Circular Saw Blades are the essential part of a circular saw, and they are the only component that touches the material from being cut. It is why it is vital to maintain them in good condition.
There are many types of blades available on the market, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
This blog will provide everything you need to know about circular saw blades.
What is a Circular Saw Blade?
For instance, a circular saw blade is a type of saw blade used in a circular saw. It can be used to cut wood, metal, and other materials.
This type of blade has a round edge, making it easier to make clean cuts with the least amount of material waste possible.
Most circular saws usually come with a 7¼-inch blade that draws between 8-15 amps of power.
If you’re thinking of buying a circular saw blade, there are some considerations you need to note to pick the best item for your circular saw and make your work easy and precise.
The number of teeth, blade diameter, gullet size, size of the teeth, the hook angle, and the size of the bore are some of the examples of factors that you should consider before buying a circular blade.
Let’s explore each factor in more detail.
- The number of teeth of your circular blade has an important role when cutting woods or metal materials. Generally, the more teeth a blade has, the more delicate finish it will give. Hence, those blades with fewer teeth can cut items faster, but they won’t produce a smooth cut.
- The blade diameter is also considered an essential factor when picking the ideal circular blades in the market. Specifically, we also need to include it for safety reasons.
When choosing a blade, make sure to read the measurements on the label. In addition, make sure your power tool requirements match the type of blades you are considering.
The diameter of the blade, the size of the hole in it, how many teeth it has, and how thick it cuts are usually found on the face of a circular saw blade.
- Next is the Size of the Teeth Blade. The teeth blade plays the most crucial role in cutting wood or metal. Depending on the size of the blade, it indicates what kind of materials you should cut with. It also determines how organic everything will look after its cut.
Blades with wider gullets are ideal for making rip cuts since these can expel sawdust quickly. While Smaller teeth give off a sharper and cleaner cut, making them perfect for cutting across the grain.
- The gullet size identifies the space between your circular saw blade teeth. When choosing a blade, it is just as important to consider the gullet size of the blade and the number of teeth. When they are similar in size, this indicates they will function similarly.
- The Bore of the circular blade is typically the hole located at the center of the blade. It is the part of the blade where you’ll attach it to the saw. You can buy saw blades with bores that are wider than your saw’s shaft, but you’ll need to use a reducer ring to get it to fit.
- When buying a circular saw blade, the hook or rake angle of the blade should be taken into consideration. There are three different hook angles: positive, neutral, and negative. Each type of angle has other qualities when it comes to cutting materials.
Major Categories of Circular Saw Blades
Circular saw blades are categorized into different categories based on the physical features and the type of teeth. They are classified as Rip Blades, Combination Blades, and Crosscut Blades.
Ripping Blades
When long pieces of wood need to be ripped into shorter pieces, a ripping saw blade is used. It’s designed to cut cleanly without putting your hands on steel or wood. Rip blades have a few large and straight teeth, which helps remove the dust much more quickly.
Combination Blades
A combination saw blade is suitable for both rips and crosscut as it is designed to do so. These are the most common type of circular saw blades.
Combination blades come with a variety of tooth counts.
Higher tooth counts will produce smoother cuts, while lower tooth counts produce rougher finishes.
Crosscut Blades
Crosscut saw blades are designed for cutting perpendicular to the wood grain. When using one, you’re aiming for a clean, smooth, and safe cut. A crosscut blade has several teeth that alternate from left to right.
Do’s and Don’ts when using Circular Saw Blade.
It sometimes feels like circular saw blades are a bit tricky to use. There are a lot of dos and don’ts in using these blades. It would help if you were careful when using the saw.
Here are some essential tips and techniques for managing circular saw blades.
- Do not set the blade too deep into the material you are cutting. It will cause problems, which are more difficult and dangerous to use. Ensure that it will correctly set to the material you’ll cut to keep the work efficient and safe.
- To set up the blade, place it on the wood and tighten it. Keep an eye out for any catches or signs of being too high, adjusting as necessary.
- If you are using a circular saw to cut a board, make sure that the end of the board is free to fall or move out from under the blade.
- When cutting a plywood board, ensure that it has support below the plywood. It prevents the board from warping and getting out of shape or breaking.
- When cutting, always guide the rip cuts with your finger. Ensure you always hold the saw when you turn it on and release the grip once the blade has stopped moving.
- It’s not a good idea to cut lumber on the downward trend because it will end up bowing and making your board worse. So make sure you’re aware of what side your cutting is currently on so that you don’t waste time with boards that will eventually be bowed.
Closing Note
A circular saw blade is a vital tool to have in your workshop. It can be used for various projects, from woodworking to metalworking.
When shopping for a circular saw blade, be sure to consider the blade’s size, type, and diameter.
Also, read the instructions carefully to ensure that you are using the blade safely and correctly.