CMT Orange Chrome Crosscut Fine Finish Saw Blade - 16 in. x 1 in. Bore, 96-Tooth ATB is engineered for demanding crosscut applications where surface quality is the priority. With a 96-tooth Alternate Top Bevel (ATB) grind and a 15 deg. sharpening angle, this blade produces fine, splinter-free cuts in hardwood, softwood, plywood, melamine, and chipboard. Designed for use on miter saws, slide miter saws, stationary table saws, and portable table saws, it pairs high tooth count with CMT's signature Orange Chrome coating to deliver consistent, clean results in professional woodworking environments.

Key Features

• 96-Tooth ATB Geometry at 15 deg. Sharpening Angle - the high tooth count and Alternate Top Bevel grind produce fine finish crosscuts with minimal tearout in hardwood, softwood, plywood, melamine, and chipboard, reducing sanding and rework time.
• Orange Chrome Coating - a chromium layer electrolytically deposited on the blade body increases wear resistance, protects against corrosion, and extends blade service life even under frequent use.
• 10 deg. Hook (Cutting) Angle - the positive hook angle provides controlled, smooth feed through material, helping reduce chipping on melamine and veneered surfaces.
• Hardmetal (HW) Carbide Teeth - carbide-tipped teeth maintain cutting edge sharpness longer than standard steel, making this blade well suited for abrasive engineered sheet goods like chipboard and melamine.
• Precision Sharpening on Each Tooth - individual tooth sharpening accuracy ensures consistent cut quality across the full blade life and reduces the risk of uneven surfaces.
• Laser-Cut Steel Plate - laser-cut to tight tolerances, the plate delivers stable, accurate tracking through cuts and minimizes blade flex during crosscutting operations.
• Polymer-Filled Sound-Dampening Slots - laser-cut slots filled with polymer material reduce vibration and noise during operation, contributing to a more controlled cutting experience.
• Tri-Metal Silver Brazing (Silver-Copper-Silver) - this three-layer brazing method bonds carbide tips securely to the plate, preventing carbide from breaking or separating under high-stress cutting conditions.
• 0.138 in. Kerf / 0.098 in. Plate Thickness - the thin plate and controlled kerf minimize material waste and reduce the load on saw motors, particularly useful on portable table saws and slide miter saws.
• 1 in. (25.4 mm) Bore Diameter - compatible with standard 1 in. arbors found on a wide range of miter saws and table saws, allowing straightforward installation without adapters on most machines.

Why This Product

• With 96 ATB teeth on a 16 in. diameter blade, this CMT crosscut blade is sized for large-capacity cuts on slide miter saws and stationary table saws where surface finish quality - not just cut speed - is the deciding factor.
• The combination of Orange Chrome corrosion protection and tri-metal silver brazing means the blade holds up under repeated use in demanding shop environments, maintaining carbide tip integrity over a longer service interval.
• A 0.098 in. plate thickness keeps the blade rigid yet lightweight enough for use on portable table saws, making it a practical choice for finish carpenters and woodworkers who move between job sites.
• The 15 deg. ATB sharpening and 10 deg. hook angle are matched specifically for crosscutting hardwood, softwood, plywood, melamine, and chipboard - covering the full range of materials common in cabinet making, trim work, and millwork applications without needing to swap blades between tasks.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 285.696.16
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 16 in.
• Bore Diameter: 25.4 mm (1 in.)
• Number of Teeth: 96
• Tooth Grind Type: ATB (Alternate Top Bevel)
• Sharpening Angle: 15 deg. ATB
• Cutting (Hook) Angle: 10 deg.
• Kerf Thickness: 0.138 in.
• Plate Thickness: 0.098 in.
• Maximum RPM: 4,800
• Material (Tooth): HW (Hardmetal Carbide)
• Coating: Orange Chrome
• Application: Fine Finish Crosscut

Approved Applications

• Fine finish crosscutting on hardwood
• Fine finish crosscutting on softwood
• Crosscutting plywood
• Crosscutting melamine
• Crosscutting chipboard
• Compatible with miter saws
• Compatible with slide miter saws
• Compatible with stationary table saws
• Compatible with portable table saws

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum RPM rating for this blade, and why does it matter?

This blade is rated for a maximum of 4,800 RPM. Always confirm that your saw's no-load RPM does not exceed this value before use. Operating a blade above its rated speed creates a safety hazard and can cause premature wear or blade failure. Most 16 in. miter saws and table saws operate well within this limit, but checking your machine's specifications is always the correct first step.

What tooth geometry does this blade use, and what materials is it designed to cut?

This blade uses an Alternate Top Bevel (ATB) tooth grind sharpened at 15 deg. with a 10 deg. hook (cutting) angle. This geometry is specifically selected for fine finish crosscuts in hardwood, softwood, plywood, melamine, and chipboard. The ATB pattern allows each tooth to score the material surface cleanly, reducing chipping and tearout - a critical outcome when cutting melamine or veneered panels where face quality cannot be compromised.

What is the kerf thickness, and how does that affect compatibility with my saw?

The kerf thickness is 0.138 in. and the plate thickness is 0.098 in. These dimensions make this a full-kerf blade. Confirm that your saw's arbor and blade guard system accommodate a 16 in. diameter blade with a 1 in. (25.4 mm) bore before installation. Most full-size stationary table saws and slide miter saws with a 16 in. cutting capacity are designed for exactly these dimensions.

What does the Orange Chrome coating do for this blade's performance?

The Orange Chrome coating is a chromium layer applied electrolytically to the blade body. Its primary functions are to increase wear resistance on the steel plate, protect against corrosion in workshop environments, and extend the overall service life of the blade. This is particularly useful in shops where humidity, resin-heavy hardwoods, or adhesive-coated sheet goods like chipboard and melamine can accelerate degradation of uncoated blade bodies.