CMT 297.096.12M Non-Metal and Laminate Circular Saw Blade by CMT is a 300mm diameter, 96-tooth carbide-tipped blade engineered for clean, precise cuts through non-ferrous materials, melamine, laminated panels, plastics, and composite materials. With a triple-chip grind (TCG) tooth profile and a negative -6 deg. cutting angle, this blade delivers smooth, chip-free results on difficult-to-cut materials where blade geometry and tooth count are critical to surface quality. Whether you are crosscutting laminated board on a radial arm saw or trimming aluminum profiles on a mitre saw, this blade is purpose-built to handle the demands of professional fabrication and finish work.

Key Features

• 96-tooth configuration - high tooth count means more cutting contacts per revolution, resulting in smoother cut surfaces with minimal tearout on melamine, laminate, and composite panels
• Triple-chip grind (TCG) tooth geometry - alternating chamfered and flat teeth are specifically designed for non-ferrous metals and brittle materials, reducing the risk of chipping and edge damage on fragile surfaces
• Negative -6 deg. cutting angle - controls the feed rate and limits the blade from grabbing, which is especially important when cutting aluminum, brass, copper alloys, and plastics to improve operator control and cut quality
• Carbide-tipped (HW) blade material - hard metal carbide tips maintain a sharp cutting edge far longer than standard steel teeth, reducing downtime for blade changes during high-volume production work
• 30mm bore diameter with COMBI3 pin hole pattern - broad compatibility with single mitre saws, double mitre saws, and radial saws, making this blade adaptable across multiple machines in a professional workshop
• 3.2mm kerf thickness - provides a precise, consistent cut channel while maintaining structural rigidity in the blade body during extended cutting sessions
• 6,400 RPM maximum speed rating - suitable for the high-speed operation of professional stationary saw equipment, ensuring safe performance within machine specifications

Why This Product

• Engineered specifically for non-ferrous and laminate cutting - unlike general-purpose circular saw blades, the TCG grind and negative hook angle are selected together to address the unique challenges of cutting aluminum, copper alloys, melamine, and plastic without chipping or binding
• 96 teeth on a 300mm blade delivers a high tooth-per-inch ratio - this means finer, cleaner cuts on laminated panels and composite materials where surface finish quality directly affects the final product appearance
• COMBI3 pin hole compatibility - this blade mounts on a wide range of professional mitre and radial saws, reducing the need for adapters and making it a practical choice for workshops running multiple machine brands
• Carbide-tipped (HW) construction at a professional grade - the hard metal tips are built for durability in demanding non-ferrous and melamine cutting applications, providing a longer service life compared to standard blade options in the same category

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 297.096.12M
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Blade Diameter: 300mm
• Bore Diameter: 30mm
• Pin Hole: COMBI3
• Number of Teeth: 96
• Kerf Thickness: 3.2mm
• Body Thickness: 2.5mm
• Tooth Grind Type: TCG
• Cutting Angle: -6 deg.
• Blade Material: HW (Carbide-Tipped)
• Maximum Speed: 6,400 RPM

Approved Applications

• Aluminum
• Brass
• Copper alloys
• Plastic
• Composite materials
• Melamine
• Laminated panels
• Single mitre saws
• Double mitre saws
• Radial saws

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TCG tooth grind and why does it matter for cutting laminate and non-ferrous metals?

TCG stands for triple-chip grind, a tooth geometry that alternates between a flat raker tooth and a chamfered trapezoidal tooth. This pattern is specifically designed for cutting brittle materials such as melamine, laminated panels, and non-ferrous metals like aluminum, brass, and copper alloys. The alternating geometry helps prevent chipping on the cut edge and reduces heat buildup, making it a preferred choice over standard ATB (alternate top bevel) grinds for these material types.

What does the -6 deg. cutting angle mean and how does it affect cutting performance?

The -6 deg. cutting angle, also referred to as a negative hook angle, causes each tooth to engage the material with a more scraping action rather than an aggressive biting action. This controlled engagement reduces the tendency of the blade to grab or self-feed, which improves operator control and cut quality - particularly important when working with aluminum profiles, plastic sheets, and laminated panels where an aggressive hook angle could cause material damage or kickback.

What is the COMBI3 pin hole configuration and which machines is it compatible with?

The COMBI3 pin hole pattern accommodates multiple pin configurations on saw flanges from various manufacturers, providing broad compatibility across professional single mitre saws, double mitre saws, and radial saws fitted with a 30mm arbor bore. This combination pin hole design allows one blade to fit a wider range of machines without requiring a separate adapter ring or different blade per machine type.

Is liquid lubrication required when using this blade?

Liquid lubricant is recommended when using this blade, particularly when cutting non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, brass, and copper alloys. Wax stick lubrication is not recommended for use with this blade. Proper lubrication helps reduce heat and friction at the cutting edge, extending blade life and improving cut quality on metal and composite materials.