CMT Ultra Finish Plywood and Melamine Saw Blade - 12" x 1" Bore, 96-Tooth Hi-ATB is engineered for woodworkers and cabinet makers who demand glass-smooth crosscuts on double-sided melamine, veneered plywood, laminates, and chipboard without the need for a scoring blade. The 96-tooth Hi-ATB 38 deg. tooth geometry slices cleanly through both faces of laminated panels, eliminating tearout and producing finished-quality edges directly off the saw. Designed for use on radial arm saws, miter saws, circular saws, and table saws fitted with a 30mm arbor, this blade handles the full spectrum of finish crosscutting demands on solid wood, moldings, and veneered sheet goods alike.

Key Features

• Hi-ATB 38 deg. Tooth Grind - the steep alternate top bevel angle severs wood fibers and laminate surfaces on both faces of a panel simultaneously, delivering a perfect finish on both sides of double-sided laminated panels without requiring scoring blades or secondary cleanup passes.
• 96-Tooth Crosscut Configuration - the high tooth count produces ultra-fine surface quality on veneered plywood, melamine, and chipboard, reducing sanding time and eliminating chipping on finished faces.
• 2 deg. Cutting (Hook) Angle - the low hook angle stabilizes the cut and reduces the tendency of the blade to grab or self-feed, giving the operator precise control during crosscutting operations on miter saws and radial arm saws.
• 0.126" Kerf with 0.087" Plate Thickness - the thin-kerf-style geometry removes less material per pass, reducing motor load on portable and stationary machines while still maintaining stable plate rigidity during the cut.
• 1" (25.4mm) Bore Diameter - fits standard 1-inch arbors found on most miter saws, table saws, and radial arm saws, with compatibility for 30mm-arbor machines noted in the application guidelines.
• 6,400 Maximum RPM Rating - safely accommodates the spindle speeds of both portable and stationary saws commonly used for finish crosscutting work.
• HW (Hardmetal/Carbide) Tip Material - carbide cutting tips retain a sharp edge through extended production runs on abrasive materials like melamine and laminate, reducing blade change frequency and downtime.

Why This Product

• No scoring blade required for double-sided panels - the Hi-ATB 38 deg. geometry cuts cleanly through both laminated faces of double-sided melamine or veneered plywood in a single pass, eliminating the complexity and cost of running a scoring blade setup on table saws.
• Broad machine compatibility - a single blade serves radial arm saws, miter saws, circular saws, and table saws, making it a versatile choice for shops running multiple saw types or contractors moving between job sites.
• Optimized for finish crosscutting on a wide range of sheet goods - with 96 carbide teeth ground to Hi-ATB geometry, this blade is purpose-built for the crosscutting of veneered plywood, laminates, chipboard, moldings, and solid wood where surface quality is the primary requirement.
• High maximum RPM supports both shop and job-site use - the 6,400 RPM rating accommodates the full speed range of typical portable circular saws and stationary machines, so the blade performs safely across a variety of saw configurations.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 283.696.12
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 12"
• Number of Teeth: 96
• Bore Diameter: 25.4mm (1")
• Tooth Grind Type: Hi-ATB 38
• Cutting Angle: 2 deg.
• Kerf Thickness: 0.126"
• Plate Thickness: 0.087"
• Maximum RPM: 6,400
• Tip Material: HW (Carbide)

Approved Applications

• Crosscuts on solid wood and moldings
• Veneered plywood - clean face and back cuts
• Double-sided melamine panels
• Laminate and double-sided laminated board
• Chipboard

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this blade cut double-sided melamine without chipping both faces?

Yes. The Hi-ATB 38 deg. tooth geometry is specifically designed to produce a perfect finish on both sides of double-sided laminated panels without using scoring blades. The 96 alternating top-bevel carbide teeth sever the laminate surface cleanly on the entry and exit faces in a single crosscut pass.

What machines is this blade compatible with?

This blade is compatible with radial arm saws, miter saws, circular saws, and table saws - including special saws equipped with a 30mm arbor. The 1-inch (25.4mm) bore fits standard arbors on most of these machine types.

What is the maximum safe operating speed for this blade?

The blade is rated for a maximum of 6,400 RPM. Always verify that your saw's spindle speed does not exceed this value before mounting and operating the blade.

Is this blade intended for ripping solid wood or for crosscutting?

This blade is designed specifically for crosscuts. The 2 deg. hook angle and 96-tooth Hi-ATB geometry are optimized for smooth crosscutting of solid wood, moldings, veneered plywood, melamine, laminates, and chipboard - not for ripping operations.