How do you select saw blades for different materials?

As a carpenter or craftsman, it is crucial to learn how to select the appropriate saw blades. Sometimes, it is necessary to cut different types of materials, which requires the use of saw blades made from different materials. Learning and knowing how to choose the right blades and utilizing them to their full potential is key.

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Selection of different material saw blades based on the material

Saw blades are commonly used for cutting materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. Different types of saw blades are needed for cutting these materials because they have different hardness and density. If you attempt to cut them blindly, it is highly likely to encounter cutting difficulties, cause damage to the material, or be harmful to the saw blade itself. Therefore, when cutting wood, metal, or plastic, it is important to select saw blades made of different materials.


- Wood: For cutting wood, the commonly used saw blade type is a steel blade. Steel blades are suitable for cutting softwood and softer metals such as aluminum. They have sharp teeth that effectively cut through wood fibers.


- Metal: When cutting metal, steel blades or carbide-tipped blades are usually used. When selecting a saw blade, it is necessary to consider the type of metal (such as aluminum, steel, or stainless steel) and its thickness to determine the appropriate blade type and tooth shape.


- Plastic: For cutting plastic, PVC blades or carbide-tipped blades are commonly used. The tooth shape and tooth count of the blade should be selected based on the hardness of the plastic and the cutting requirements.

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Selection based on cutting requirements

In the actual cutting process, rough cutting is often followed by fine cutting, and they have significant differences, resulting in varying degrees of smoothness in the cross-section. Different saw blades need to be selected accordingly.


- Rough cutting: If quick material cutting is required and surface smoothness is not a critical factor, blades with coarse teeth and a lower tooth count can be chosen.


- Fine cutting: If high precision and smooth cutting surface are required, blades with fine teeth and a higher tooth count should be selected. These blades provide more intricate cutting, reducing vibration and noise during cutting.


Selection based on material for different saw blades

Choosing the correct material can increase work efficiency and prevent damage to the material being cut, while also improving the integrity of the cut. Common materials for cutting include wood, metal, plastic, tiles, and stone. Steel blades, carbide-tipped blades, diamond blades, etc., can be selected accordingly.


- Wood: For cutting wood, steel blades are commonly used. Steel blades are suitable for softwood and softer metals such as aluminum. They have sharp teeth that effectively cut wood fibers.


- Metal: When cutting metal, steel blades or carbide-tipped blades can be chosen. Steel blades are suitable for softer metals such as aluminum, while carbide-tipped blades are more suitable for cutting harder metals such as steel and stainless steel. The carbide teeth of these blades are harder and can withstand the high hardness and temperature of metals.

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- Plastic: For cutting plastic, PVC blades or tungsten steel blades are commonly used. PVC blades are suitable for cutting PVC pipes, plastic sheets, and other plastic products. Tungsten steel blades are more suitable for cutting harder plastic materials such as acrylic (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC).


- Tiles, stone, and concrete: When cutting these hard materials, it is best to choose diamond blades. Diamond blades have high hardness and wear resistance, allowing for effective cutting of materials such as tiles, marble, granite, and concrete.