Professional Guide

Best Saw Blade for Melamine: 2025 Expert Review

DR Joinery

Expert Joiner & Kitchen Specialist

Published 12 December 2025

Cutting Melamine-Faced Chipboard (MFC) is one of the most frustrating tasks in joinery. The brittle plastic surface is prone to shattering along the cut line, leaving a jagged edge that looks unprofessional and lets moisture into the core—a disaster for kitchen durability.

In my workshop in York, we use industrial panel saws with scoring blades to get perfect cuts. But when I'm out on site fitting a custom kitchen in a client's home, I need portable circular saw blades that can replicate that factory finish without the heavy machinery.

I've selected three blades that I rely on for different scenarios: a high-value set for standard plunge saws, a premium blade for the ultimate finish on table saws, and a versatile problem-solver that fits almost any machine.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Chip-Free Guarantee"

The Theory

"Manufacturers often claim their blades will cut melamine perfectly without any breakout, regardless of technique."

The Reality

Even the best blade will chip if your technique is poor. On site, you must use a 'scribe cut' (a shallow backward pass) or apply masking tape to the cut line for a truly perfect edge, especially on double-sided MFC.

The Spec: "Universal Wood Blades"

The Theory

"A standard 24-tooth ripping blade can handle 'all wood types'."

The Reality

Never use a ripping blade on melamine. The low tooth count and aggressive hook angle will shatter the brittle surface. You need a high tooth count (40+ for 160mm, 80+ for 250mm) and preferably a negative or neutral hook angle.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Trend CRAFTPRO 3 Piece 160mm Panel Trim Circular Saw Blade Set 160mm 48T 20mm

Budget Pick

Trend

For site joiners using plunge saws like the Festool TS55 or Makita equivalents, this set represents exceptional value. The 48-tooth configuration on a 160mm blade is the sweet spot for cutting kitchen panels cleanly without burning the material.

Price£32.99 (at time of writing)

Diameter160mm

Teeth48T (High tooth count for size)

CompatibilityFestool, Makita, Mafell plunge saws

The Good

Excellent value for money (3-piece set)
Perfect size for standard track/plunge saws
Microgranular tungsten carbide tips stay sharp longer

The Bad

160mm size limits depth of cut (standard for sheet goods though)
Not suitable for larger table saws

Installer Tip:

This 48T blade is ideal for cutting kitchen end panels on site. Set your plunge saw to 2mm depth for a first backward scribe cut, then plunge to full depth for the forward cut. This guarantees a factory edge on both sides.

Priced at £32.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

BOSCH DCB1080 10 in. 80 Tooth Edge Circular Saw Blade for Extra-Fine Finish for Melamine and Finished Plywood

Quality Pick

Bosch

When the budget permits and the finish is critical, this Bosch blade is a serious investment. The 'Brute Carbide' formulation is significantly harder than standard blades, which is vital for melamine as the glue in chipboard is notoriously abrasive and dulls cheaper steel quickly.

Price£117.00 (at time of writing)

Diameter10 Inch (254mm)

Teeth80T (Ultra fine)

MaterialBrute Carbide C3/C4

The Good

Superior 'Brute Carbide' resists abrasive wear from chipboard glue
Speed Coat finish reduces friction and burning
Extra-hard steel body prevents wobble for dead-straight cuts

The Bad

High initial cost
Specialised application - not for general timber ripping

Installer Tip:

Use this on your site table saw or chop saw. Because the kerf is thinner, ensure your riving knife is compatible. Keep this blade exclusively for finish work—don't ruin it cutting standard stud timber.

Priced at £117.00 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Saxton TCT Circular Wood Saw Blade 250mm x 30mm x 80T for Bosch, Makita etc fits 255mm saws

Problem-solving Pick

Saxton Blades

Sometimes you're working on an older saw or need a decent blade for a quick job without risking your £100 premium blade. This Saxton blade is a brilliant problem solver because it comes with reduction rings (30mm, 25mm, 20mm, 16mm), meaning it fits almost any 10-inch saw you might find in a van or workshop.

Price£17.99 (at time of writing)

Diameter250mm

AdaptabilityIncludes reduction rings (16mm-30mm)

Kerf2.6mm

The Good

Incredible versatility with included reduction rings
Very affordable replacement cost
ATB tooth design helps reduce surface splintering

The Bad

Finish won't last as long as premium carbide blades
Reduction rings can be fiddly if not seated correctly

Installer Tip:

This is the perfect 'standby' blade to keep in your kit. If you suspect a piece of reclaimed timber might have hidden grit or you're cutting highly abrasive laminate flooring that would destroy an expensive blade, use this. It's cheap enough to replace but sharp enough for a good result.

Priced at £17.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does melamine chip when I cut it?

Melamine chips because the surface is a hard, brittle plastic laminate bonded to a softer core. Standard saw blades with few teeth 'grab' the material and lift it upwards, shattering the brittle surface. To prevent this, you need a blade with a high tooth count (at least 40T on a small saw, 80T on a large one) and preferably a negative hook angle.

What is the best way to cut melamine without chipping on site?

If you don't have a scoring blade, place a strip of masking tape firmly along your cut line. Mark your line on top of the tape. Ideally, perform a 'scoring cut' first: set your plunge saw depth to just 2mm and make a backward pass (pulling the saw towards you) to score the surface. Then, set the full depth and make the forward cut. This mimics the action of a professional panel saw.

Do I really need a specialised blade for melamine?

Yes. Using a standard ripping or general-purpose blade will almost certainly result in jagged edges. In professional kitchen installation, these rough edges are unacceptable as they look poor and allow steam from kettles or dishwashers to penetrate the chipboard core, causing it to swell and fail.

How often should I change my melamine blade?

Melamine and chipboard are very abrasive due to the glues used in their manufacture. You'll notice the blade dulling when you feel more resistance pushing the saw or see slight burning on the cut. Don't force a dull blade; it creates heat and inaccurate cuts. It's often more economical to have your quality blades sharpened by a local saw doctor in York than to buy new ones constantly.

Can I use these blades for other materials?

High tooth-count blades for melamine are also excellent for other sheet materials like plywood, MDF, and thin plastics. However, do not use them for ripping solid softwood timber lengthwise, as the small gullets between the teeth will clog with sawdust, causing the blade to overheat and warp.

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