There is no denying the fact that power saws make it quicker and easier to cut a variety of materials. These electrical devices are equipped with blades that rotate or move up and down to effortlessly cut through wood, metal, ceramic, and even concrete. But are all blades the same? Do you just need to buy any old metal cutting blade for your saw, or is there more to consider? The experts at Devour Tools say that making sure you have the right blade for the job is especially important. You simply cannot expect to get the results you want if you are using a blade that is not suited to the material you are cutting. With that in mind, below are some of the factors to consider when buying cutting blades.
The Material You are Cutting
As mentioned above, metal blades are designed to cut different materials. So a blade designed to cut through timber will not be the same as one designed to cut through concrete. For example, some blades are tipped with crushed diamonds to cut through the hardest materials (think porcelain, stone, and concrete). But this type of blade would not be suitable to cut wood because it would likely tear through the timber and leave a very rough finish.
The Size of the Blade
The size of blade matters as it is important to choose one that fits your tool correctly. You need to consider the size of the saw’s bore and then choose a blade to match. Additionally, the diameter of the blade is something to consider. If you choose a blade that is too big, it will likely affect the guard on the blade. Don’t be tempted to use a larger blade with the guard up because this will increase the risk of injury. You also need to consider the thickness of the blade as this determines the type of cut you can achieve. If you want a precise finer cut, you will need a thinner blade.
Teeth or No Teeth?
You will have seen blades of various shapes and sizes, as well as some that have teeth. Does it matter whether you choose a segmented or a continuous blade? Yes, it does, depending on the type of cutting you are doing. Segmented blades have what are known as teeth. These blades are designed for dry cutting, although they can also be used for wet cutting. The gaps between the segments are designed to keep the blade cool, and they help to extract dust and debris. Continuous blades do not have any segments and are mainly used for wet cutting. They are ideal for cutting materials such as tile because they minimize the risk of chipping.
When buying a segmented blade, you should also consider the number of teeth it has. The more teeth a blade has, the smoother the cut. If there are fewer teeth, however, the blade will cut through the material quicker.
Conclusion
A power saw is fitted with a metal blade to help the user achieve a quick and clean cut. However, it is not simply the case of fitting your saw with the first blade you come across. The type of cutting blade that you use will depend on the material you are cutting and the type of finish you need. You will also have to consider whether wet or dry cutting is appropriate for the material being cut and then choose a suitable blade.
Additionally, it is important to make sure that you only use blades that are designed to fit the machine you are using. This will make it safer for you and will prevent damage to your saw.