A circular saw is only as good as the blade spinning within it. Choosing the right round saw blade for a specific job is one of the most critical decisions a woodworker, builder, or DIY enthusiast can make. The correct blade ensures cleaner cuts, improves safety, and prolongs the life of your saw. The wrong blade leads to poor results, wasted material, and unnecessary risk.
Navigating the world of saw blades can feel complex, with terms like kerf, gullet, and tooth geometry adding to the confusion. This guide will demystify the options, helping you understand the different types of blades available and how to select the perfect one for your next project.
Types of Round Saw Blades
While there are many specialised blades, most fall into a few primary categories defined by their intended cut.
Rip Blades
Rip blades are designed for one specific task: cutting lumber parallel to the wood grain (ripping). They have a low tooth count, typically between 24 and 40 teeth. The large gaps, or gullets, between the teeth are engineered to clear away long strands of wood fibre and sawdust efficiently. This allows for a fast, aggressive cut with minimal strain on the saw's motor.
Crosscut Blades
As the name suggests, crosscut blades are optimised for cutting across the wood grain. They feature a high tooth count, usually from 60 to 100 teeth. The smaller teeth take smaller bites, shearing the wood fibres cleanly to produce a smooth finish with minimal splintering or "tear-out." They are the ideal choice for finishing work, cutting plywood, and slicing through delicate laminates.
Combination Blades
Combination blades offer a compromise between ripping and crosscutting. With a tooth count typically around 40 to 50, they are designed to perform reasonably well at both tasks. These blades feature teeth arranged in groups, often with a large gullet separating them to help clear material during rip cuts. While not as fast as a dedicated rip blade or as clean as a crosscut blade, they are an excellent all-purpose choice for general construction and DIY projects where frequent blade changes are impractical.
Specialty Blades
- Dado Blades: A stackable set of blades and "chippers" used to cut wide grooves or channels (dadoes) in a single pass, typically on a table saw.
- Thin-Kerf Blades: These blades have a narrower profile, which removes less material with each cut. This is ideal for working with expensive hardwoods, as it reduces waste. They also require less power to operate, making them a great choice for cordless saws.
- Non-Ferrous Metal Blades: Specifically designed with a Triple-Chip Grind (TCG) tooth geometry, these blades are made to cut softer metals like aluminium, brass, and copper without clogging or damaging the teeth.
Key Features to Consider
Beyond the basic type, several features determine a blade’s performance.
Tooth Count
This is the most straightforward feature. As a general rule:
- Low Tooth Count (24T-40T): For fast, rough cuts and ripping.
- Medium Tooth Count (40T-50T): For general-purpose and combination use.
- High Tooth Count (60T-100T): For fine-finish crosscuts and cutting veneers, laminates, and plywood.
Tooth Geometry (Grind)
The shape and angle of the carbide tips have a huge impact on the cut.
- ATB (Alternate Top Bevel): Teeth alternate between a right- and left-hand bevel. This creates a sharp point that slices cleanly, making it ideal for crosscutting.
- FTG (Flat Top Grind): Every tooth is flat on top. This durable grind is perfect for ripping, as it chisels away wood efficiently.
- TCG (Triple-Chip Grind): A flat "raker" tooth is followed by a higher, chamfered "trapper" tooth. This combination is very durable and ideal for cutting hard materials like non-ferrous metals, composites, and plastic.
Kerf Width
The kerf is the width of the slot a blade cuts. A full kerf blade is thicker and more stable, reducing vibration for smoother cuts. A thin kerf blade removes less material, saving wood and requiring less power from the saw.
Matching Blades to Materials
Using a blade designed for the material you are cutting is non-negotiable for safety and quality.
- Wood: For solid timber, choose between rip, crosscut, or combination blades based on the cut direction.
- Plywood, MDF & Laminates: Use a high-tooth-count crosscut blade (60T+) to prevent the fragile surface layers from chipping.
- Plastic & Composites: A TCG blade is often best, as it cuts cleanly without melting the material.
- Non-Ferrous Metals: Only use a blade specifically designated for metal cutting, which will have a TCG tooth geometry and a negative hook angle for safety.
Tips for Blade Maintenance
A quality blade is an investment. Proper care will ensure it performs well for years.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean your blades with a specialised blade cleaner or citrus-based degreaser. Pitch and resin buildup create friction and heat, which leads to burn marks and poor performance.
- Sharpening: A dull blade is a dangerous blade. It requires more force, increases the risk of kickback, and produces rough cuts. Professional sharpening services can restore the precise factory angles for a fraction of the cost of a new blade.
- Storage: Never stack blades on top of each other. This will chip and dull the carbide teeth. Store them in their original packaging or in a dedicated rack that keeps them separated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the Wrong Blade for the Material: This is the most common mistake. Using a wood blade on metal will destroy the blade instantly. Using a rip blade for a fine-finish crosscut will result in a chipped mess.
- Ignoring Safety Guidelines: Always wear safety glasses. Ensure the blade guard is functioning correctly and never force a blade through a cut.
- Overusing a Dull Blade: Pushing a dull blade not only produces poor results but also puts immense strain on your saw's motor, potentially burning it out.
How to Shop for Blades at Key Blades & Fixings
We make it easy to find the exact blade you need. Our extensive range covers everything from general-purpose blades to highly specialised options for trade professionals.
When you visit our Circular Saw Blades page, you can use our intuitive filters to sort by saw type, blade diameter, material, and brand. If you’re ever unsure about the best choice for your application, our expert customer support team is always on hand to provide guidance and ensure you get the right tool for the job.
Conclusion
Understanding the fundamentals of round saw blades transforms them from simple accessories into precision tools that can elevate the quality of your work. By matching the blade type, tooth count, and geometry to your material and desired finish, you unlock the full potential of your saw.
Take a moment to evaluate the blades in your current collection. Are they clean, sharp, and right for the jobs you do most often? If it’s time for an upgrade or you need to fill a gap in your arsenal, we have you covered.
Explore our complete collection of high-quality round saw blades and find the perfect partner for your next project.