How to choose a circular saw blade?

The choice of a circular saw blade depends on the material you’re going to cut, the type of cut you want to make and the specifications of your machine.

You should choose the smallest blade diameter close to your needs, for maximum rigidity. Thickness must be adapted to the diameter. The choice of teeth depends on the material to be cut, its cross-section, the depth of cut and the cutting parameters. Circular saw blades can be equipped with a keyway or drive holes.

Defining the characteristics of your circular saw blade

Choosing the right circular saw blade is essential to guarantee precise, efficient cuts. There are several factors to consider when selecting the right blade for your needs.

1. Blade types :

The type of blade must be determined according to the application: HSS or HSS-E saw blades, solid carbide, carbide-tipped saw blades.

2. Applications :

Circular saw blades are designed to cut different types of material, such as metal, copper, bronze, aluminum, plastic… Make sure you choose a blade suited to the material you’re going to cut.

3. Blade dimensions:

Define the required blade dimensions, including diameter, thickness, bore, to ensure correct fit and compatibility with your cutting machine or process for optimum performance.

• Diameter: determine the smallest possible diameter that is compatible with your machine to maximize rigidity and minimize vibration.
• Thickness: this should be proportional to the diameter to ensure cutting stability and precision.
• Bore: the blade bore must match the machine spindle for secure mounting.

4. Machine:

The choice of machine is also important. It must be rigid, with the best possible workpiece clamping system.

5. Toothing: (Z) (relative to the material to be cut, its cross-section and the depth of cut)

The choice of teeth is decisive in obtaining the best possible cut.

• The number of teeth: there is a fine tooth or a coarse tooth according to DIN which corresponds to the standard dimensions, or it is possible to determine a customized (non-standard) number of teeth.
• Tooth geometry: form A (DIN 1837) corresponds to fine teeth, while form B (DIN 1838) corresponds to coarse teeth. Teeth can also be chamfered:
  • AW, BW, teeth are chamfered one tooth to the left and the next to the right.
  • C, the upper tooth is chamfered on 2 sides and the lower tooth is chamfered on the right.
  • BR, with chip breaker.

Chamfers are used to break up the chip.

Cutting and clearance angles are determined according to the material to be machined.

6. Blade coating and surface treatment :

The coating of a milling cutter plays a crucial role in its efficiency and durability. Depending on the type of material to be machined and the desired requirements, the coating is crucial. Here are some of the main functions of a milling cutter’s coating:

• Wear resistance
• Friction reduction
• Resistance to thermal stress
• Corrosion prevention
• Reduced residue build-up
• Improved lubrication
• Avoid overheating
• Optimum grip

A reminder about circular saw blades

Circular saw blades are essential for cutting and sawing. They are mainly made from HSS high-speed steel, solid carbide and carbide inserts. HSS blades are highly efficient on most steels. Solid carbide blades offer superior durability and excellent cutting performance on hard materials. Carbide also permits higher cutting conditions.

It’s worth remembering that the first thing to do before buying a circular saw blade is to determine your cutting objective. Then, by taking into account the characteristics presented above, you can choose the circular saw blade that best suits your needs, in order to obtain the best performance.

If you have any questions or need advice about your circular saw blades, please don’t hesitate to contact us!