CMT 297.120.20P Non-Metal/Laminate Saw Blade by CMT is a professional-grade 500mm circular saw blade engineered for clean, precise cuts through non-ferrous materials, melamine, and laminated panels. With 120 Triple Chip Grind (TCG) carbide-tipped teeth and a negative -6 deg. cutting angle, this blade delivers smooth, chip-free results on demanding materials where surface quality matters most - making it a go-to choice for woodworkers, fabricators, and panel processors who require consistent edge quality on finished surfaces.

Key Features

• 120 TCG carbide-tipped teeth - the high tooth count combined with Triple Chip Grind geometry produces fine, splinter-free cuts in melamine, laminated panels, and non-ferrous materials, reducing post-processing time.
• Negative -6 deg. cutting angle - the negative hook angle controls material feed aggressiveness, helping prevent chipping and tear-out on delicate laminate and composite surfaces where finish quality is critical.
• 500mm blade diameter with 32mm bore - sized for large-format cutting capacity on single mitre saws, double mitre saws, and radial saws, providing deep reach through thick stock and panel materials.
• HW (carbide) tooth material - industrial tungsten carbide tipping maintains a sharp cutting edge longer than standard steel, reducing the frequency of blade changes during high-volume production work.
• 4.3mm kerf / 3.5mm plate thickness - the precise kerf geometry removes only the necessary material, minimizing waste on expensive laminated panels and composite sheet goods.
• Pin hole configuration 2/12/64 - matches the mounting requirements of compatible professional mitre saws and radial saws, ensuring secure, vibration-free blade seating for accurate cuts.
• Rated to 3,800 RPM - engineered for the operating speeds of standard radial arm saws and mitre saws, giving users confidence that the blade performs safely within its design limits.

Why This Product

• Designed specifically for non-ferrous and laminate applications - where a standard wood blade would cause chipping and surface damage, the TCG tooth profile and negative hook angle work together to protect finished faces on melamine, laminated panels, aluminum, and plastic composites.
• High tooth count for production-quality results - with 120 teeth on a 500mm diameter, this blade is built for the kind of smooth, ready-to-use cut surfaces that minimize sanding or secondary finishing - especially valuable in cabinetry, furniture manufacturing, and panel processing.
• Versatility across non-metal material types - a single blade handles melamine, laminated panels, plastic, and composite materials, reducing the need to swap blades when working with a mixed material workflow.
• Professional bore and pin hole compatibility - the 32mm bore with 2/12/64 pin hole configuration is sized for professional-grade stationary saws, making this blade a direct fit for production shop equipment without adapters or modifications.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 297.120.20P
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Blade Diameter: 500mm
• Bore Diameter: 32mm
• Pin Hole: 2/12/64
• Number of Teeth: 120
• Kerf Thickness: 4.3mm
• Plate Thickness: 3.5mm
• Tooth Grind Type: TCG (Triple Chip Grind)
• Cutting Angle: -6 deg.
• Tooth Material: HW (Carbide-Tipped)
• Maximum Speed: 3,800 RPM
• Blade Series: 297

Approved Applications

• Melamine panels and melamine-faced board
• Laminated panels and laminate sheet goods
• Non-ferrous metals including aluminum, brass, and copper alloys
• Plastic and composite materials
• Single mitre saws
• Double mitre saws
• Radial arm saws

Frequently Asked Questions

What tooth grind type does this blade use, and why does it matter for laminate cutting?

This blade uses a TCG (Triple Chip Grind) tooth profile. TCG geometry alternates between a flat-top tooth and a chamfered tooth, which is particularly effective at scoring and clearing chips in brittle materials like melamine and laminate. This reduces the risk of chipping or cracking the decorative surface layer during the cut.

What is the maximum operating speed for this blade?

This blade is rated for a maximum of 3,800 RPM. Always verify that your saw's operating speed does not exceed this figure before use to ensure safe operation.

Why does this blade have a negative cutting angle?

The -6 deg. cutting angle (also called a negative hook angle) reduces how aggressively the blade pulls into the material. This controlled feed rate is especially important when cutting melamine, laminated panels, and composites, as it helps prevent tear-out and chipping on the finished face of the workpiece.

What bore and pin hole dimensions does this blade require?

This blade has a 32mm bore diameter and a 2/12/64 pin hole configuration. Before mounting, confirm that your saw's arbor diameter is 32mm and that the flange or mounting plate matches the 2/12/64 pin arrangement to ensure a secure and properly seated fit.