Knowledge Essentials: Circular Saw Blades

Combination Blades: Circular Saw Blades Explained

• Blade rim, blade diameter, bond, material types?
• How to select and shop for diamond saw blades? Quick blades buying guide & tips
• Answering some frequently asked questions

Anyone who has done any tiling understands that the power saw is just one piece of the puzzle. Certainly, with a saw moving at three to ten thousand RPMs, putting a thin kerf blade might cut just about anything, but the quality of cut, longevity of the blade, and effect on the saw might encourage any wet saw user to have the proper blade for the task at hand. Considering the cost of a saw blade, it is important to know what to look for when it comes to combination blades choice, as they all look pretty similar and may vary in real life from those displayed on certain websites. In order to deliver exceptional user feel and accurate cuts, blade's thin kerf design must be of top quality to do the job. Let's dive into variants of saw blade characteristics. 

But why is there such a huge selection of different blades out there, even within one brand's stock? How does a person understand and differentiate between the hundreds of unique qualities, styles, standard and model hd - sometimes also subject to certain local preferences? Patented body slots? Smooth cuts reinforced shoulder? Anti stick coating? Wear resistance?

Don't worry - keep reading to get more information. 

We will give a brief overview of different types of blades not focusing on specific tool brands, or sort by top sellers, or analyze home depot product authority suggestions or their customer service resources. For specifics on Calidad Tools LLC blades and stock check out our product page on calidadtools.com . Sign up for our account, emails and newsletters form if you want to get more information about our tools before you go shop our brands - our departments back is always there for support on your request. The use of this article is for informational purposes only, so you can compare products, make informed decisions and save time and money! 

Tile cutting blades are an important part of any professional tile installer’s arsenal stock. There is a wide variety of tool types and pricing differences out there, which can be confusing to the customer who doesn’t know what stock to look for and how to save without compromising on quality. 

Here's our brief blades buying guide on how to choose the best blade for your needs.

Circular Saw Blade Types

There are different styles of blades rims

The Standard Rim 

Standard / general purpose circular saw blades (aka standard blade) are typically used to cut wood or wood composites. The quantity of thin teeth on the blade helps determine the speed, type and fine finish of the cut (thin kerf design vs thick kerf design). Blades with fewer teeth cut faster, but those with more teeth create a finer finish. So speed comes at some cost. Gullets between the teeth remove chips from the workpieces. Expansion slots cut into the rim help prevent the blade from warping as its surface expands and contracts during use. They also reduce vibration, creating a straighter cut.

Rip-cut blades for cutting with the wood grain (along the length of a board) have fewer teeth, usually 16 to 40. The teeth are designed to cut aggressively, and deep gullets provide good chip removal. Crosscut blades, made for cutting across the wood grain (across the face of a board), have between 40 and 80 teeth and are designed for clean cuts. Smaller gullets separate the teeth. Combination blades can make both rip cuts and crosscuts. They have multiple groupings of teeth separated by deep gullets. Each group has one tooth for ripping and four for crosscutting.

You may also see blades with other designations:

• Framing blades have 24 teeth and are effective for jobs like rough wood carpentry where speed is more important than getting a clean cut.
• Plywood blades have 100 or more fine teeth designed to create a finish with minimal splintering.
• Thin-kerf blades have a narrow profile for faster, easier cutting and less material waste - more of general purpose.
• Hollow-ground blades have a body that's thinner than the teeth — a design intended to help keep the blade from becoming pinched in the workpiece.

The Segmented Rim Blade 

- The segmented rim blade gives the roughest cut and is used for concrete, brick, concrete pavers, masonry/block, hard/reinforced concrete, and limestone. This blade is usually referred to as a dry-cutting blade. Available in standard and model hd.

The Turbo Rim Blade

- The turbo rim blade is specifically designed to cut faster in wet or dry applications so it's perfect for more general purpose. These blades have a smaller segment of the rim allowing for cooling of the blade with an integrated interweaving matrix. You might notice the small holes scattered throughout the blade as well - this is a common practice for many manufactures to increase the cooling capabilities of their blades. This blade cuts faster due to the design of turbo segments pushing out material and effectively cutting concrete, brick and tile.

