How do you measure the dimensions of a circular saw blade?

When you need to replace a circular saw blade or buy a custom-made one, it is important to know the precise dimensions of your current blade. Incorrect measurements can lead to purchasing an incompatible blade for your machine, which can impact cutting quality, safety, or cause unexpected breakage.

Discover the key steps to correctly measure a circular saw blade and understand the various technical information indicated on the blades.

To help you successfully complete your projects, our team will work closely with you to answer your questions about our tool range, solve your cutting problems, and provide their expertise. This way, we can define the tool suited to your needs.

Where to find measurement indications on a circular saw blade?

You will find the essential technical information directly marked on the blade: diameter, thickness, bore, and number of teeth. If they are no longer legible, you will need to measure these dimensions yourself.

How to read the dimensions of a circular saw blade?

The dimensions of a circular saw blade are often noted as a series of numbers and letters, such as: 100×1.6×22 Z100 A.

• 100: represents the outside diameter of the blade, measured in millimeters. This corresponds to the total distance from one edge of the blade to the other through its center. This diameter must be compatible with your machine.
• 6: This is the thickness of the blade. This measurement indicates the thickness of the kerf that the blade will create in the material. A thinner blade cuts with more precision, while a thicker blade is often more robust but can remove more material.
• 22: This is the diameter of the bore, that is, the central hole of the blade that fits onto the saw’s axis. It is crucial that the bore matches exactly the axis of your machine. An incorrect dimension here will result in a poor fit or render the blade unusable.
• Z100: The Z refers to the number of teeth on the blade. Here, the blade has 100 teeth. The more teeth a blade has, the finer and more precise the cut will be. However, fewer teeth allow for faster cutting in thicker or rougher materials.
• A: This letter can represent different additional characteristics such as the type of cut (crosscut, rip cut) or the tooth shape (alternating, straight, trapezoidal, etc.).

Frequently asked questions about circular saw blade measurements

How many teeth for a circular saw blade?

The number of teeth depends on the type of cut and section you want to make:

• More teeth (e.g., 60 to 100): offer a fine and precise cut, ideal for thin materials and delicate cuts.
• Fewer teeth (e.g., 24 to 40): allow for faster cutting in thick materials like solid wood or metals.

How to choose the thickness of a circular saw blade?

1. Thickness and the amount of material removed

The thickness of the blade determines the width of the cut, that is, the amount of material removed with each pass. A thin blade removes less material, while a thicker blade cuts wider and removes more material.

• Thin blade: A blade with a small thickness (1.2 to 1.6 mm) is ideal for precise cuts and minimizes material loss. It is perfectly suited for delicate or thin materials. By reducing friction, a thin blade requires less power and reduces chipping.
• Thick blade: A thicker blade (2 mm or more) is more robust and durable, making it ideal for hard materials or more demanding cuts, such as metal. It is less likely to bend or deform under heavy loads, improving its durability.

2. Materials to cut

The choice of thickness greatly depends on the material to be cut:

• Thin and soft materials (softwood, plywood, plastic): A thin blade is preferable to reduce chipping and minimize resistance.
• Hard materials (solid wood, metal, aluminum): A thicker blade is recommended to ensure stability during cutting and to prevent the blade from breaking or bending under stress.

3. Relationship between blade diameter and thickness

It is important to note that the blade thickness should be consistent with its diameter. For example, a large diameter blade (over 300 mm) should have sufficient thickness to ensure stability when rotating at high speed.

• Large diameter = thicker blade: A blade with a large diameter (e.g., 400 mm) cannot be ultra-thin, as this would make it too fragile. A thin blade would risk deforming or vibrating, which could cause imprecise cuts, overheating, and sometimes even accidents.
• Small diameter = thinner blade possible: For blades with a smaller diameter (e.g., 160 mm to 250 mm), you can opt for a thinner blade (1.2 mm to 1.6 mm) as it will be under less mechanical stress.

4. Choice depending on the type of cut

• Fine and precise cuts: For finishing cuts or cuts in materials where precision is paramount, a thin blade is preferable.
• Fast and rough cuts: If you need to make quick cuts or cut through thicker materials, a thicker blade will ensure better robustness and longer lifespan.

Taking accurate measurements of a circular saw blade is essential for ensuring optimal performance and increased safety. Whether it’s for the outside diameter, thickness, bore, or number of teeth, this information allows you to choose or manufacture a custom blade suited to your specific needs.

Feel free to consult our services for any custom requests or technical advice.