Steel is an essential iron derivative in several applications, such as building facilities. Hence, there must be different ways in which users must be able to fit steel in jobs. An excellent way to modify steel is by cutting them with the Steel Cutting Circular Saw blade.
The blade of this circular saw comes in different types, which can cut a wide array of materials. These materials can range from plastics to metals and sometimes even concrete. This article focuses primarily on the available types of steel-cutting aspects.
Table of Contents
- 1. Types of steel cutting saw blades
- 2. Performance
- 3. Size
- 4. Blade Kerf
- 5. Durability
- 6. Compatibility
- 7. Precision and Hook Configuration
- Conclusion
Figure 1: Steel Cutting
1. Types of steel cutting saw blades
Metal cutting follows almost the same procedure as regular wood or other materials. When you set the blade in your saw and put it on, it begins to turn at a preset speed. After which, you apply it to the metal and start cutting.
However, cutting metals can be challenging with the wrong blade. Things get even harder when you try to cut steel. Below is a list of some types of steel-cutting circular saw blades;
• High-Speed Steel Blades
• Cobalt Blades
• Rotary Hacksaw Blades
It is important to note that some of these blades are very tough. This particular feature allows them to cut other materials because of the tough nature of the blade’s structural composition. The High-Speed steel blades are suitable in cutting applications where maximum cutting life between sharpening is required. They operate at a very high Rotation Per Minute(RPM).
The cobalt blades are suitable for thick steel. It provides high heat resistance and reduced teeth wear. The rotary hacksaw blades provide excellent cuts through a wide range of steel shapes without generating excessive heat. They are also quite easy to use.
2. Performance
Another important factor that users must consider before choosing the saw blade is the performance level of the blade. This factor is important because some saw blades available today have different design features that improve performance. Users sometimes have to do a lot of cutting and aren’t too bothered about the finish of the surface. In such cases, they can opt for specialty blades that can cut through thick steel incredibly fast.
3. Size
Another important consideration for choosing the perfect steel cutting saw blade is the blade size. Most users that intend to do a lot of steel cutting need to get it right regarding blade sizing. The factors surrounding the user’s choice are the user’s requirements, preferences, and the nature of the project. With private users opting for blades with smaller sizes and professionals with higher workloads opting for the bigger saw blade. Users must also compare the blade size and ensure it is compatible with the saw.
Figure 2: Different Sizes of Saw Blade
4. Blade Kerf
The kerf is the section of the blade that cuts the steel material. The width of this kerf is essential because most blade types come in either full-kerf or thin-kerf. Full-kerf blades have a cutting size of about a 1/8″ slot, mostly compatible with 3hp saws. Saws of this diameter are primarily suitable for larger-scale cutting.
Meanwhile, blades with a kerf cut thickness of less than 1/8″ are suitable for smaller-scale steel cutting. For smaller kerf cut thicknesses, users can use saw motors of less than 3hp. On the other hand, using a thin-kerf blade already implies that such a blade will cut less material. Another advantage of the thin kerf blade is that its saws require less power.
Opting for a thin kerf presupposes that the edge plate is slenderer. The blade may need to vibrate more than a blade with a thicker edge plate for this particular feature. In any case, mechanical advances in sharp blade configuration boast thin-kerf edges that rival the full-kerf saw blades.
Figure 3: Steel Cutting blade kerf
5. Durability
The crucial question most users ask when is how long the blade will stay sharp. How clean will the finishing be? And how much re-sharpening will it take?
These are all plausible questions because there will be a lot of high-speed cutting when cutting steel. Well, it is safe to say that all this is dependent on the quality of the cutting tips material. Most, if not all, of the steel-cutting circular blade tips must be of high quality. High-quality tips will help to ensure a longer life span. Characteristics such blades are;
• Easy and quick maintenance
• Few re-sharpening for its entire lifespan
• The natural alignment of the blade
A right blade will not require much maintenance. Furthermore, you won’t have to go through constant re-sharpening for every use case. An excellent example of a durable steel cutting blade is carbide tipped.
Figure 4: Carbide-Tipped Blade
6. Compatibility
It is not impossible to find that some steel-cutting blades are more advanced than others. For such cases, users must choose blades suitable for cutting steel and avoid general-purpose blades. If you want a blade for working on project metal cutting, then make sure the blade is especially for cutting steel.
Hence users must exercise caution when choosing blade types, bearing in mind that the blade must also fit the saw. Users must also consider the saw speed since steel cutting blades are popular for operating at lower speeds.
7. Precision and Hook Configuration
Another important factor is the blade’s accuracy before deciding on blades. This factor can be a significant decision because the blade’s accuracy determines your cuts’ precision. It then goes on to save a tremendous amount of time. The more accurate your blade, the better it is.
The hook angle also has an important effect on blade operation. Blades tend to produce a faster feed with more traction. At the same time, blades with a lower hook angle have a slow feed. It will go on to hinder the blade’s ability to supply enough friction between the steel material and the blade. It is important to note that steel cutting blades need a very low or negative hook angle to inhibit a faster feed. A low hook angle will also hinder the blade’s supply of enough traction between the blade and the steel material.
Figure 5: Hook angle of a blade
PS: for personal preferences, users can also look for safety features such as a lock-off lever. The lock-off lever prevents the saws from turning on in case of an accident. Because this type of cutting includes a metal-to-metal contact, there is a chance of overheating. So, users can also opt for saws with the quality motor housing.
Conclusion
So far, you are familiar with the tips for selecting a “steel cutting circular saw blade.” So which blade is best for all your requirements and preferences? When you go to NCCutting Tools, you can search for answers. Here you can customize the saw blade for cutting steel according to the type of saw blade, the diameter of the saw blade, etc. Contact us now to find out how we can help.
