What are the Best Saw Blades For Metal

The periodic table has 94 different types of metals, each of which can be categorized differently, according to the Royal Society of Chemistry. Nonetheless, iron content is the most widely used classification method. Metals can be classified into three groups based on their iron content:

METAL CLASSIFICATION

1. Ferrous (Contains Iron)

Almost 90% of manufactured metals are ferrous metals - steel, for instance. The Latin word "ferrum," which means "iron," is where the word "ferrous" originates. Ferrous metals include steel, cast iron, and alloys of iron with other metals (such as stainless steel). Features consist of: 

• Durability
• Tensile power
• The ability to conduct electricity
• Poor resistance to corrosion
• Reusable
• Typically, magnetic
• Silver in color

2. Non-ferrous (Absent Of Iron)

Alloys or metals with zero or very little iron content are known as non-ferrous metals. Because they weigh less than ferrous metals, they are typically more expensive. Additional characteristics include:

• Non-magnetic characteristics
• Simple to assemble (including casting, welding, and machining)
• Strong ability to withstand rusting
• Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity
• Minimal density
• Not magnetic
• Range of colors

Prior to being refined by electrolysis, non-ferrous metals are typically extracted from minerals such as carbonates, silicates, and sulfides. These consist of copper alloys such as brass and bronze, as well as aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin, titanium, and zinc. Additional non-ferrous metals that are uncommon or valuable are zirconium, gold, silver, platinum, cobalt, mercury, tungsten, and lithium.

There are many commercial, industrial, and domestic uses for non-ferrous metals. Some can take the place of steel, like alloys made of titanium or aluminum. Nevertheless, they are more useful for their particular qualities and are frequently more costly. Non-ferrous metals, like gold and silver, can be employed in more aesthetically pleasing contexts because they are softer and more malleable.

3. Alloys (Composed Of Various Metals And Other Elements)

A combination of multiple elements, including another metal, is called a metal alloy. Brass, for instance, is an alloy made of copper and zinc. Steel is an alloy consisting of approximately 2% carbon and a metallic element (iron).

A metal can be alloyed to improve a particular property. Every component of the alloy adds something distinct to the mixture, resulting in a specific product that is stronger, more resilient, more corrosion-resistant, or able to support heavier loads. As a result, they are highly sought after in numerous applications and sectors, including electronics, manufacturing, plumbing, architecture, home goods, and the automobile and aerospace industries.

Metal cutting is commonplace in many sectors, including construction and manufacturing. The proper blade for the job is crucial when cutting through metal, be it steel, aluminum, or another sort. However, selecting the best metal-cutting blade might be challenging, given the abundance of variations on the market.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A METAL CUTTING SAW BLADE

Not all blades are made equal when it comes to cutting metal. The following are some things to think about while selecting the ideal blade for your needs:

1. The Blade's Material

When choosing a metal-cutting blade, the material is one of the most crucial factors to consider. Harder metals like steel and stainless steel are best cut using carbide-tipped blades; softer metals like brass and aluminum are best cut with high-speed steel (HSS) blades. Diamond blades are also available for cutting exceptionally hard materials like porcelain and concrete.

2. Tooth Configuration

The cutting performance of a blade is mainly dependent on its tooth design. Higher tooth count blades cut finer, which makes them appropriate for thin metal cutting. However, cutting heavier metals is a better use for blades with fewer teeth.

3. Thickness Of Blade

The blade's cutting accuracy and longevity are influenced by its thickness. Thicker blades are more stiff and can sustain larger cutting forces, making them excellent for cutting heavy-duty metals. However, because they are more flexible, thinner blades work better for precise cuts. 

4. Coating For Blades

Specific metal-cutting blades have coatings applied to them to improve their longevity and function. Coatings made of titanium nitride (TiN) lessen heat accumulation and friction, extending the life of the blade. Coatings like carbide and ceramic can also increase accuracy and cutting efficiency.

5. Speed of Cutting

How fast and effectively the blade can cut through metal depends on its cutting speed. Slower-moving blades work better when cutting more rigid materials; faster-moving blades work better when cutting softer metals.

6. Resistance to Heat

Cutting metal produces a lot of heat, which might shorten the blade's lifespan. Selecting a blade that can withstand high temperatures will guarantee that it stays sharp and efficiently cuts for extended periods. 

THE BEST METAL CUTTING SAW BLADES

After talking about the things to think about when selecting a metal-cutting blade, let's look at some of our top saw blades for metal on the market:

• Benchmark Abrasives 5-3/8" 30 TCT Saw Blade For Metal And Steel

Also available in 50-tooth

• Benchmark Abrasives 6-1/2" 48 Tooth TCT Saw Blade For Steel/Metal
• Benchmark Abrasives 7-1/4" 40 Tooth TCT Saw Blade For Steel/Metal

Also Available in 52-Tooth

• Benchmark Abrasives 8" 48 Tooth TCT Saw Blade For Steel/Metal

Also Available in 8 ¼” 48-tooth

• Benchmark Abrasives 9” 48 Tooth TCT Saw Blade For Steel/Metal
• Benchmark Abrasives 10” 52 Tooth TCT Saw Blade For Steel/Metal

Also Available in 80-tooth

• Benchmark Abrasives 12” 60 Tooth TCT Saw Blade For Steel/Metal
• Benchmark Abrasives 14” 66 Tooth TCT Saw Blade For Steel/Metal

Also Available in 80 & 120 Tooth

These TCT saw blades for steel/metal from Benchmark Abrasives have a specifically formulated carbide that lasts longer and cuts through all ferrous metals, including wrought iron, cast iron, steel, stainless steel, titanium, and nickel, with no burrs. It generates very little heat and very few sparks; thus, the sliced material may be handled rapidly.

TCT Saw Blades for Metals are designed to fit circular saws and cut through aluminum or steel using tungsten carbide teeth. This metal cutting blade is more durable than abrasive discs and makes cutting through steel sheets, steel pipes, rebar, metal rods, and channels simple. The TCT saw blade is intended primarily for cutting titanium-based materials, nickel, zirconium, cobalt, and metal pipes, rails, and tubes.

 Applications:

• Ferrous materials include wrought iron, cast iron, steel, stainless steel, titanium, and nickel.
• Flat stock, square tube, angle iron, 1/8" steel plate, pipe, tube, and rebar

CONCLUSION

Using the appropriate blade for the job can have a significant impact on the effectiveness and caliber of your metalworking projects. Selecting a blade that satisfies your unique cutting needs is crucial, regardless of whether you are cutting steel, aluminum, or another kind of metal.