What Type of Blade Should I Use in My Circular Saw?

If you are going to use a circular saw, you will need to make sure it is fitted with the right blade for the job you want to do. There is a lot of choice when it comes to blades but choosing the right one will not only make the job easier, but it will also prolong the life of your saw.

What is a Circular Saw?

With so many different types of saw available, it is easy to get confused as to what they are used for, especially if you don’t work in the construction industry. A circular saw is a power saw that has a spinning blade designed to cut a variety of materials (wood, metal, plastic, and even masonry). A circular saw is available as a handheld device, or it can be mounted to a table (referred to as a table saw). All are fitted with metal blades that have special teeth along the edge. But what type is best to use?

Choosing a Blade for Your Circular Saw

When choosing a blade for your circular saw, you will have a few things to consider. For example, you will need a different type of blade to cut wood and masonry. The experts at Devour Tools explain that a diamond 4.5 blade would be ideal for cutting masonry but not for wood. This is because the diamond-tipped edge of the blade would likely tear through the wood, leaving a rough cut. Diamond blades are designed for grinding down extremely hard materials like masonry and steel. As wood is considered a soft material, a different type of metal blade is needed.

You need to choose a blade that is the correct diameter for your saw. It is best to check the manufacturer’s guidelines as to the maximum diameter for blades. Blades will have information labels stating the diameter and the number of teeth; it should also have information about the thickness of the cut it will provide and the size of the arbor hole. The size of the blade is a safety matter. If you choose one that is too big, it could compromise the guard.

The number of teeth a blade has will affect the type of cut it offers. For example, a blade with fewer teeth will give a faster cut but the finish will be rougher. If there are more teeth, you can expect the cut to take longer but it will be much smoother.

The material the blade is made from will determine the type of material it is best suited to cut. For example, a carbide blade is ideal for providing clean cuts in hard and softwood, chipboard, plexiglass, and plastic. A diamond blade is the better choice for cutting masonry (of any kind). Masonry blades do not usually have teeth.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing blades for a circular saw, there is a lot to think about. You need to make sure that the saw is fitted with a blade appropriate for the material being cut. For example, a diamond-tipped blade is an excellent choice for cutting hard materials such as metal or masonry, but it is not ideal for cutting wood.

To ensure you have chosen a suitable blade, it is best to refer to your saw manufacturer’s guidelines as these will provide relevant information on the maximum blade diameter as well as maximum rotations per minute (RPM).

The right blade will mean a clean cut for whatever material you are working with. It is also essential for your safety as well as for prolonging the life of the saw and blade.