Circular saws are a versatile and essential tool for any DIY enthusiast or professional tradesperson. But if you’re new to the world of circular saws, you might be wondering if they come with blades.
The short answer is yes, most circular saws come with a carbide-tipped all-purpose wood-cutting blade. However, not all blades are created equal, and there are many other types of blades available for special purposes.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of blades and what to consider when choosing the right one for your project. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, read on to learn more about circular saw blades.
Do Circular Saws Come With Blades
As mentioned earlier, most circular saws do come with a blade included. However, it’s important to note that the quality of the blade can vary depending on the price of the saw. If you’re purchasing a budget-friendly saw, it may come with a simple high-speed stainless steel blade that won’t last long and won’t provide clean cuts.
On the other hand, if you invest in a higher-end circular saw, it will likely come with a more expensive carbide-tipped blade that can last for years and provide precise cuts. So while circular saws do come with blades, it’s important to consider the quality of the blade and whether it will meet your needs.
The Basics: What Comes With A Circular Saw
When you purchase a circular saw, you can expect to receive the saw itself, a blade, and an owner’s manual. The blade that comes with the saw is typically a combination or all-purpose blade with 24 teeth. This type of blade can be used for a variety of materials and is suitable for most jobs.
However, if you need to cut through specific materials such as plywood or metal, you may need to purchase a specialized blade separately. It’s important to choose the right blade for the job to ensure clean and precise cuts.
Additionally, some higher-end circular saws may come with additional features such as a hex key for blade changes or a lever to lock the spindle in place. These features can make changing blades easier and more efficient.
Understanding Circular Saw Blades
When it comes to circular saw blades, there are several factors to consider in order to choose the right one for your job. The first factor is the type of material you will be cutting. Circular saw blades are designed to work best with specific materials, such as wood, metal, tile, or concrete. Using the wrong blade for the material can result in a poor cut or even damage to the blade.
Another important factor is the tooth type. Blades with more teeth will provide a smoother and finer cut, while blades with fewer teeth will provide a rougher cut but will cut faster and be less expensive. The number and size of teeth per linear inch of the saw blade is what determines its aggressiveness or smoothness.
The bore, or arbor hole, of the blade is also important. It needs to fit snugly onto the saw’s arbor to avoid a wobbly blade and a potentially dangerous situation. The diameter of the blade is also a consideration, as larger blades require a high-quality plate.
The thickness of the cut made by the blade is called the kerf. Thin kerf blades with many teeth and little-to-no angle are best for smooth cuts when working with furniture, cabinets, and other fine woodworking applications.
Finally, it’s important to consider the number of revolutions per minute (RPM) of the blade, as well as its material and number of teeth. A higher number of teeth generally means a smoother cut but requires more force from the saw and is slower on average.
Understanding these factors will help you choose the right circular saw blade for your job, ensuring that your tool performs better, cleaner, and safer. While some circular saws come with a blade included, it’s important to consider the quality of the blade and whether it will meet your needs before making a purchase.
Types Of Circular Saw Blades
Circular saw blades are designed for specific cutting operations and materials. Choosing the right blade for the job is essential to achieve the best results. Here are the different types of circular saw blades:
1. Rip Blades – These blades have fewer teeth and are designed to cut along the length of the grain of the wood. They remove material quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for rough cuts.
2. Crosscut Blades – These blades have more teeth than rip blades and are designed to cut across the grain of the wood. They produce a smoother finish and are ideal for making precise cuts.
3. Combination Blades – As the name suggests, these blades are a combination of rip and crosscut blades. They have a mix of teeth that allow them to handle both types of cuts effectively.
4. Dado Blades – These blades are designed to create grooves in wood for joints or decorative purposes. They come in sets with multiple blades that can be adjusted to create grooves of different widths.
5. Specialty Blades – These blades are designed for specific materials such as metal, masonry, or plastic. They have unique tooth configurations and can handle the demands of cutting through tough materials.
6. Diamond Blades – These blades have diamond particles embedded in their edges, making them ideal for cutting through hard materials such as concrete or tile.
7. Abrasive Blades – These blades have abrasive particles embedded in their edges and are designed for cutting through materials such as metal or masonry that would otherwise damage a regular blade.
Choosing The Right Blade For Your Project
Choosing the right blade for your project is crucial to achieving clean and precise cuts. The number of teeth on a circular saw blade is a significant factor in determining how fast it will cut and how smooth the cut will be. Blades with more teeth make slower, smoother cuts, while blades with fewer teeth make faster, rougher cuts. So, it’s essential to consider the application or material you’re cutting, the speed you’re looking to get things done, and what price you’re willing to spend.
For most construction work, a 24-tooth general use blade is sufficient. This blade is very aggressive and will help you rip and cross-cut lumber and sheet goods quickly and with a high degree of accuracy. However, keep in mind that this blade won’t provide a near-finished edge. If you’re cutting hardwood or trim and want a cleaner edge, a more refined thin kerf finishing blade with a higher tooth count would be more appropriate.
It’s also important to note that the ideal number of teeth for a given blade depends on the material being cut. Softer materials like wood can be cut more quickly with a blade that has fewer teeth, while more rigid materials like metal require a blade with more teeth to prevent damage to the material.
Specialty blades are available for cutting other materials like plastic, masonry, and metal. For instance, if you plan to cut plastic or composite materials, use a blade specifically designed for cutting composite material to prevent melting. If you’re cutting through tough metal, install a steel-cutting blade that can cleanly cut through it without leaving sharp burrs.
Maintaining And Replacing Your Circular Saw Blade
Maintaining and replacing your circular saw blade is an essential part of keeping your saw in good working condition. A dull or damaged blade can result in poor quality cuts, kickback, and even damage to the saw itself. Here are some tips on how to maintain and replace your circular saw blade:
Cleaning the Blade: If you notice that your blade is not cutting as well as it used to, it may simply need to be cleaned. Remove the blade from the saw and soak it in an all-purpose cleaner. Use a brush to scrub away any build-up or debris. Once the blade is clean, dry it off and reattach it to the saw.
Sharpening the Blade: If cleaning doesn’t improve the blade’s performance, it may need to be sharpened. Steel-tipped blades can be sharpened with a hand file or mechanical sharpener, while carbide-tipped blades require a diamond wheel grinder and are best left to professionals. Keep in mind that sharpening can be expensive, so weigh the cost of sharpening against the cost of purchasing a new blade.
Replacing the Blade: If your blade is damaged beyond repair or has become too dull to sharpen, it’s time to replace it. To do so, first unplug the saw or remove the battery if it’s cordless. Press down on the arbor-lock button and rotate the blade until the locking mechanism engages. Use the blade wrench to remove the arbor nut holding the blade in place. Retract the upper blade guard and remove the old blade. Slip the new blade onto the arbor, making sure the teeth face in the direction of rotation. Use the blade wrench to tighten the arbor nut until it’s snug, being careful not to over-tighten.
It’s important to note that different saws may have slightly different processes for maintaining and replacing blades, so always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions. Additionally, investing in high-quality blades can extend their lifespan and improve your overall cutting experience. By properly maintaining and replacing your circular saw blades, you can ensure that your saw remains a reliable tool for years to come.