Which Jigsaw Blade to Use for Wood, Plywood, MDF and Laminate

Start with the shank, then the material

Before you think about teeth, check that the blade fits your saw. Most modern jigsaws take T-shank blades, and every blade on our spec sheet is T-shank. Older saws may need U-shank blades, so look at your manual or the old blade first. The wrong shank will not lock in.

Once the shank is settled, three things decide the result: tooth count, blade material and cut direction. The material you are cutting tells you how to set all three.

The quick-match table

Use this table as a starting point. The example blades come from the published specs on our comparison page, so you can check length, TPI and pack size before buying.

Wood and plywood

For solid wood, fewer teeth cut faster. A 6 TPI blade with deep gullets clears sawdust quickly, which is why it suits framing lumber and other rough work. The DEWALT DW3750-5 on our page is a 4 in, 6 TPI bi-metal blade built for this kind of cut.

Plywood is different because the thin outer veneer tears easily. A 10 TPI blade gives a cleaner edge than a coarse one. If the good face of the plywood will be visible, use a reverse-tooth blade. The JMD 30-piece set is a 10 TPI reverse-tooth blade, listed for hard and soft wood, plywood, OSB and laminated particle board from 3/16 in to 1-1/4 in thick.

Standard blades cut on the upstroke, so they leave the cleaner edge on the underside. That is worth remembering when you mark and clamp the work. Put the good face down with a standard blade, or face up with a reverse-tooth blade.

MDF

MDF cuts easily but it is dense and full of glue, which dulls steel blades quickly. The dust is also very fine. For a few cuts, a 10 TPI wood blade is fine. For a whole project, a carbide-tipped blade will hold its edge longer.

Our page notes that carbide costs more up front but lasts far longer in hard, brittle sheets. The carbide blades we list are sold for laminate and melamine rather than MDF specifically, so treat MDF as a general-knowledge match. A finer 14 TPI blade leaves a smoother edge that needs less sanding.

MDF dust is hazardous to breathe. Wear a properly rated dust mask or respirator, and connect a vacuum to the saw if it has a dust port.

Laminate and melamine

Laminate is hard and brittle, and it chips at the edge when the teeth are too coarse. This is where tooth count and blade material matter most. Both carbide blades on our page, the Diablo DJT128BHM and the Bosch T128BHM3, are 14 TPI. The Bosch comes in a 3-pack and is made for high-pressure laminates and laminate flooring.

The Diablo blade is bidirectional and has a non-stick coating, so it is listed for clean cuts on both faces of laminate and melamine. If you prefer a down-cutting blade to keep the top clean, the DEWALT DW3762-5 is a 10 TPI bi-metal reverse-tooth blade made for laminate.

For curves in laminate flooring, a finer blade turns more easily. The Bosch T101AOF is 20 TPI and 3.25 in long, and it is listed for scroll and curved cuts. You can compare all of these side by side on our jigsaw blade comparison.

Plastic and acrylic

Plastic melts if the blade gets hot, so use a fine-tooth blade and a steady, moderate pace. Two blades on our page are made for this. The Diablo DJT102BF5 is a 13 TPI bi-metal blade with a non-stick coating. The Bosch T101A is a 14 TPI high speed steel blade listed for Plexiglas from 5/64 in to 3/4 in thick.

If you need a short blade for control in thin acrylic, the Bosch T102BF is the shortest on our page at 2.625 in. Our best jigsaw blades page lists the options in one place.

Cutting tips and safety

A good blade still needs good technique. These steps help with any of the materials above:

• Unplug the saw or remove the battery before changing blades, and make sure the blade is fully seated in the T-shank.
• Wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Jigsaws throw chips and are loud, especially on laminate and MDF.
• Clamp the work so it cannot vibrate or jump, and keep both hands away from the blade path.
• Let the saw reach full speed before it touches the material, then guide it without forcing it.
• Place the work so the blade clears whatever is below, such as a bench or a floor.
• Use a fresh blade when cuts slow down or burn. A dull blade wanders and chips the edge.
• Wear a dust mask when cutting MDF, laminate or particle board.

Is a mixed set enough?

If you cut a bit of everything, a mixed set saves a lot of guessing. The DEWALT DW3741C set has 10 blades in 6, 10 and 18 TPI, with a case, and covers wood and metal. It does not include laminate-specific blades, so add a dedicated one if you plan to cut flooring or countertops.

If you cut mainly one material, buy blades for that material. A single good blade beats a set of general ones for finish quality.

Frequently asked questions

What TPI is best for a general-purpose wood blade?

A blade in the 6 to 10 TPI range is a good general choice. Go toward 6 for speed in rough lumber and toward 10 for a smoother edge in plywood.

Do I need carbide blades for laminate?

Not always. Bi-metal blades such as the 10 TPI DEWALT down-cutting blade can handle laminate. Carbide lasts longer in hard, brittle sheets, so it is worth considering for large jobs.

Will a U-shank blade fit my saw?

Only if your saw takes U-shank blades. Most modern saws use T-shank, and every blade on our page is T-shank. Check your manual or the old blade first.

Can I use the same blade for plastic and wood?

It is better not to. Wood blades are usually coarser and can melt or crack plastic. Use a fine-tooth blade made for plastic, and cut at a steady pace.