How to Choose Right Blade for Circular Saw

Different types of circular saw blades are manufactured to cut different materials and work projects with different power saws. Make sure the blade you choose is suitable for the material you need to cut. It is also necessary blade you choose; make sure it fits your saw. There are several specifications you should check.

Check blade diameter and type and compare these specifications with the capability of your saw. Acceptable sizes vary by saw model, but in general:

• Handheld circular saws accept smaller blades, those 4-1/2 inches to 7-1/4 inches in diameter. These are usually carbide-tipped.
• Tile saws use 7-inch or 10-inch diamond blades.
• Table saws and compound miter saws use blades 10 inches or 12 inches in diameter. Like those for handheld saws, the blades are typically carbide-tipped.
• Metal-cutting chop saws, also called abrasive saws or cut-off saws, have 14-inch silicon carbide or aluminium oxide abrasive blades.

Check the size of the arbor hole (the hole is in the center of the blade). It must fit the arbor or shaft on your saw. Many blades with a circular arbor hole include a piece you can knock out to allow them to fit saws with a diamond-shaped arbor.

To confirm it is compatible with the tool you plan to use. You have to note the maximum RPM (revolutions per minute) rating of the blade.

It is Good to Know

Blade diameter, arbor hole size, number of teeth and kerf — the thickness of the cut the blade creates — are typically printed on the face of a circular saw blade. You may also see a list of these blade types as well as maximum RPM and application specifications. 

1. Continuous Rim Blades:

Continuous-rim blades are a type of diamond-edged blades — sometimes these blades are called diamond blades — typically designed for materials such as slate and tile. Diamonds affixed to the edge of the blade cut through the material. These blades create a very clean finish. Some of these work in dry-cutting applications only, while others are only for wet-cutting projects and some work for either wet or dry applications.

Caution

While some blades are suitable for wet and dry applications and please note your saw must be suitable for the type of cutting you need to do.

2. Standard Circular Saw Blades:

Standard circular saw blades are typically used to cut wood or wood composites. The number of teeth on the blade helps determine the speed, type and finish of the cut. Blades which have fewer teeth cut faster but those which have more teeth create a finer finish. Gullets between the teeth remove chips from the work pieces. Expansion slots cut into the rim help prevent the blade from warping as it expands and contracts during use. They reduce vibration and create a straighter cut.

Rip-cut blades, are used for cutting with the wood grain (along the length of a board), which have fewer teeth (16 to 40). The teeth are designed to cut aggressively and deep gullets provide good chip removal. Crosscut blades, those for cutting across the wood grain (across the face of a board), have between 40 and 80 teeth designed for clean cuts. Smaller gullets separate the teeth. Combination blades use to make rip cuts and crosscuts. They have multiple groupings of teeth separated by deep gullets. Each group has one tooth for ripping and four for crosscutting.

You may also see blades with other designations:

• Framing blades have 24 teeth and are very effective for work — such as rough carpentry — where speed is more important than a clean cut.
• Plywood blades have 100 or more fine teeth designed to create a finish with minimal splintering.
• Thin-kerf blades have a narrow profile for easier, faster cutting and less material waste.
• Hollow-ground blades have a body that's thinner than the teeth — a design intended to help keep the blade from becoming pinched in the work piece.

It is Good to Know

Some standard circular saw blades can cut materials other than wood, such as plastic or aluminium.

3. Abrasive Blades:

Abrasive blades cut materials such as concrete and brick. Some abrasive blades are also suitable for metal-cutting applications. Like the diamond blades, they don't have teeth. They cut with an abrasive material such as aluminium oxide or silicon carbide.

4. Turbo Rim Blades:

Turbo-rim blades are diamond blades and similar to continuous-rim blades, but with a serrated rim that cuts materials such as brick and concrete. These blades cut more aggressively than continuous-rim blades but don't gives as clean a finish. Some work for dry cutting  only, but some are specially manufactured for both wet and dry applications.

5. Segmented Blades:

Segmented blades also cut have diamond edges, but have a rim divided by gullets similar to those on a standard blade. The segments create the most aggressive cut of the diamond blades. These blades cut very quickly than the other types and can also handle tough materials such as brick and concrete, but gives a rougher finish. Like continuous- and turbo-rim blades, some work for dry cutting, while others are appropriate for wet or dry applications.