Top 5 Best Jigsaw Blades for Plywood In 2025

When working with plywood, choosing the best jigsaw blades for plywood can mean the difference between a clean, professional finish and a splintered, rough edge. For woodworking projects where precision and aesthetics matter, especially with thin plywood sheets, the blade you use plays a crucial role in delivering a flawless result.

Plywood is a versatile yet delicate material that can be prone to chipping and splintering, particularly when cut with the wrong tools. Jigsaws are popular for their flexibility, but using the right blade is key to achieving smooth, splinter-free cuts. Not all blades are created equal—some are designed for speed, others for smoothness, and certain types work best for plywood’s layered composition.

This guide is here to help you select the best jigsaw blades for plywood by covering the most important factors, from blade material to tooth design. We’ll also look at top blade options on the market, so you can make an informed decision for your next project and achieve precise, professional-looking results every time.

Quick View of Best Jigsaw Blades for Plywood

Why Choosing the Right Jigsaw Blade Matters for Plywood

Splinter-Free Cutting

Using the right wood jigsaw blade can significantly reduce splintering, which is crucial for maintaining a clean, professional look in plywood projects. Plywood, being a layered material, is especially prone to chipping and tearing along the edges.

Blades with a finer tooth count or specialized down-cut designs are ideal for keeping these edges smooth and minimizing splintering. By reducing splinters, you save time on sanding and touch-ups, achieving a better finish right from the start.

Precision

The choice of blade also directly impacts precision, especially in intricate plywood cuts. Some blades are specifically designed to handle tight curves or detailed patterns with minimal deflection, making it easier to follow complex designs accurately.

A precise blade ensures that cuts stay true to your measurements and design, preventing common issues like misalignment or rough edges. For detailed solid wood working, using the correct blade ensures that each cut aligns perfectly with your project’s specifications.

Efficiency and Durability

Durability is another important factor when choosing a wood jigsaw blade for plywood. Cheap, low-quality blades can wear out quickly, leading to rough cuts and increased splintering as the blade dulls. High-quality blades made from bi-metal or tungsten materials last longer, requiring fewer replacements.

This durability helps keep projects on schedule and within budget, allowing for smoother, quicker cuts that reduce strain on your jigsaw. Choosing a durable blade is a cost-effective investment that not only improves efficiency but also provides consistent, reliable results on every project.

How to Select The Best Jigsaw Blades for Plywood

Material of the Blade

The material of the wood jigsaw blade directly impacts its durability, sharpness, and cutting performance. Blades made from high-carbon steel (HCS) are affordable and flexible, making them suitable for softer woods, but they wear down quickly with frequent use.

Bi-metal (BIM) blades, on the other hand, are a blend of high-speed steel (HSS) and HCS, offering both flexibility and durability. These blades are designed to last longer, resist heat, and maintain sharpness for extended periods, making them a preferred choice for solid wood cutting.

Teeth Per Inch (TPI)

TPI refers to the number of teeth per inch on a blade, and it’s a critical factor for cut quality. Blades with a lower TPI (5-10) cut quickly but roughly, while those with a higher 10-to 12-tpi blade produce smoother, more precise cuts.

For plywood, a medium to high TPI (around 10-15) is typically best, as it balances cutting speed with smoothness. A higher TPI minimizes splintering and ensures a fine finish, which is especially important for visible cutting edges in solid wood working projects.

Tooth Design

The design of the blade teeth significantly affects its cutting action and suitability for plywood:

• Ground Teeth vs. Milled Teeth: Ground teeth are sharper and produce cleaner cuts, making them ideal for smooth, splinter-free finishes in plywood. Milled teeth are more durable but tend to make rougher cuts, so they’re better for bulk material removal rather than fine woodworking.
• Up-Cut vs. Down-Cut Blades: Up-cut blades pull material up as they cut, which can lead to splintering on plywood surfaces. Down-cut blades, however, push material down, which helps reduce splintering and create a cleaner top durable cutting edge.
• Reverse Tooth Design: Some blades have a reverse tooth pattern, where the teeth point down rather than up. These blades are especially good for preventing splintering on plywood’s top surface, resulting in a smoother, cleaner cut.

