shank blades; for that reason, I reviewed all T-shank blades.
Size:
A jigsaw blade can be 3 to 10 inches long and can cut up to 1/4 to 6 inches thick materials. Depending on your project, choose a suitable blade size.
Blade material:
Mainly 3 types of materials used for jigsaw blades; HCS, HSS, Bi-metal, and TC. HCS materials are mainly for cutting softwood, plywood, MDF, and plastic. HSS materials are mainly for cutting metal and pipe.
Bi-metal materials are best for cutting tougher materials like hardwood and hard metal. Last, TC materials are best for extremely hard materials like stainless steel and tile. Again, choose depending on the material you want to cut.
Tooth Configuration:
Blade teeth determine how neatly and quickly you can cut. Lower tooth count makes fast and rough cuts. In contrast, the higher tooth count makes for slow and fine cuts.
Along with the tooth count, you should also look at the kerf design, which also determines the performance. Side-set & Ground teeth ensure clean and fast cutting on wood and plastic and have fewer TPI for thicker materials.
Wavy Set & Milled teeth ensure straight and fine cutting on metal, aluminum, and plastic and have a higher TPI for thinner materials.
Side Set & Milled teeth ensure fast and rough cuts in wood and plastic and have fewer TPI for thicker materials. Ground & Taper Ground teeth ensure a precise, fine, and clean cut in wood and have higher TPI for thinner materials.
Price:
If you buy a blade set that has more blades, it will cost you less, and if you buy a blade set that has fewer blades, it will cost you more. Furthermore, having more blades in a set makes it easier for your projects to have preferred cuts on preferred materials.
But on my personal usage and choice according to the buying guide, you can choose BOSCH T5002 T-Shank Multi-Purpose Jigsaw Blades, Diablo DJT20S 20 pc T-Shank Jig Saw Blade Set, and BOSCH T30C T-Shank Multi-Purpose Jigsaw Blades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do you cut plywood without splintering a jigsaw?
Ans: You can use splinter-free blades like the BOSCH T101AO3 3-Piece T-Shank Jig Saw Blades, or you could use blue masking tape.
You just have to lay the tape on the cut line, and during the cut, it will hold the fibers and reduce chipping and splintering.
Q. What is a scrolling jigsaw blade used for?
Ans: A scrolling jigsaw blade is used for having delicate, intricate, and tight curves and patterns in thin stock without breaking and binding.
As their teeth are mostly straight, they clean and control cutting. You can use DW3762H and DJT101A0 scrolling jigsaw blades.
Q. Can a jigsaw blade cut through ceramic tiles?
Ans: Yes, with a tungsten carbide jigsaw blade, you can cut through ceramic tiles. These jigsaw blades mostly come in higher teeth per inch to ensure straight and fine ceramic tile cutting.
You can use BOSCH T118AHM3 3 Piece TC Bosch Shank Jigsaw Blade for ceramic tile cutting.
Q. How many teeth should you get on a jigsaw blade for cutting plywood?
Ans: It depends on the cuts you want. If you want to make gradual and larger cuts, get blades with 6 to 12 teeth per inch. But if you want smooth and tight curve cuts, you should get more than 12 to 24 TPI jigsaw blades for cutting plywood.
Conclusion
I have reviewed and provided all the information along with the pro and cons, including a buying guide, so you can easily choose the best jigsaw blade for your project to cut your desired material. Thank you.
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