Teeth, Dimensions and Construction

Circular saw blades vary widely in price. More expensive blades usually have features that extend the longevity of the blade while enhancing performance. Inexpensive blades may dull quickly or produce rougher cuts, so make sure you weigh the benefits of each blade in addition to the initial cost.

Dimensions: There are three dimensions to keep in mind when you're shopping for circular saw blades - diameter, arbor size and kerf. The first two dimensions, diameter and arbor size, are determined by the saw. Blade diameters start at 3-3/8", but the most common diameters are 7-1/4" for circular saws, 10" for table saws and 10" and 12" for miter saws. Arbor sizes range from 1/2" to 1". Check your saw or owner's manual to see what size blades you need. Kerf, which tells you how thick or thin a given blade is, gives you a range of options. Thick-kerf blades last longer and can be resharpened, so they tend to be more expensive.

         Thin-kerf blades are sharper and faster when new but can dull quickly

       Thin-kerf blades remove less material from the workpiece during cuts

       Thick-kerf blades hold up to nails better and resist wobble

Teeth: In general, blades with more teeth yield a cleaner cut, and blades with fewer teeth deliver faster cuts with rougher edges. The number of teeth should always be considered in relation to the diameter of the blade. Fewer teeth create larger gullets, removing material quickly and reducing clogging, which is important for lengthwise cuts. A small gullet size is best for crosscuts. Tooth grind, shape and hook are also very important in determining the longevity of the blade, quality of cut and recommended applications.

• Fine-cut blades with a high number of teeth are used for high-quality cuts and thinner materials
• Tooth hook refers to the attack angle of the tooth (positive, neutral or negative)
• An aggressive positive hook produces faster cuts but tends to increase tear out