Circular saws aren’t just for cutting wood. With the right blade, you can tackle a variety of materials, from laminate to metal and even masonry. However, using the wrong blade can lead to poor results, excessive wear, or even damage to your saw.
Circular Saw Blades for Materials - What Blade Gets the Job Done
At Key Blades & Fixings, we stock a wide range of blades designed for specific materials. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the best blade for your project.
Material Types & Challenges
Each material presents unique challenges when cutting:
- Softwood & Hardwood: Risk of splintering or burning.
- Plywood & MDF: Prone to tear-out on the edges.
- Laminate: Delicate surface that chips easily.
- Plastics: Can melt or crack if cut too aggressively.
- Non-Ferrous Metals (Aluminium, Brass): Requires a blade with a negative rake angle to prevent binding.
- Steel: Needs a specialised blade to handle the hardness.
- Masonry (Concrete, Tile, Brick): Extremely abrasive, requiring diamond-tipped blades.
Recommended Blade Types per Material
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Wood (Softwood & Hardwood)
- Blade Type: Carbide-tipped with ATB (Alternate Top Bevel) teeth.
- Recommended Blade: Freud LP30M 250mm Circular Saw Blade for clean, precise cuts.
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Plywood & MDF
- Blade Type: Fine-tooth blades with a high tooth count to minimise tear-out.
- Recommended Blade: Trend CSB/16548 165mm Fine Cut Blade for splinter-free edges.
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Laminate
- Blade Type: Scoring blades or fine-tooth blades with a negative hook angle.
- Recommended Blade: Freud Pro LP40M 216mm Blade for delicate surfaces.
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Plastics
- Blade Type: Low-tooth, stable blades to avoid melting.
- Recommended Blade: Trend CSB/21060 210mm Blade for clean cuts on plastic.
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Non-Ferrous Metals (Aluminium, Brass)
- Blade Type: Carbide-tipped with a negative rake angle.
- Recommended Blade: Dewalt DT1956-QZ 184mm Blade for smooth, safe cuts.
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Steel
- Blade Type: Abrasive discs or specialised metal-cutting blades.
- Recommended Blade: Dewalt Extreme Metal Blade for tough steel.
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Masonry (Concrete, Tile, Brick)
- Blade Type: Diamond-tipped, segmented blades for durability.
- Recommended Blade: Dewalt Diamond Blade for heavy-duty masonry work.
Cutting Tips per Material
- Wood: Use a steady feed rate to avoid burning.
- Laminate: Cut with the finished side facing up to reduce chipping.
- Plastics: Use a slower speed to prevent melting.
- Metal: Apply cutting oil for lubrication and cooling.
- Masonry: Use water to reduce dust and keep the blade cool.
Blade Life & Wear Considerations
Different materials wear blades at different rates. For example:
- Wood: Carbide-tipped blades last longer.
- Laminate: Coated blades resist wear from abrasive surfaces.
- Masonry: Diamond-tipped blades are essential for durability.
Case Studies / Examples
- Cutting Laminate: The Freud Pro LP40M delivers clean, chip-free edges.
- Cutting Aluminium: The Trend CSB/21060 handles non-ferrous metals with ease.
- Cutting Concrete: The Dewalt Diamond Blade powers through masonry without breaking a sweat.
Conclusion / Product Highlights
Choosing the right blade for your material is key to achieving clean, efficient cuts. At Key Blades & Fixings, we stock blades for every material and application.
Browse our Circular Saw Blades category or contact us for expert advice on blade selection.