Four Considerations When Purchasing a Saw Blade

Local Tenryu saw blade distributors in Alaska like Superior Products Inc. see common mistakes in the purchasing process. Replacing saw blades goes beyond picking a blade from a rack and going home. You need to consider other factors, too, so you make the right choice. Otherwise, you risk wasting time on saw blades rather than using it to finish your new project. Here are four factors to consider when replacing saw blades and choosing the right one the first time:

• Application: Saw blades are not one size fits all. Thin kerf/thin rim, chip limiter, double end and negative hook are just a few varieties between saws and saw blades. You also need to consider materials, since fiber cement, wood, aluminum and vinyl all cut in different ways and need varying strengths. If you choose a metal blade for a wood project, you will not get very far. So, before you contact us, be prepared to describe the saw and your project so we can help you choose the right replacement blade. Also, know which equipment needs the saw blade. For example, there are differences between cordless and table saws that need to be taken into account.
• Diameter: Nothing will get you down quicker than taking home a blade and finding it doesn’t fit your equipment. If you don’t know your blade’s diameter, measure the furthest edge of one tip to the end of the furthest tip opposite. That is your diameter. Do not stray from this measurement, even if you don’t think you need a blade that large. The blade still needs to fit your machine, and fit matters more than what you believe will cut material the best.
• Tooth count: Tooth count reveals cut fineness. More teeth create a finer cut, but you also have to consider the cut thickness and feed rate. A fine tooth saw leaves smoother finishes because each tooth takes a smaller bite, but if you use thick material or a quick feed rate, this saw will not keep up. If you choose too few teeth, you end up with a rough finish, especially on thinner blades. The best way to select the proper tooth count is to bring the worn-out saw blade with you and use it to determine the appropriate replacement blade.
• Tooth style: Usually, you choose between three saw tooth styles: square top, alternative top bevel (ATB), and triple chip style. Square top cuts the down grain of solid wood. ATB addresses cross-grain cutting and cut-off saws. Use triple chip style for composite panel. Experienced wood and metal workers know when to use each type. However, if you are just starting these projects and do not know which blades work best, visit a knowledgeable saw dealer for guidance. That way, you can make the right choice the first time, rather than waste time and money on the wrong blade.

Superior Products Inc. prides itself on being among trusted local Tenryu saw blade distributors in Alaska. We offer blades for table, chop, worm drive and cordless saws, including specialized blades for specific materials. Contact us today to learn more about what we offer.

Categorised in: Tenryu Saw Blades

This post was written by Writer