Choosing Woodworking Circular Saw Blades

Each circular saw blade has its own design and characteristics to cut different kinds of wood with precision and efficiency. These includes lumber, plywood, softwood, hardwood and laminates. Circular saw blades also comes with different sizes based on your preferences and sizes. In this article, we’ll discuss each one and the things to consider when choosing the right circular saw blade.

Before buying the blade, a woodworker must know the diameter needed, kerf and the arbor size of the blade. Also consider the wood to be worked on and the coating on your blade. Many blades are coated to avoid corrosion and wear while maximising the blade performance. These distinctions are very important to remember during the cutting process.

Types of Circular Saw Blades:

·         Plywood Blade

These blades are made to cut specifically for plywood. It has numerous teeth for a better and smoother cut.

·         Cross Cutting Blade
These Circular Blades are made for cutting across the wood grain. Compared to Ripping Blade, it has more teeth and smaller gullet for smoother cuts. 

·         Ripping Blade
these circular blades are made for cutting parallel wood grain. It has fewer teeth and has larger gullet.

·         Combination Blade
these are built to cut parallel and across wood grains. These blades are all purpose for cutting wood and if you are in need of a blade that is capable of doing major woodworking applications, it’s the best choice for you. 

·         Fine Tooth Finish Blade
For extra smooth and finer cutting, this is the most recommended blade for wood working. 

·         Hollow Ground Blade
These blades are made for smooth cuts across the wood grain

·         Dado Blades
Dado Blades are perfect for making groves, dadoes and rabbet cuts across lumbers. 

·         Thin Kerf Blade
for cutting dimensional lumber, Thin Kerf Blade are recommended for you.

·         Finishing/ Paneling Blade
these blades are made to cut paneling, veneer, plywood, laminate and plastics.

Each blade is design for a specific type of wood or cutting. They are designed and engineered for specific cut and may not work well with other types of material. For example Cross cutting blades aren’t to be used on making rip cuts. It is inappropriate to use incorrect blades for certain materials because they are not sufficient to cut the certain material and can even cause damage both on the material and the blade; always use the most appropriate blade for the given material.