Which saw blade is the most suitable? If you are asking yourself this question, you will get the answer from us. In this article, you will learn interesting facts about the structure and function of a circular saw blade. We also give you lots of helpful tips for practical use (learn how a table saw works), and handling of a circular saw blade with you on the way.
Table of Contents
The Teeth
A circular saw blade is a thin disc made of steel that is fitted with saw blade teeth on the outside. A basic distinction is made between CV saw blades, which are made of chrome vanadium, and HM saw blades, which are sometimes also referred to as HW saw blades – where HM stands for hard metal and HW for hard metal material. In terms of price, the CV saw blades are the cheaper option. In these types, both the washer and the teeth are made of the same material, namely steel. However, they are less recommended for use in table saws unless you want to saw firewood.
If it is a carbide saw blade, the disc is made of steel, but the teeth are made of a hard metal material that has been soldered on. This design makes the saw blade flexible and versatile.
In order to achieve a good cutting result, you should pay attention to the diameter of the saw blade as well as the number of teeth and the saw blade bore. Not to be forgotten, however, are the available chip space and the rake angle.
The chip space – big or small?
The decision as to whether the chip space should be large or small depends on what is to be cut. If it is solid wood that is cut along the wood fiber, then you should opt for a saw blade that has few large teeth and correspondingly large chip space. This makes it possible to find space for the many and long chips so that the saw blade cannot be quickly clogged and thereby heated.
If cross-cuts are made, i.e., cut against the wood fiber, circular saw blades with many, small teeth and a correspondingly smaller chip space are recommended. These saw blades ensure a smooth cutting edge with few or no tear-outs.
The rake angle – positive or negative?
There are both positive and negative rake angles. With a positive rake angle, the teeth point forward at an angle. This enables quick and efficient sawing with little effort, as the saw blade pulls itself into the piece of wood. However, the larger the positive rake angle, the more tear-outs can occur on the cutting edge.
With a slightly negative rake angle, the piece of wood is cut at a very shallow angle. Steel circular saw blades often have a negative rake angle.
Teeth of different shapes
Further differences can be found in the tooth shapes. These can be divided into three different basic types:
The coarse tooth saw blade
These teeth are useful for quick and energy-saving sawing, as they have a large chip space and a very positive rake angle. This variant is particularly recommended for longitudinal cuts in solid wood. However, the tear-out on the saw edge is quite strong.
The universal saw blade
This type is usually included in the scope of delivery of a circular saw. It is suitable for all wood materials as well as building material panels. The tear-out can be seen slightly to moderate.
The fine tooth saw blade.
If you want to avoid tear-outs as much as possible, then a fine tooth saw blade is the right choice. The cut should always be made across the wood fiber. This saw blade is also suitable for processing coated or veneered workpieces.
If the hole in the middle of the saw blade is too big and does not fit the shaft of the table saw, insert rings can be used. However, one should be very careful about this. Because, if the insert rings are improperly made, they can hit the saw blade, which can damage the saw’s motor and also result in unclean cuts.
Which circular saw blade should you choose?
Please note when choosing:
If the saw blade has a few large teeth, i.e., a large chip space, it is suitable for all longitudinal cuts that are made along the wood fiber. For cross-sections, i.e., cuts against the wood fiber, you should opt for a saw blade with a few small teeth, i.e., a small chip space. If a splinter guard is used, you get a clean cut with few or no tear-ous.
Conclusion
Because there is a large selection of different circular saw blades, it often makes it difficult to choose. It is always crucial that the saw blade fits the workpiece, because only then can the cut be optimal. It is, therefore, practical if the saw blades can be changed quickly, which makes work much easier.
