Circular saw blades may look similar at first glance, but their performance can vary drastically depending on the type of cut and material. Choosing the right blade for the job is essential for clean, efficient, and safe cutting.
At Key Blades & Fixings, we stock a wide range of circular saw blades to suit every need. In this guide, we’ll compare the most common blade types and help you decide which one is best for your project.
Comparison Table: Circular Saw Blade Types
| Blade Type | Teeth Count | Hook Angle | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rip Blade | 14–24 | Positive | Cutting along wood grain (fast) |
| Crosscut Blade | 60–80 | Positive | Cutting across wood grain (smooth) |
| Combination Blade | 40–50 | Positive | General-purpose cuts |
| Plywood/Laminate Blade | 80–100 | Negative | Veneered sheets, laminates |
| Metal Blade | 30–60 | Negative | Aluminium, brass, thin steel |
| Masonry Blade | N/A | N/A | Concrete, tiles, bricks |
Deep Dive into Each Saw Blade Type
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Rip Blade
- Features: Fewer teeth, flat-top grind, wide gullets for fast chip removal.
- Advantages: Quick, efficient cuts along the grain.
- Best For: Framing, rough carpentry, ripping timber.
- Recommended Blade: Dewalt DT1956-QZ 184mm Blade.
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Crosscut Blade
- Features: High tooth count, ATB (Alternate Top Bevel) design for clean cuts.
- Advantages: Smooth, splinter-free edges.
- Best For: Fine woodworking, cutting across the grain.
- Recommended Blade: Trend CSB/16548 165mm Fine Cut Blade.
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Combination Blade
- Features: A mix of rip and crosscut teeth, versatile design.
- Advantages: Handles both ripping and crosscutting.
- Best For: General-purpose use.
- Recommended Blade: Freud LP30M 250mm Circular Saw Blade.
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Plywood/Laminate Blade
- Features: Fine teeth, negative hook angle to prevent chipping.
- Advantages: Clean cuts on delicate materials.
- Best For: Veneered sheets, laminates, MDF.
- Recommended Blade: Freud Pro LP40M 216mm Blade.
-
Metal Blade
- Features: Carbide-tipped teeth, negative rake angle for safety.
- Advantages: Cuts through non-ferrous metals and thin steel.
- Best For: Aluminium, brass, thin sheet metal.
- Recommended Blade: Trend CSB/21060 210mm Blade.
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Masonry Blade
- Features: Diamond-tipped, segmented design for durability.
- Advantages: Cuts through hard, abrasive materials.
- Best For: Concrete, tiles, bricks.
- Recommended Blade: Dewalt Diamond Blade.
Pros & Cons / Trade-Offs
- Speed vs Finish: Rip blades are fast but rough; crosscut blades are slower but smoother.
- Durability: Carbide-tipped blades last longer but cost more.
- Cost vs Blade Life: Investing in a high-quality blade saves money in the long run.
Real-World Examples / Case Studies
- Cutting Timber: A rip blade like the Dewalt DT1956-QZ makes quick work of framing lumber.
- Trimming Plywood: The Trend CSB/16548 ensures splinter-free edges on veneered sheets.
- Cutting Aluminium: The Trend CSB/21060 handles non-ferrous metals with ease.
Choosing for Hybrid or Mixed Material Projects
For projects involving multiple materials, you may need to swap blades. A combination blade is a good all-rounder, but for the best results, use material-specific blades.
Conclusion & Blade Picks from Your Stock
Choosing the right circular saw blade doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the differences between blade types, you can select the perfect blade for your project.
At Key Blades & Fixings, we recommend:
- Freud LP30M 250mm Circular Saw Blade for general-purpose use.
- Trend CSB/16548 165mm Fine Cut Blade for smooth crosscuts.
- Dewalt Diamond Blade for masonry work.
Browse our full Circular Saw Blades category or contact us for expert advice.