When cutting various materials with a circular saw, a saw bench or a mitre saw, it's crucial to begin by choosing the appropriate blade and position it correctly. Several factors can influence the results and cut. Here are a few tips to help guide you in your choice.
How many teeth the blade has
Typically, the more teeth a blade has, the better suited it will be to making precise cuts and achieving a clean finish. Conversely, a blade with fewer teeth saws more coarsely but is ideal for slitting. A blade with many teeth will cut more slowly than one with fewer teeth.
You'll need a blade with the right number of teeth for the piece you need to cut. The thicker the piece, the fewer teeth you'll need on your blade. According to the same principle, keep the density of the wood essence in mind when selecting a blade.
Saw tooth geometry
Tooth geometry also influences cut quality. The Alternate Top Brevel blade cuts all types of wood and yields a sharper, more precise result than the Flat Top Grind blade, which is more aggressive.
Note that some materials such as melamine may require a blade with a negative tooth angle to ensure a good cut.
Adjust the blade's height
Even if you've picked the right blade for the materials you need to cut, the height of the blade may affect the cut. For instance, if your saw bench blade is too high, the length of the cutting angle can be shorter. The life of your blade will also be affected since the load per tooth is higher.
The best approach is to install the blade at the right height to benefit from a better cutting arc length. This way, the load will be better distributed over each of the blade's teeth, and the blade will have a longer life.
You'll also enjoy better results from your various cuts.
Freud quality
The quality of the carbides in your blade is a key factor that will affect cut quality and durability. Freud manufactures its own top-of-the-line carbide for its blades. Freud blades are also laser cut, not punch cut, which produces a perfect balance and delivers precisely positioned cooling air on the blades.
Moreover, thanks to the Perma-SHIELD non-stick aluminum alloy coating, the resistance caused by dirt is reduced, making your blade easier to clean. This coating is durable and rustproof and lasts longer than lower-quality coatings such as PTFE.
Please contact us if you have any questions about your tools. Our advisers can suggest a blade that is perfectly suited to your needs.