Blade Thickness

Blade thickness affects both flexibility and stability. Thinner blades are more flexible, which is helpful for making intricate or curved cuts, but they can also be less stable and more prone to bending or deflection in soft materials.

Thicker blades, on the other hand, offer greater stability and are less likely to wobble, which is ideal for straight cuts into plywood. A balanced thickness that provides both stability and maneuverability is best for achieving accurate cuts without unnecessary blade deflection.

Bosch T101BR T-Shank Jig Saw Blade

The Bosch Multi-Purpose Steel T-Shank Jig Saw Blades are expertly crafted for woodworking projects requiring smooth, splinter-free cuts. Designed with a unique reverse pitch and 10 TPI (teeth per inch) configuration, these blades cut downward into the wood, preventing surface splintering and delivering a clean, professional finish.

Made from high-carbon steel, these blades offer excellent durability and sharpness, making them ideal for both softwood and plywood projects.

These blades are compatible with most T-shank wood jigsaw, ensuring a secure fit and quick, tool-free blade changes. Their 4-inch length is perfect for handling dense materials up to 3/4 inch thick, making them versatile for everything from cabinetry and furniture to decorative woodworking. With Bosch’s precision engineering, the T101BR blades make it easy to achieve high-quality, splinter-free cuts.

Key Features

• Reverse-Pitch Tooth Design: Cuts downward to minimize splintering on the top surface, ideal for clean finishes on plywood and softwoods.
• 10 TPI Blade: Provides a balanced cut—smooth, yet fast enough for efficient work, ideal for various woodworking applications.
• High-Carbon Steel Construction: Ensures durability and long-lasting sharpness, reducing the need for frequent blade changes.
• T-Shank Compatibility: Fits securely with most T-shank jigsaws, offering stability and easy, tool-free blade changes.
• Optimal Length: 4 inches long, allowing clean cuts in types of material up to 3/4 inch thick, making it versatile for many types of woodworking projects.

DEWALT T-Shank Jig Saw Blade

The DEWALT DW3762H 4-Inch 10 TPI Laminate Down-Cutting HSC T-Shank Jig Saw Blade is specifically designed for smooth, chip-free cuts in softwood and other delicate materials.

With a down-cutting design and 10 TPI (teeth per inch), this blade minimizes splintering and ensures a clean edge on the material’s top surface. Made from high-speed steel, this blade provides excellent sharpness and durability, making it ideal for high-demand applications and extended use.

The DW3762H fits securely in most T-shank sewing machine, allowing for easy and quick blade changes. Its 4-inch length is perfect for cutting through laminates, veneers, and other surfaces up to 3/4 inch thick, making it an excellent choice for cabinetry, countertops, and other fine-finish projects.

DEWALT’s engineering ensures that this blade maintains high performance even in the toughest materials, delivering precision and control with every cut.

Key Features

• Down-Cutting Design: Specialized to cut downward, reducing surface splintering for clean, chip-free edges on laminate and similar materials.
• 10 TPI Blade: Balances smoothness and speed, providing fast yet precise cuts, especially suitable for laminates and thin materials.
• High-Speed Steel Construction: Ensures extended durability and sharpness, ideal for demanding projects with frequent use.
• T-Shank Compatibility: Works with most T-shank jigsaws, offering a secure fit and tool-free blade changes for added convenience.
• 4-Inch Length: Perfect for materials up to 3/4 inch thick, ideal for laminate, veneered wood, and other fine-finish applications.

Makita Jig Saw Blade Black

The Makita 792529-7 Jig Saw Blade #B-10 5-Pack, Black is a reliable choice for precise, smooth cuts in wood, plywood, and particle board. These blades feature a high-carbon steel (HCS) construction for durability and are designed with a 14 TPI (teeth per inch) configuration that ensures a fine, clean finish, ideal for woodworking projects requiring accuracy and a smooth edge.

