How to choose the right saw blade

The following information will help you purchase the correct saw blade for your machine and the materials that you are cutting. However, if you need further advice, we are only a phone call/email away and happy to help.

HOOK/RAKE The steeper the hook angle the more aggressive the cut – i.e. it bites into the material more. Wood cutting on portable and table saws typically requires a positive hook. Negative hook gives resistance to feed so will not climb into the cut, this avoids ‘grabbing’. Ideal for cutting using chopsaws and radial arm machines for crosscutting.

TRIPLE CHIP or TRAPEZOIDAL (TC) blades are good for cutting plastics. When combined with a negative hook they can be used for aluminum cutting and other non-ferrous metals. For panel sawing, the positive hook helps to obtain a high quality finish.

Advice when mounting the blade on your machine

• Be sure your machine is maintained in perfect condition and free from bearing play.

• The saw blade must run true on the mandrel and in perfect line with the fence or saw guide.

• Make sure that clamping flanges are clean and flat and the blade is clamped securely on the arbor.

• Keep the blade clean and free of resin. This will prevent overheating or burning of the blade body and ensure longer blade life and freer cutting.

• Carbide tips are extremely hard, therefore, they are also very brittle and should not be subjected to sharp blows from other hard objects.

• Always exercise care when handling your blade.
   

Care and use of carbide tipped saw blades

• A general rule that should be kept in mind when cutting with carbide tipped saw blades is that the more teeth there are on the saw blade the smoother the finish.

• When absolute splinter-free cutting is desired on veneer or thin plywood, use a piece of scrap wood below the wood being cut. This will support the veneer/laminate as close as possible to the edge of the saw tooth.

• Transparent tape along the cutting edge where the blade leaves the material will eliminate some splintering.

• Make sure the clamping collars of the blade are free from dirt and sawdust.

• Choose the correct blade for the cutting application.

• Always use a push stick on the work piece when using a saw bench.

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