How to Choose Circular Saw Blades for Cutting Tool

Circular saw blades are discs with teeth that can cut a variety of materials in a spinning motion. They are fitted to power saws for cutting many materials like plastic, wood, masonry, or metal. For making smooth and safe cuts with a saw, it's essential to settle on the proper sort of blade. Choosing the appropriate blade will offer you better control and precision and a better lifespan.

How to Choose Circular Saw Blade

When choosing a circular saw blade, there are some factors one should consider, like the number of teeth, blade size, carbide grade type, the hook angle, and tooth configuration. It is confusing to understand which blade is the right one among the multiple options.

The following factors affect the blade type:

• The type of fabric you're cutting
• Tooth type
• The bore
• Blade thickness
• Depth of the cut
• The material of the blade
• Number of teeth
• The number of revolutions per minute (RPM)

Blade Diameter:

It's vital that the blade is of correct diameter as per the cutting requirements and, therefore, the specific RPM (speed) of the blade and saw. The saw blade's diameter must not exceed the maximum diameter of the blade designed to use together with the particular saw. When selecting a circular saw blade, carefully read the measurements of the label. The blade diameter is usually printed on a buzz saw blade's face, alongside the arbor hole size, several teeth.

The Number of Teeth:

The correct number of teeth is vital to ensure a smooth cut with optimal chip removal and little friction. The right number of teeth will put less strain on the equipment, extending the saw's lifespan.

Generally, blades with fewer teeth will traverse materials faster, but more teeth will create a finer finish and smoother cut.

The Gullet

The gullet is the space size between the teeth of the saw blade. While choosing a blade, the gullet is equally as important as the blade's number of teeth. A smaller blade with fewer teeth may need equivalent gullets as a bigger blade with more teeth. The gullet's dimensions and depth determine what proportion of waste is cleared out because the blade spins. 

The Size of the Teeth

Blades with larger teeth spaces are ideal for creating rip cuts (cuts made in woodworking to sever a bit of wood parallel to the grain). The large distances between the teeth (gullets) allow the sawdust to be expelled quickly. On the opposite hand, small teeth leave a far better finish and are ideal for making crosscuts.

Related - Types of Circular Saw Blades

The Hook or Rake Angle

The hook or rake angle is the position of the blade tooth when it hits the cutting surface. Hook angles are often positive, negative, or neutral. 

A positive angle points downwards towards the cutting surface, creating a faster and rougher cut. For a few cutting applications like metal cutting, a positive hook is often dangerous. A negative angle will provide a less aggressive cut and make a smoother finish.

The Size of the Bore

The bore is the hole at the center of the saw blade, where you attach the blade to your saw. Select a saw blade with a bore that features a higher diameter than your saw's bore shaft. However, you want to use a reducer ring to urge the proper fit.