There are different blades, but the circular saw blade types are flexible tools. They can make various concrete, plastic, metal cuts, and wooden materials. However, for a circular saw to be perfect for the project you’re working on, you need to choose the right blade.

We have several categories of these blades designed to perform specific tasks. Therefore, one needs to consider the following vital information when looking for circular saw blades to perform a particular task.

Factors Affecting the Type of Blade to Choose

• Type of material to be cut
• Type of task
• Nature of cut

These are the three main factors one needs to consider when selecting the blades that will fit the intended task or job.

Type of Material to Be Cut

The most vital factor to consider before choosing a suitable blade for the specific task is the material you want to cut. Some circular saws such as worm drive and sidewinders saws are usually used to cut a range of materials. This only works when you choose the correct blade. In most cases, the choice of blade won’t work when you select a blade for cutting plywood and use it to cut on a block of granite.

Type of Task

A blade that will be used to make rough cuts on the part of the wood that will not be visible is not the same one that will be used to make smooth cuts that will be notable. There are blades designed for finishing, and others are designed to make rough cuts. When choosing blades, make sure you select the appropriate type to accomplish your task.

Nature of Cut

When cutting wooden materials, different types of cuts are needed. There are blades designed for crosscutting and cutting dados.

Circular Saw Blade Types and Uses

Crosscutting Blades

These blades are best in cutting across the grains of wooden materials. They have more teeth and a shallow gullet than other blades, hence being suitable for the task. They produce smoother and cleaner results, and they cut slowly.

Plywood Blade

Because the plywood flakes and chips are not complex, the plywood blade has more teeth than the crosscutting blade. They usually have more than 40 teeth. In addition, the blade is designed to use on smooth materials hence helping to minimize the splintering of wood when cutting.

General-Purpose Blades

Also known as combination blades, they fall between crosscutting and ripping blades. These are only the best choice if one needs a single blade for various tasks. But when one needs a blade for a specific job, it’s advisable to get a particular blade designed for that specific task.

Ripping Blades

These blades are not made to cut across a wood grain but along. They are characterized by a few teeth, not more than 24. They have deep gullets and are suitable for making rough cuts faster.

Finishing Blades

These blades are used to make clean and exact cuts on wood. They make cuts on timber that will most likely be noticeable after completing the intended task. They have more teeth for making smooth cuts. Because of the extra teeth, they don’t cause any damage to the wood.

Dado Blade

These blades are generally used to cut specific grooves in the wood.

Thin Kerf

These kinds of blades are designed to make a narrow cut through wood. The width of a cut is known as “kerf” hence used for the task. These types of blades are mostly used to cut dimensional lumber. They are not supposed to be used in rugged woods since it will cause them to flex, thus making it hard to have a straight cut.

Masonry Blades

These blades are different from the kinds of blades used to cut wood. They do not have teeth, making them different from woodcutting blades. In addition, these blades are made up of other materials from the woodcutting blades. Masonry blades are the only type of blades that only works when cutting masonry or any task related to it.

Different features of circular saw blades that make them adapt to particular tasks.

Four main elements of saw blades make them suited to specific tasks.

• Expansion slot
• Size
• Gullet
• Number of teeth
• Expansion slot

Some blades are made with expansion slots. These blades allow them to expand slightly as it heats up so that the operator can continue cutting the material efficiently.

Size

Standard circular blade types are 7.25 inches, but other sizes exist. An example of differently sized blades is a mini circular blade which consists of blades of only 4.5 inches. Therefore, a lot of keenness is needed to make sure you choose the right size of the tool.

Gullet

It is the space between each tooth of a blade. Deeper gullets are good at removing larger wood chips, while shallower necks eliminate fine sawdust from the cut.

Number of Teeth

The number of teeth is the main feature of any blade. Anyone can notice them. Generally, blades with fewer teeth are quicker in cutting but rough. If you need clean and more precise cuts, choosing a blade with more teeth is advisable.

Watch Video: How to choose a Circular Saw Blade

FAQs

• How Do I Choose A Circular Saw Blade?

There are many types of blades available, but if you’re thinking about saw blades, then more than six types of circular blades are available in the market. Before you choose any circular saw blade, it’s essential that you need a circular blade. When you find that, you can select any suitable for your work.

• What are the different types of circular saw blades?

The main difference in circular saw blades is in your usage. If you use woodworking, you need a saw blade with high-quality gullets and Sharpe’s teeth. If you want a blade to meet working, then you need a plain blade. The simple answer is it depends on your working style.

Conclusion

Choosing the suitable circular saw blades for your task can be overwhelming and tiresome. However, the right blade guarantees you the quick accomplishment of your task. That said, factoring in the above factors will land you the best blade for your job.

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