How To Choose The Right Skill Saw Blade For Your Project
Whether you are cutting wood, metal or any other type of material, it is important to choose the right skill saw blade for your project. A poor selection of blade can result in a bad cut, tear-outs and waste of work materials.
Material
Saw blades are made of many different materials, but the best ones are made with carbide teeth that have been fused to a steel blade plate. The quality of the carbide cutters determines how long the blade stays sharp, how cleanly it cuts and how many re-sharpenings are required.
Number Of Teeth
The number of teeth on the blade is also an important consideration, with at least three being recommended for complex cuts and patterns. If the material you are cutting is thicker or harder, such as aluminum or non-ferrous metals, you may need a larger blade. Also remember that while blades with more teeth cut faster, they tend to produce a rougher cut with more “tearout.” They also run hotter than blades with fewer teeth.
Blade Length
The length of the blade is also important to consider. Blades that are too long for the work will be difficult to use, and they can be a safety hazard. You can use a tape measure to check the length of your blade. Roll the blade in a straight line for one rotation and then mark the inside edge of it on a piece of tape. The blade length you choose is an essential factor to consider for many woodworking projects. For example, you will need a shorter blade for cutting thin materials or softwoods. You will need a longer blade for cutting large pieces of hardwood or thicker lumber.
Blade Thickness
Blade thickness is an important consideration in deciding what type of saw blade will be right for your project. It determines how much material the blade can remove with each stroke. Thinner blades are easier to work with and can be used for more delicate tasks, while thicker blades are stronger and more durable. The thickness of the blade also affects how easy it is to use, so it is important to choose one that fits your needs. Think about the materials you will be cutting, and what kind of finish you want to get.
Kerf
The blade’s kerf is the width of the slot the blade cuts in the material. This width is determined by the teeth’s vertical angle, the wobble of the blade and its overall thickness. Thin kerf saw blades are best for fine woodworking applications such as furniture and cabinets because they cut smoothly without wasting a lot of wood. Thin kerf blades also work well on corded saws. They’re less prone to overheating and kickback, and offer vibration-dampening systems that rival industrial-quality full kerf blades.