A Primer on Circular Power Saw Blades
Chances are if you visit any job site on any given day you’ll probably hear a circular saw blade in action. It’s unique sound is unmistakable and the circular has played an important role in building this country. Circular saw blades are cutting tools that require care and can be expensive to either replace or re-sharpen the damaged angular teeth. The protection of the saw blade when transferring and storing is a problem because of moisture and contact with other saw blades.
For reasons of safety and economy, it’s a good thing to have in mind proper practices when it comes to maintaining circular power saw blades, and the article that follows provides a wealth of information.
Before getting to the substance of the article, please note that if you’re in the market for a circular saw, there are large selections of corded circular saws and cordless circular saws offered for sale at very advantageous prices through the eBay auction listings which you’ll find by clicking on the foregoing links.
Circular Power Saws - Adjusting, Setting, and Choosing The Right Blade
In a previous article I covered selecting the right circular saw and using it in a safe manner. In this article I’ll cover how to adjust and set your new saw as well as how to pick the right blade for the job.
A safety tip before I go on. When replacing a blade, make sure that it will be turning in the right direction. This is generally indicated by an arrow on the blade. Putting the blade on incorrectly significantly increases the risk of personal injury.
Although circular saws operate at maximum efficiency when they are adjusted to cut just through the bottom of the work, many users leave the blade at the full-depth adjustment for general work. The difference in performance is only noticeable when you are cutting thick wood.
If the tilt angle of the saw has been changed at a previous stage of the job, be sure that it is correctly readjusted. You can check for right-angle cuts by cutting a scrap piece of wood and using a square on the cut section. If you adjust the saw for miter or bevel cuts, test the angle on a scrap piece before the cutting the pieces intended for the job.
When trying out a new saw, spend the time to familiarize yourself with all the adjustments by making several cuts on scrap wood. In this way you become familiar with this particular saw and the accuracy of its settings. Each saw is different, even among the same models. The calibration on the saw, showing angles and distance, should only be used as a guide, never for actual measurements. Remember, too, that the width of the saw kerf (cut) and the types of blades used affect the precision of the final result. Remove gum, dirt, and pitch from the bottom of the saw frequently as it will build up overtime to the point where the saws performance is diminished. Occasionally waxing the bottom of the saw is a good idea. It will help the saw glide smoothly over the work area. Also, make sure the trigger switch is operating smoothly and it does not inadvertently lock into the “On” position.
Choosing The Right Saw Blade.
Combination crosscut and rip blade - Suitable for most purposes. This blade does a good job of cutting thick or thin hardwoods and softwoods with or across the grain, as well as plywood and hardboard.
Crosscuts blades - This blade possesses fine teeth which cut smoothly across the grain of the wood. Suitable for cutting hard and soft wood as well as framing lumber such as 2×4’s. This blade is not suitable for ripping.
Rip blade - A blade with larger teeth. This one is recommended for cutting a large amount of wood while going with the grain.
Hollow ground blade - This blade makes the sharpest cuts. It handles both thick and thin materials with little effort. Keep this blade sharp however to minimize wood fiber from fraying and scorching.
Abrasive blade - These blades are made to use on masonry, metal, plastic, and other hard-to-cut materials. Buy the blade to suit the material being cut.
There you have it. By now you should be comfortable enough to set up your circular saw to use. Just remember to take your time, test your adjustments, and always use the right blade for the job.
Chuck Lunsford is the Internet Manager for Mytoolplace.com. He offers advice on how to select and use the right power tools for the job. Visit our website and learn more about saving money on brand name cordless tools.
Tags: circular saw, circular saw blade, power saw, power saw safety, sawRelated posts
May 08 2008 09:52 am | Circular Saws