If you’ve ever tried making a tenon, box joint, or dado groove on your table saw, you know how frustrating it can be when the cut bottom isn’t flat. Standard combination blades often leave a small “V” in the groove, thanks to their alternate top bevel (ATB) or combination tooth patterns. The solution? A table saw blade with a flat top grind (FTG), sometimes called a square tooth blade. These specialized blades leave perfectly flat bottoms, making them essential for strong, precise joinery and clean-fitting dados.
In this guide, you’ll discover the top flat tooth table saw blades for joinery, what sets them apart, and the features to look for. I’ll recommend highly rated options on Amazon (ff42-20), as well as premium picks for those who want professional-grade results.
Why Choose a Flat Tooth (FTG) Blade?
Flat top grind blades feature teeth that are perfectly square across the top. Unlike ATB blades, which alternate angles for smoother crosscuts, FTG blades are all about clean, flat-bottomed rips and grooves. They’re ideal for:
- Box joints
- Finger joints
- Tenons
- Flat-bottomed dados (with multiple passes or paired with dado sets)
- Grooves for inlays
When accuracy matters and a seamless fit is required, an FTG blade is your secret weapon.
Key Features to Look For
- Blade Diameter: 10-inch is most common for contractor and cabinet saws, but 8-inch or 12-inch options exist for specialty saws.
- Tooth Count: 24-tooth FTG blades are best for ripping and joinery; higher tooth counts (like 40T or 50T) are designed for combination use but may not all have FTG teeth.
- Carbide Tips: Choose blades with thick, industrial-grade carbide for longevity and resharpening.
- Kerf Width: Full-kerf blades (about 1/8″) offer the flattest bottoms and strength, while thin-kerf versions reduce motor strain.
- Anti-Vibration Slots: Premium blades feature laser-cut slots to reduce noise and vibration for cleaner cuts.
Best Flat Tooth Table Saw Blades on Amazon
Freud LM72R010 10″ x 24T FTG Rip Blade
The Freud LM72R010 is a classic FTG rip blade. With 24 flat-top teeth and thick carbide tips, it cuts dead-flat grooves for joinery and excels at ripping hardwoods without burning. The blade runs quietly, resists pitch buildup, and can be resharpened many times. This is a go-to choice for anyone serious about clean, flat rips and strong joints.
CMT 201.024.10 Industrial FTG Rip Blade
The CMT 201.024.10 is another excellent pick, with precision-ground FTG teeth and a tough, anti-kickback body. The industrial micrograin carbide holds an edge, and the orange non-stick coating reduces friction and prevents gumming. It’s great for hardwood, softwood, and composite lumber.
Forrest Woodworker II 10-Inch 30T FTG Blade
The Forrest Woodworker II FTG is a legendary premium blade for those who want the flattest, cleanest joinery cuts possible. The 30 FTG teeth leave nearly burn-free, glass-smooth cuts in both hard and soft woods. Forrest blades are renowned for their ultra-fine tolerances and are made in the USA.
Amana Tool 610240C FTG Heavy Duty Rip Blade
The Amana Tool 610240C is a heavy-duty blade with 24 flat-topped teeth, thick carbide tips, and a sturdy plate. It’s a favorite for deep rips, thick stock, and precision joinery. Amana’s blade holds up well in professional shops, delivering smooth, flat grooves for years.
High-End Pick: Freud Premier Fusion 10″ FTG/ATB Combination Blade
The Freud Premier Fusion offers a unique tooth geometry that combines FTG and ATB teeth for those who want a versatile blade with excellent joinery potential. While not all teeth are flat, this blade delivers flat-bottom cuts on rips and impressively smooth crosscuts. For those who want an all-in-one upgrade, this blade is tough to beat.
Tips for Flawless Flat-Bottomed Cuts
- Check for a true 90-degree blade to table setup before cutting.
- Use a zero-clearance throat plate to minimize tearout and support the workpiece.
- Feed at a steady, moderate rate—let the teeth do the work.
- Clean pitch and resin off the blade regularly for smooth operation.
- If cutting wide grooves, make overlapping passes and test fit on scrap before moving to your project material.
Where Flat Tooth Blades Shine
FTG blades are essential for cabinetry, box joint jigs, finger joints, tenon cheeks, and any task where you want glue joints that are as tight and strong as possible. While not ideal for fine crosscutting or plywood, they’re a must-have for anyone focused on joinery or traditional woodworking techniques.
Final Thoughts: Upgrade to a Flat Tooth Blade for Next-Level Joinery
The right flat top grind blade transforms your joinery, delivering stronger, neater, and more professional results. Choose a premium FTG blade for flawless tenons, dadoes, and box joints, and you’ll never settle for a ragged groove again. For those who want the best, investing in a high-quality FTG blade is a game-changer for any woodworking shop.