Circular saws are a staple in any woodworker's toolkit, and choosing the right blade can make all the difference when it comes to your projects. By understanding the different types of blades, their specific uses, materials, and maintenance tips, you can ensure smoother cuts and extend the lifespan of your tools. Whether you're ripping through lumber or making precise crosscuts, having the right blade on hand can help you achieve professional results every time.
What are the different types of circular saw blades?
Types of circular saw blades include:
1) General purpose blade: These are standard circular saw blades that can be made to cut wood, ferrous metal, ceramic tile, plastics, and/or more. They can be carbide tipped, forged from steel, or even have diamond abrasives to make straight cuts through hard material.
2) Fine finish blade: Sized between 6.5-in to 12-in, fine finish circular saw blades will often have 60 to 200 small teeth that are used to make clean cuts in your work pieces and are used for crosscutting projects. Depending on the teeth pattern and diameter size, these can be used for cutting wood, plastic, veneer, and more.
3) Framing blade: Used for framing and construction projects, these circular saws have fewer, but larger teeth than fine finish saws used to cut through wood and sheet metal.
4) Mitre saw blade: These multi-purpose types of circular saws can make versatile cuts through a wide range of carpentry, construction, and plastic cutting projects.
5) Rip saw blade: Get more range with your cutting tool with these versatile rip saw blades that can make rough cuts in your wood, soft metal, and plastic materials.
6) Table saw blade: Between 8-in to 10-in in size and generally between 24 to 60 teeth, these blades can make smooth cuts in your wood and plastic projects like those of fine finish saws blades.
How do I choose a circular saw blade?
When choosing a saw blade, take into consideration:
- The material it’s made from.
- The number of teeth it has.
- If it is segmented or continuous.
- What materials it can cut.
- What kind of cuts it can make.
- What power tools it is compatible with.
- What size would help you get your work done efficiently.
You can review the specifications of each type of circular saw blade at Canadian Tire, whether it’s a carbide-tipped fine finish saw or a segmented diamond blade rip saw. It is recommended to use a carbide tipped, 7.25-in to 10-in general purpose saw blade for basic woodworking and metalworking tasks.
Can you use any blade in a circular saw?
Blade attachments can be used with a circular saw if their diameter and arbor hole sizes are compatible with the power tool. Sharpening circular saw blades is also important to stay on top of if you don’t want to switch blades around as frequently for the purposes of a clean cut.
Tips for choosing and maintaining circular saw blades
1. Match the blade to the task: Always choose a blade suited to the material you're cutting and the type of cut you need to make. Using the wrong blade can result in poor-quality cuts and damage to both your material and your saw.
2. Check arbor size: Ensure that the arbor hole of the blade matches your saw's arbor size to avoid any fitting issues.
3. Regular cleaning: Keep your blades clean from resin and pitch build-up using a blade cleaner or household degreaser. This helps maintain cutting efficiency and prolongs blade life.
4. Sharpening: Even high-quality blades will eventually dull with use. Regularly inspect your blades and have them professionally sharpened when necessary to maintain optimal performance.
5. Storage: Store your circular saw blades properly when not in use to prevent damage. Hanging them on pegboards or storing them in protective cases can help keep them in good condition.