The Makita B-10 blades are engineered to fit most jigsaws with a T-shank mount, providing a secure, stable hold for steady cuts. Each 3-1/2 inch blade can handle materials up to 2-3/8 inches thick, offering versatility for a wide range of cutting tasks. These blades are especially well-suited for cabinetry, furniture making, and other detailed woodworking projects where precision is essential.

Key Features

• 14 TPI Blade Design: Delivers a clean, smooth cut that is ideal for plywood, particle board, and other wood materials.
• High-Carbon Steel Construction: Provides durability and lasting sharpness, making these blades a dependable choice for woodworking.
• T-Shank Compatibility: Fits securely in most T-shank jigsaws, ensuring a stable, wobble-free fit and easy, tool-free blade changes.
• Versatile Length: 3-1/2 inches in length, suitable for materials up to 2-3/8 inches thick, giving flexibility for a range of woodworking applications.
• 5-Pack: Convenient multi-pack provides extra blades, ideal for completing larger projects without interruption.

Festool Jigsaw Blade Multicolor

The Festool 204275 Jigsaw Blade, Multicolor is engineered for high-precision cutting across various materials, making it a versatile choice for professional and DIY woodworking projects.

Known for its durability and exceptional cutting performance, this blade is suitable for wood, laminates, and even some plastic materials.

The blade’s multicolor coding helps quickly identify the type and purpose of each blade, streamlining workflow and ensuring you have the right blade for every job.

Crafted with Festool’s commitment to quality, the 204275 blade is designed to work seamlessly with Festool jigsaws and is compatible with other T-shank jigsaws.

It provides smooth, splinter-free cuts, especially suited for fine woodworking, cabinetry, and finish work, making it a reliable addition to any toolkit.

Key Features

• High-Quality Material: Ensures durability and sharpness for a wide range of materials, from wood and laminates to select plastics.
• Precision-Cutting Design: Provides clean, splinter-free cuts, ideal for detailed work and high-precision applications.
• Multicolor Coding: Color-coded design for easy blade identification, allowing for efficient blade changes and quick material matching.
• T-Shank Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Festool jigsaws and is compatible with other T-shank models, providing a secure and stable fit.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for wood, laminates, and more, making it an excellent multi-purpose blade for various woodworking projects.

SKIL T-Shank Jig Saw Blade Set

The SKIL 21-Piece All-Purpose T-Shank Jig Saw Blade Set is a comprehensive collection designed to tackle a wide range of cutting tasks with ease and precision.

This versatile set includes blades specifically crafted for wood, metal, and other common materials, providing the flexibility you need to handle everything from rough cuts to detailed, fine-finish work.

Each blade is made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and reliable performance over time.

These T-shank blades are compatible with most T-shank jigsaws, including SKIL models, allowing for secure, tool-free changes.

The set includes an organized storage case for convenient access and easy portability, making it a great choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts who require a reliable assortment of blades for various projects.

Key Features

• 21-Piece Set: Offers a comprehensive selection of blades for cutting wood, metal, and other materials, perfect for diverse applications and projects.
• High-Quality Construction: Blades are made from durable materials, ensuring longevity and consistent performance across multiple uses.
• T-Shank Compatibility: Designed to fit securely in most T-shank jigsaws, including SKIL models, for a stable and reliable hold.
• Organized Storage Case: Comes with a convenient storage case to keep blades organized and accessible, making it easy to carry and store.
• Variety of Blades: Includes a range of TPI and blade designs, from coarse for fast cutting to fine for detailed, clean cuts, allowing for precise material matching.

Tips for Using a Jigsaw Blade on Plywood

Using these techniques in combination can help you achieve clean, professional results when working with plywood.

