Wood cutting is more convenient and faster with the right cutting tools, such as a circular saw. This circular saw requires the appropriate blade so it can cut various types of wood or material for woodworking.
The objective of choosing the right blade is to perform different woodcutting techniques without changing the blade often. To some extent, you can do this not-changing-the-blade thing but not with every single woodworking project. To choose the right blade, there are factors you have to consider.
First, the appropriate circular blade for a woodworking table depends on the kinds of projects you often do. Some blades are excellent for crosscutting, while others are exclusively for ripping. So, if you do a lot of crosscutting, you’d want a blade that yields the smoothest cut. Moreover, choose a blade that can cut different types of wood and still provide the same smooth cut.
Second, the number of teeth is also essential. Saw blades for ripping has fewer teeth than with blades used for crosscutting. But, some general-purpose blades can perform both ripping and crosscutting without sacrificing the quality of cut. Other blades with 100 or more teeth are great for plywood because these blades provide a smooth cut and lessen splintering.
Third, the diameter of the circular saw often ranges from 5 inches to 7 inches. If you’re using a cordless circular saw, you’ll need a smaller blade. This saw relies on battery power and is most suited for woodcutting. The corded circular saw has a more steady power source. So, a larger blade will be okay. The standard size for the corded circular saw is 7 inches.
Fourth, check for the gullet. The gullet is the space between teeth. Deeper gullets are suitable for ripping, while smaller gullets are recommended for crosscutting.
Fifth, the kerf width is also crucial in choosing the right blade for your circular saw. The kerf of a blade could be thin or full-width. A thin kerf is suitable for portable circular saws with 3hp. The shape of the kerf is either flat-top, alternate top bevel (ATB), a combination of flat top and ATB or triple chip grind. Flat top kerf is great for fast ripping but yields a rough crosscutting. ATB, on the other hand, is suitable for both ripping and crosscutting to some extent.
Sixth, the hook or rake angle can produce different cuts. The angle of the rake is measured in relation to the center of the blade. If a rake has a positive angle, the blade cuts more aggressively. Usually, this positive angle on the rake is suitable for most ripping and crosscutting jobs. Zero to negatively angled rakes are more ideal for a table saw or for miter saws.
And lastly, look at the quality of the blade teeth. Teeth with carbide tips are stronger and are the very best in terms of quality. Carbide tips are thick enough for a good amount of sharpening.
In conclusion, choosing the right circular blades isn’t easy. At first, it might get confusing. However, if you equip yourself with the right knowledge about the different blades and their particular uses, you can select the best one for your circular saw.
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