The CMT 288.200.36H Scoring Blade 200 x 20mm T36 is an industrial-grade conical scoring blade engineered for chip-free cuts on melamine panels, double-sided laminates, and coated board materials. Manufactured by CMT, this 200mm scoring blade pairs with panel sizing saws to pre-score the bottom face of a workpiece before the main blade passes through, preventing surface tearout on even the most demanding finished surfaces. With 36 hardmetal (HW) teeth and a conical-plus-flat-top (CO + FTG) grind geometry, it delivers the precision required for high-volume cabinet, furniture, and panel processing applications.

Key Features

• Conical + Flat Top (CO + FTG) tooth grind - the conical tooth profile pre-scores the panel edge cleanly while the flat-top teeth refine the kerf, preventing chipping on melamine and laminate faces where surface quality is critical.
• 36 hardmetal (HW) teeth - a higher tooth count on an industrial-grade carbide tip maintains a clean scoring line at production speeds, reducing the need for frequent blade changes or edge rework.
• Adjustable kerf range of 4.4mm to 5.3mm (0.175 in. to 0.209 in.) - the variable kerf width allows the scoring blade to be precisely matched to the main blade kerf, ensuring the score groove falls exactly within the primary cut for a perfectly clean panel edge.
• 200mm (8 in.) blade diameter with a 20mm bore - a compact, standardized diameter and bore size designed for compatibility with vertical-regulation scoring units on panel sizing machines used in industrial woodworking environments.
• 10 deg. cutting (hook) angle - a positive hook angle promotes an aggressive, controlled feed into panel materials, supporting smooth engagement at production feed rates without deflection.
• 3.2mm (0.126 in.) plate thickness - a rigid plate body minimizes blade flex during high-speed scoring, contributing to consistent kerf depth and a repeatable, straight score line across the full panel width.
• Rated to 7,600 RPM - the blade is built for the rotational demands of industrial panel saws, providing confidence that it performs safely and consistently at machine operating speeds.
• Suggested for use with vertical-regulation scoring units - optimized specifically for machines where the scoring blade height can be fine-tuned independently, allowing precise depth control for different panel thicknesses and laminate types.

Why This Product

• Melamine and laminate panels are highly susceptible to chipping at the cut line - the CO + FTG conical geometry of this scoring blade is designed specifically to pre-score these sensitive surfaces, producing a clean bottom edge without costly rework.
• The adjustable 4.4mm to 5.3mm kerf range means the scoring groove can be dialed in to match the exact kerf of the primary sizing blade, eliminating visible step lines on the panel face and maintaining a professional cut quality across different material thicknesses.
• With a maximum speed of 7,600 RPM and 36 HW carbide teeth, this blade is built for the continuous demands of industrial panel sizing production - not occasional shop use - making it a practical choice for facilities where consistency and throughput matter.
• The 200mm diameter and 20mm bore conform to the standard sizing used on vertical-regulation scoring units, making this a direct-fit replacement blade for compatible panel sizing machines without requiring adapter hardware or special mounting.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 288.200.36H
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Blade Diameter: 200mm (8 in.)
• Bore Diameter: 20mm
• Number of Teeth: 36
• Tooth Material: HW (Hardmetal Carbide)
• Tooth Grind: CO + FTG (Conical + Flat Top)
• Tooth Thickness (Kerf Range): 4.4mm - 5.3mm (0.175 in. - 0.209 in.)
• Plate Thickness: 3.2mm (0.126 in.)
• Cutting Angle: 10 deg.
• Maximum Speed: 7,600 RPM

Approved Applications

• Industrial conical scoring for panel sizing machines with vertical regulation of the scoring blade
• Chip-free scoring on melamine-coated panels
• Scoring double-sided laminate and coated board materials
• Suggested for use with thick kerf or panel sizing main blades

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of machine is this scoring blade designed for?

The CMT 288.200.36H is suggested for panel sizing machines that feature vertical regulation of the scoring blade. This design allows the blade height to be adjusted independently so the scoring kerf depth can be matched precisely to the panel material being cut.

What does CO + FTG tooth geometry mean, and why does it matter for melamine cutting?

CO + FTG stands for Conical plus Flat Top Grind. The conical tooth form scores into the coated surface at an angle, slicing cleanly through the laminate or melamine layer, while the flat-top teeth refine the groove. Together, these two tooth profiles work to prevent surface chipping on melamine and laminate panels - the most common failure mode when cutting coated sheet goods without proper scoring.

How do I match the scoring blade kerf to my main sizing blade?

The CMT 288.200.36H has an adjustable kerf range of 4.4mm to 5.3mm (0.175 in. to 0.209 in.). By adjusting the lateral position of the scoring blade using your machine's built-in regulation, you can widen or narrow the scoring groove to precisely match the kerf of your primary panel sizing blade. The score line should be slightly wider than - but fully contained within - the main blade kerf so no scored edge remains visible on the finished panel.

Is this blade compatible with a thick-kerf main blade?

Yes. The product data specifically notes that this scoring blade is suggested for use with thick-kerf or panel sizing main blades. The upper end of the kerf range (5.3mm / 0.209 in.) provides enough width to accommodate the broader kerf produced by industrial thick-kerf sizing blades.