Choosing the Right Speed Settings

Adjusting the speed on your jigsaw can have a significant impact on cut quality, especially in plywood. Higher speeds allow for faster cuts but can increase the likelihood of splintering, especially with coarse-toothed blades. For smoother edges and greater control, use a medium to low speed setting, particularly with high-TPI blades.

Slower speeds allow for cleaner, more precise cuts, which is essential for plywood projects where visible straight edges need to remain neat and splinter-free. Variable speed settings can be adjusted based on the thickness and density of the plywood to get the best results.

Proper Blade Insertion and Tightening

Before starting, ensure that the blade is properly inserted and securely tightened in the jigsaw. A loose blade can wobble or shift during cutting, resulting in inaccurate cuts and potential splintering.

Most jigsaws have a tool-less blade change system that allows for quick and secure installation, but always double-check the blade’s stability.

An improperly tightened blade may also wear down more quickly or even break, affecting the cut’s quality and potentially damaging your material.

Cutting Techniques to Reduce Splintering

Several techniques can help prevent splintering when cutting plywood with a jigsaw:

• Apply Painter’s Tape: Placing a strip of painter’s tape along the cutting line can help reduce splintering by supporting the wood fibers. Cut directly through the tape and remove it afterward for a cleaner edge.
• Use a Splinter Guard: Many jigsaws come with splinter guards or anti-splinter inserts that fit onto the base plate. These accessories press against the wood surface, minimizing movement and supporting fibers to reduce splintering.
• Cut on the Reverse Side: If splintering on the surface is a concern, consider flipping the plywood and cutting on the back side. This way, any minor splintering will occur on the less visible side, preserving a clean finish on the front.
• Cut with Steady, Even Pressure: Avoid forcing the jigsaw through the plywood too quickly. A steady, controlled pace allows the blade to cut smoothly and minimizes vibrations that can lead to splintering.

What TPI is best for plywood?

For plywood, a TPI (teeth per inch) between 10 and 15 is generally best. This range provides a good balance between speed and smoothness, helping to achieve clean cuts with minimal splintering.

Blades with higher TPI produce finer cuts but may slow down the cutting process. For most plywood projects, a medium to high TPI works well to maintain a smooth, professional finish.

How do I avoid splintering on plywood with a jigsaw?

To avoid splintering, use a down-cut or reverse-tooth wood jigsaw blade, which is designed to reduce splintering by pushing material down as it cuts.

Additional tips include applying painter’s tape along the cut line to support the wood fibers, using a splinter guard if your jigsaw has one, and cutting with steady, controlled pressure. Choosing the right speed setting (usually medium to low) can also help minimize splintering.

Are bi-metal blades better for plywood?

Yes, bi-metal (BIM) blades are generally better for plywood than high-carbon steel (HCS) blades. Bi-metal blades combine high-speed steel with high-carbon steel, making them more durable and able to withstand heat and repeated use.

This makes them more suitable for plywood and other wood materials, especially if you need a blade that lasts longer and maintains a sharp edge over multiple cuts.

Can I use the same blade for plywood and other materials?

While some wood jigsaw blades are versatile enough to handle both plywood and other materials, it’s best to choose blades that are specifically designed for the material at hand.

Blades optimized for wood, especially those with a medium TPI, will perform better on plywood than multi-material blades.

If you need to cut different materials, consider having dedicated blades for each material type—this will provide cleaner cuts and prolong the lifespan of each blade.

Conclusion

Selecting the right jigsaw blade is essential for achieving clean, precise cuts in plywood projects. The correct blade minimizes splintering, enhances accuracy, and saves both time and effort, ultimately resulting in a professional finish.

With factors like TPI, blade material, tooth design, and thickness to consider, making an informed choice can have a big impact on the quality of your project.

When choosing the best jigsaw blades for plywood, opt for one that suits your specific project needs. Whether you’re looking for smooth cuts, durability, or fine detail, selecting the right blade type—such as a bi-metal blade with medium to high TPI and a down-cut design—will help you achieve optimal results.