The CMT 288.215.42T Scoring Blade is an industrial-grade conical scoring blade engineered for chip-free cutting on melamine, double-sided laminates, and veneered panels. With a 215mm diameter, 42-tooth configuration, and a kerf range of 4.3 to 5.5mm, this CMT blade is purpose-built for panel sizing machines that feature vertical regulation of the scoring blade - delivering clean, tear-free scores that protect the surface finish of coated panels in high-production environments. The CO+FTG tooth geometry combines conical and flat top grinding to eliminate chipping on even the most demanding laminated surfaces.

Key Features

• Conical + Flat Top Grind (CO+FTG) - the combined conical and flat top tooth geometry scores the panel surface cleanly before the main blade passes through, preventing edge chipping on melamine and laminated workpieces.
• 42 Carbide Teeth - a high tooth count for a scoring blade provides more cutting events per revolution, resulting in smoother, more consistent scoring lines on coated and veneered panels.
• Variable Kerf Range - 0.169 in. to 0.217 in. (4.3 to 5.5mm) - the adjustable kerf width allows the scoring line to be matched precisely to the kerf of the main saw blade, eliminating step lines on both faces of the panel.
• 50mm Bore with Pin Hole 3/15/80 - the large bore and pin hole configuration ensures secure, accurate seating on industrial panel sizing machine arbors, reducing runout and maintaining precise registration.
• 8 deg. Cutting Angle - the positive hook angle helps the teeth engage the workpiece surface efficiently, reducing feed resistance and supporting smooth scoring at production speeds.
• HW (Tungsten Carbide) Material - carbide-tipped teeth deliver extended edge life in abrasive laminate and chipboard materials, reducing downtime associated with frequent blade changes.
• 0.126 in. Plate Thickness - the precision-ground body supports stable, vibration-free running that contributes to consistent scoring quality across full production runs.

Why This Product

• Designed specifically for machines with vertical regulation of the scoring blade, this blade integrates seamlessly into industrial panel sizing setups where scoring height adjustment is part of the machine's standard operation.
• The CO+FTG tooth geometry directly addresses the core challenge of processing melamine and double-sided laminate - eliminating chipping on both the top and bottom panel faces without additional finishing steps.
• A kerf range of 4.3 to 5.5mm gives operators the flexibility to dial in an exact match with a wide variety of thick-kerf main saw blades, making this scoring blade compatible across different panel sizing configurations.
• Tungsten carbide construction paired with an industrial-grade 42-tooth layout makes this blade a practical choice for production environments where consistent scoring quality and blade longevity are critical priorities.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 288.215.42T
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Blade Diameter: 8-1/2 in.
• Bore Diameter: 50mm
• Pin Hole: 3/15/80
• Number of Teeth: 42
• Tooth Sharpening: CO+FTG
• Cutting Angle: 8 deg.
• Teeth Thickness (Kerf Range): 0.169 in. - 0.217 in.
• Plate Thickness: 0.126 in.
• Material: HW (Tungsten Carbide)

Approved Applications

• Industrial panel scoring on conical scoring blade setups
• Melamine panel processing - clean, chip-free scoring on coated surfaces
• Double-sided laminate cutting on panel sizing machines
• Veneered panel sizing where surface tear-out must be eliminated
• Use with thick-kerf or panel sizing main saw blades

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of machine is this scoring blade designed for?

This scoring blade is suggested for panel sizing machines with vertical regulation of the scoring blade. It is intended for use alongside a thick-kerf or panel sizing main saw blade in industrial production setups.

What does the CO+FTG tooth geometry mean, and why does it matter?

CO+FTG stands for conical grind plus flat top grind. The conical teeth score through the surface coating at an angle to lift and sever the laminate cleanly, while the flat top configuration helps refine the score line. Together they work to prevent chipping on melamine, laminates, and veneered panel surfaces.

How do I match this scoring blade to my main saw blade?

This blade offers a kerf range of 0.169 in. to 0.217 in. (4.3 to 5.5mm). The scoring blade's kerf should be set to match or very slightly exceed the kerf of the main saw blade. This ensures the score line and the main cut align precisely on both panel faces, eliminating step lines or chipped edges.

Is this blade suitable for cutting chipboard or MDF in addition to melamine?

This blade is designed for melamine and laminate panel applications in industrial scoring setups. The HW (tungsten carbide) tooth material is well suited to the abrasive nature of chipboard and similar coated panel substrates commonly processed in panel sizing production environments.