When you first purchased your circular saw, it probably came with a standard set of circular saw blades. Over time, as your circular saw skills developed, and you were using the saw more frequently, the blades you got may begin to show wear and tear. You may have purchased a set of blades at your local home center store which was not sharp enough, or maybe you used the blades incorrectly, such as when ripping wood. Whatever the reason, now is the time to get a new set of blades so you can enjoy the better cutting performance and save money on your circular saw.
In earlier years, the main determining factor in the quality of cuts made with a circular saw was the type of blade. Now, we have the ability to cut quality material with any type of blade – even stainless steel! However, in terms of extreme usage, only knew the type of teeth a particular blade produced in relation to the diameter of the band saw itself. Need a really nice clean, accurate cut? Use a 12-inch circular saw blade on a 4-inch band saw.
Want a smooth, flat cut? Use a 20-inch circular saw blade on a 25-inch metal band saw. You can get really accurate cuts with the right combination of teeth sizes, and it doesn’t matter whether the material is wood, plastic, or metal. The larger the diameter of the teeth on your saw, the closer and more penetrating the cuts you can make.
Allen wrench – It may not seem important, but Allen wrenches make a world of difference. On the spectrum from completely non-useful (you couldn’t possibly use one) to highly useful (I know how to use them!) an Allen wrench is the tool you need to tighten or loosen all the nuts and bolts that make your circular saw blades work. In fact, I’ve never had to actually use one in the six years I have been building fences and wood decks. I can’t tell you how many times I have just loosened a bolt, had to do a bit of re-tightening, then went and did it all again.
Steel-Tipped Blades – Did you know that an Allen wrench can also help you attach circular saw blades to your table saw? This is a crucial tip because while all three of the blades mentioned above come with steel-tipped screws and bolts, they can be prone to stripping or bending over time. If you want to keep your saw well-maintained, invest in steel-tipped blades. You’ll love the way they glide over your table saw as well as the way they save you time because they won’t get caught up in and under other equipment.
Tooth Designs – Some of the cheapest circular saw blades are made of metal alloys, which tend to wear down quickly and can become weaker over time. If you buy a durable all-steel tooth design, it will last longer and cut more easily. Many of these tooth designs include ball bearings, which are very smooth and efficient when doing deep cuts. A smoother cutting blade doesn’t require as much force to cut, so you’ll spend less time adjusting your cutting speed and your results will be better because of it.
Choosing the Right Blades – Most people go for the cheapest all-steel teeth available. While this may seem like the best option, I can assure you that it isn’t the right choice. You should always go for the teeth made from the highest quality steel possible. These will be the hardest and strongest, so you can be sure they’ll hold up over time. After all, who wants to replace their circular saw blades every year or two? The right blade is just as important as the best blade.
Durability – The amount of use the circular saw blades usually get should be a major factor in determining the cost of them. Usually, you have to replace them every few years if you use them on a regular basis, depending on the amount of use you give them. Cheaper blades tend to be rougher and don’t hold up as well. They’re cheaper, but they could eventually lead to expensive repairs.