The Continuous Rim Blade 

- The continuous rim blade cuts at a much slower rate but produces good cuts in both standard and model hd variants and can be used for general purpose. When it comes to materials, the continuous rim cuts marble, granite very effectively with little chipping or cracking. A continuous rim blade has a smooth continuous surface with no segmented sections - this makes it perfect for the toughest materials.

Circular Saw Blade Bond Types

Hard vs Soft Types

Do you know the difference between a hard and soft bond?

For example, a 4 in diamond blade is made from high-quality steel /metal /aluminum mix, but as the name suggests, there are actual diamonds scattered throughout the blade. They are typically synthetic and produced through the pressure-temperature synthesis in order to produce the most efficiency for cutting. 

If not for the longevity and performance delivery of the blade, almost all blades would use a soft bond, which would constantly expose new diamonds away from the bonded steal for a clean cut. However, this negatively impacts the lifetime of the blade and it's performance, so almost all manufacturers use a hard bond for softer materials to vastly increase its lasting capabilities.

Remember, it is an inverse relationship for cutting with a diamond blade: If you want to cut hard materials, you need a soft bond; if you want to cut soft materials, you need a hard bond.  If you cut something hard with something hard, it will glaze your blade and require dressing.   

Circular Saw Blade Material Types

Carbide Blades

-These are going to be more durable, but also heavier and typically more expensive - for both standard and model hd, as well as harder to find in varying kerfs - local store prices may vary considerably. If you’re looking for a blade that will last, don’t scrimp on this investment!

Ruby or Ceraminc Blades

- These blades have a narrow thin kerf but, do not cut through the water. 

Aluminium-Oxide Blade

- This type has a very wide kerf and will cause you to lose more material, so they’re a good choice when tiles need to be stacked tightly. Standard and model hd variants are common.

Diamond Tipped Blades

Are Diamond blades real diamonds? What are diamond coated blades used for?

- These blades come in all different shapes and sizes depending on what you're looking for. Each brand of the blade is going to have its own unique profile and delivery that's made from varying-sized diamonds. The more diamonds, the finer your finish. Find out product details and what's best for you - some are normally stocked but inventory of big retailers changes often, not mentioning certain local store prices, so better watch out. Diamond blades points per inch (DPI): A blade with 100 DPI will cut more slowly than one with 200 DPI, which means that if accuracy isn't a priority then your efficiency might be higher with a thicker blade - depending on what you sign up for.

- Segmented back diamond blades: They’re recommended for making deep cuts, consider the thickness of your cutting subject.

Q&A

Which saw blades fit what power saws?

A variety of blade specifications should be considered when making blade decisions: blade diameter, blade type, arbor hole size. The following generally applies: handheld circular saws accept smaller blades, those 4-1/2 inches to 7-1/4 inches in diameter; tile saws use 7-inch or 10-inch diamond blades; table saws and compound miter saws use blades 10 inches or 12 inches in diameter (these are typically carbide tipped); circular saw blades for metal take up to 14 inch silicon carbide or aluminum oxide abrasive blades; check the arbor hole size, it must fit the arbor or shaft on your saw; blade specification should be considered when making blade decisions: blade diameter, blade type, blade arbor hole size.

It is important to consider blade specification when selecting a blade:

1.  blade diameter

2.  blade type

3.  arbor hole size

The appropriate blade specification includes: handheld circular saws accept smaller blades, those 4-1/2 inches to 7-1/4 inches in diameter; tile saws use 7-inch or 10-inch diamond blades; table saws and compound miter saws use blades 10 inches or 12 inches in diameter (these are typically carbide tipped); circular saw blades for metal take 14 inch silicon carbide or aluminum oxide abrasive blades.

Can you use a diamond blade on an angle grinder?

Yes, a blade will attach to the angle grinder so long as the disc is flat. We suggest this 4-4 1/2" blade for the grinder. It also is a bit denser and will handle heat better, last a lot longer and top its delivery.

How can you attach a diamond blade to a grinder?

Most rotary tools come with an adaptor to accommodate various size blades. If you don't have that particular adaptor, then you will need to set up one using two braces and two nuts and place your desired width like 4 1 2" (10 cm) onto each brace and tighten them over your grinders wheel so as not to slip off from side-to-side movement from wheel rotation. 

Thank You & See You Next Time! 

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Calidad Team