Answering your search for the best cement board blade for a circular saw, these five Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) tipped blades are designed to cut hard fiber cement materials cleanly and with less wear. They’re best for professionals and DIYers tackling HardiePlank, Cemplank, laminate, and ultra-hard boards. The list prioritizes long life, thin kerf for reduced waste, and low vibration. Use this guide to choose blades by project type, material, and arbor compatibility.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| TOMAX PCDM61204 | Hardie fiber cement and plank | 4-tips for fast, durable cuts |
| TWIN-TOWN 7-1/4″ | Fiber cement boards and ultra-hard materials | Ultra-thin kerf for minimal waste |
| WEN BL0704 | Fiber cement and laminate flooring | High RPM range for versatile cuts |
| CRALY 7-1/4″ | Laminate flooring and cement boards | Laser-cut slots and stabilization |
| 7-1/4″ 4T PCD D0704DH | Fiber cement and laminate projects | Diamond-tipped for long life |
TOMAX PCDM61204 6-1/2 Inch PCD Blade
The TOMAX PCDM61204 blade uses four polycrystalline diamond-tipped teeth designed specifically for HardiePlank, Cemplank, and other fiber cement products. It offers abrasion-resistance and faster cutting with longer life. Best for professional cuts in hard fiber cement siding and boards. Suitable for 5/8-inch DMK arbors. Caution: verify board compatibility before use to avoid chipping on thin, delicate finishes.
TWIN-TOWN 7-1/4 Inch PCD Fiber Cement Blade
Designed with a 0.071-inch (1.8 mm) thin kerf, this blade enables fast cuts with minimal material waste. It’s aimed at cutting fiber cement boards, Hardie Plank, Eternit, MDF, and even Corian. The anti-stick coating helps reduce rust and corrosion for longer blade life. Best for projects requiring clean edges and reduced vibration. Limitations: ensure your circular saw supports a 7-1/4 inch blade with a 5/8 inch arbor before purchasing.
WEN BL0704 7-1/4-Inch PCD Blade
The WEN BL0704 blade features a 7-1/4-inch diameter, 5/8-inch arbor, and supports up to 7000 RPM, making it versatile for fiber cement and laminate flooring. Its ultra-thin kerf (1.8 mm) supports clean, efficient cuts with minimal material removal. Best for general fiber cement work and laminate installations. Caution: high RPM operation requires ensuring your saw’s speed rating matches blade capacity.
CRALY 7-1/4 Inch PCD Hardie Blade
The CRALY blade combines four PCD teeth with a thin kerf and laser-cut expansion slots. It includes stabilizer vents and a diamond knockout for dependable cuts. Best for laminate flooring and hard fiber cement boards where long blade life is a priority. Caution: observe feed rate because very thin kerf blades can deflect on dense boards if pushed too hard.
7-1/4 Inch 4T PCD Hardie Blade For Diablo
The 7-1/4 Inch 4T PCD Hardie Blade is designed for fiber cement and laminate flooring. It fits 5/8-Inch DMK arbors and emphasizes long life with diamond-tipped teeth. Best for builders and contractors who need reliable cuts in cement boards and laminate surfaces. Caution: decorative finishes may require slower feeding to prevent chipping on delicate edges.
Buying Guide
What to consider when selecting a cement board blade for circular saws:
- Blade diameter and arbor compatibility: Most common is 7-1/4 inches with a 5/8 inch arbor. Confirm your saw’s compatibility before buying.
- Kerf width: Thinner kerfs reduce waste and require less force but can deflect if pushed too aggressively on dense boards.
- Tooth configuration and material: PCD teeth are designed for hard fiber cement; more teeth can yield smoother edges but may cut more slowly in some materials.
- Coatings and stability: Anti-stick coatings reduce rust; laser-cut slots and stabilizers minimize noise and vibration for cleaner cuts.
- Project type: For siding and planks, look for blades labeled for HardiePlank, Cemplank, and ultra-hard cement boards. For laminate and composite flooring, ensure compatibility with laminate materials as well.
FAQ
What is a PCD blade best used for?
PCD blades are designed for hard fiber cement boards and laminate surfaces, offering long life and clean cuts compared to standard carbide blades.
Can I use a 7-1/4 inch blade on a smaller circular saw?
No. Use a blade that matches your saw’s maximum diameter and arbor. Using the wrong size can damage the saw or blade.
Is a thinner kerf blade better for cement boards?
Yes, a thin kerf reduces material waste and requires less power, but it can be more prone to deflection if fed too aggressively.
Should I use an anti-stick coated blade?
Anti-stick coatings help prevent material from clinging to the blade, reducing heat and corrosion over time.
Are these blades suitable for multiple materials?
Many are designed for fiber cement and laminate. Always verify the blade’s listed applications to avoid edge chipping on non-target materials.