Precision
- The more teeth on a blade the more precise and find the cut is
- Fewer or larger teeth mean the cut will be rougher
- Deeper gullets behind the cutting tip help remove more excess material as you are cutting
Reciprocating Saws
- Length, width and thickness of reciprocating saw blades will determine what you are using it for
- For cutting through wider material, use a longer blade
- Jobs like demolition need wider thicker blades
- Carbon steel blades are more flexible and inexpensive but will dull quickly
- High speed steel are more durable but will be less flexible and could break if bent
- Bi-metal combines heat resistant durability and flexibility
- Carbide grit is made for fiber glass, ceramic and cement board
Circular Saws
- Steel circular saw blades are inexpensive but can dull more quickly than high speed steel
- Carbide tip blades cost a little more but last longer
- Cost difference matters. Think of the kind of use you will put your tool through. Higher quality blades stay sharper longer, so if you use the tool a lot, you may want to consider a higher quality blade
- You will want about 48 teeth per inch for smooth cuts
- Blades with fewer teeth per inch is good for ripping, which means cutting with the grain of the wood
Specialty Blades
- If you’re cutting fiber or cement siding you will need a specific blade
- Abrasive blades but masonry, tile or steel
- Diamond blades grind rather than cut. They are made for hard dense materials like glass, concrete and ceramic