CMT 297.080.11M Non-Ferrous Metal and Melamine Saw Blade is a professional-grade 260mm circular saw blade engineered for precision cutting in aluminum, brass, copper alloys, plastics, composite materials, melamine, and laminated panels. Featuring an 80-tooth Triple Chip Grind (TCG) configuration and a -6 deg. negative hook angle, this blade delivers clean, burr-free results on demanding non-ferrous materials and sensitive laminate surfaces. Built for use on single or double mitre saws and radial saws, it is a reliable choice for industrial fabrication and finish carpentry applications requiring accurate, chip-free cuts.

Key Features

• Triple Chip Grind (TCG) Tooth Geometry - alternating flat and chamfered teeth work together to shear through non-ferrous metals and laminated panels without grabbing, chipping, or tearing, resulting in smooth, professional-quality edges.
• Negative Hook Angle (-6 deg.) - reduces the tendency of the blade to climb or grab the workpiece, giving operators safer, more controlled cuts in aluminum, copper, brass, and plastic.
• 80-Tooth Configuration - the high tooth count distributes cutting load across more contact points, meaning each tooth removes less material per pass for exceptionally fine surface finishes on melamine and laminated panels.
• 30mm Bore with COMBI3 Pin Hole - the standard 30mm bore and COMBI3 pin hole pattern provide broad compatibility with single mitre saws, double mitre saws, and radial saws, making setup straightforward on a wide range of machines.
• 260 x 3.2/2.5mm Plate Dimensions - the 260mm diameter with a 3.2mm kerf and 2.5mm plate thickness balances rigidity with material efficiency, reducing waste during repeated non-ferrous metal and composite cutting operations.
• HW (Tungsten Carbide) Cutting Material - hardmetal carbide tips maintain their edge under the heat and abrasion generated when cutting aluminum alloys, copper, brass, plastics, and composite panels, extending the usable life of the blade in demanding industrial environments.
• Maximum 7,300 RPM Rating - engineered for high-speed machine operation, supporting productivity on professional mitre and radial saw setups without compromising safety margins.
• Liquid Lubricant Recommended - for best results when cutting non-ferrous metals, the blade is designed to perform with a liquid lubricant, helping manage heat buildup and preserve edge sharpness over extended use.

Why This Product

• Purpose-built for non-ferrous metals and laminates - the combination of TCG tooth geometry and a negative hook angle addresses the specific challenges of cutting aluminum, brass, copper alloys, and melamine, materials that cause chipping or grabbing with standard saw blades.
• High tooth count for finish-quality results - with 80 teeth on a 260mm plate, this blade is optimized for applications where surface quality matters, such as cutting melamine-faced panels or laminated composites without visible tear-out on the face.
• Broad machine compatibility for flexible use - the 30mm bore and COMBI3 pin hole configuration allow this blade to mount on single mitre saws, double mitre saws, and radial saws, reducing the need for multiple specialized blades across different machines on a job site or in a shop.
• Industrial-class carbide for durability in demanding cycles - HW tungsten carbide tips are selected for their ability to withstand the heat and abrasion of repeated cuts through aluminum, brass, plastic, and composite material, making this blade a cost-effective option for high-volume cutting environments.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 297.080.11M
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 260mm
• Bore Diameter: 30mm
• Pin Hole: COMBI3
• Number of Teeth: 80
• Tooth Grind Type: TCG (Triple Chip Grind)
• Hook Angle: -6 deg.
• Kerf Thickness: 3.2mm
• Plate Thickness: 2.5mm
• Cutting Material: HW (Tungsten Carbide)
• Maximum RPM: 7,300

Approved Applications

• Cutting aluminum and aluminum alloys
• Cutting brass and copper alloys
• Cutting plastics and composite materials
• Cutting melamine-faced panels and laminated panels
• Use on single or double mitre saws
• Use on radial saws

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of lubricant should I use with this blade when cutting non-ferrous metals?

A liquid lubricant is recommended when cutting non-ferrous metals with this blade. Wax stick lubrication is specifically not recommended for this application, as it is not suited to the performance requirements of this blade when processing aluminum, brass, copper alloys, or similar materials.

Which machines is this 260mm saw blade compatible with?

This blade is designed for use on single mitre saws, double mitre saws, and radial saws. The 30mm bore diameter and COMBI3 pin hole pattern support mounting on a wide range of professional machines in these categories.

Why does this blade use a negative hook angle for cutting non-ferrous metals and melamine?

The -6 deg. negative hook angle is specifically chosen for non-ferrous metal and laminated panel cutting because it prevents the blade from climbing or grabbing the workpiece. This results in safer, more controlled cuts and helps avoid the chipping or snatching that can occur with aggressive positive hook angles on these sensitive materials.

What materials can I cut with this blade?

This blade is rated for aluminum, brass, copper alloys, plastics, composite materials, melamine, and laminated panels. Its 80-tooth TCG configuration is optimized for these non-ferrous and laminate materials, delivering clean edges on each of these application types.

Note: This blade does not feature Orange Shield coating. Wax stick lubrication is not recommended - use a liquid lubricant when cutting non-ferrous metals.