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Hole saw have gained vast usage among handymen and DIY enthusiasts due to their efficiency and the ability to cut a wide variety of hole sizes. Moreover, they are relatively affordable and consume less power.

In this article, we’ll discuss some tips and uncommon info surrounding the use of hole saws. We’ll also look at how to use hole saws to achieve project success as well as some maintenance tips to ensure that your hole saw lasts longer.

Figure 1- A Set of Hole Saws

Section 1: Why Don’t Choose the Drill Bit But Hole Saw?

You may be wondering why a drill bit can’t do the same job as a hole saw. Well, if drilling sizable holes is your priority, you need a tool that is best suited for the job. A couple of reasons why a hole saw would outperform a drill bit when it comes to drilling a hole includes –

Figure 2 – A Hole Saw and a Set of Drill Bits

Cleaner Finish

Hole saws cut with great precision as they come with pilot bits that allow you to precisely know the size of the hole you want to create or cut. This precision also allows the spot to come out neatly. Plus, with a quality hole saw, you should be able to avoid splintering.

You Can Use it on Different Materials.

While drill bits like spade bits and Forstner bits are exclusively for woods, you can use hole saws on a wide range of materials. Besides, there are specific hole saws for different materials – metal hole saws, diamond hole saws, and concrete hole saws.

Hole Sizes

There is a limit to the type of holes drill bits can drill. If you’re looking to drill well-sized holes, drill bits aren’t an option. You’re better off using a spot saw as you can seamlessly create holes with less amount of effort.

Section 2 What Type of Drill is Best for Hole Saws?

Yes, hole saws are powerful tools, but they are only one part of the equation. It would be best if you had a drill that powers your hole saws efficiently. Predominantly, exercises tend to come in three types – hand-held drills, drill presses, and magnetic base drills.

Your working conditions should influence your drill choice. Most handymen or DIY experts use hand-held drills (corded and cordless) because of the work-ease it provides. You can easily carry it around while you work. Regardless of your drill choice, you can’t afford to overlook some staple factors such as –

Figure 3 – A Hand-held Drill in Use

The Material in Question

The concerned material should inform your choice of a drill. Some fabrics require a strong drill power, while others might need less. In this regard, you should always check for the RPM. Some manufacturers usually have this info on their products.

The Diameter and Depth of The Hole

Some drills tend to be more capable of drilling deeper holes and broader diameters. Each exercise comes with information regarding their capability; manufacturers should have this info on their product. Ensure to always lookout for this.

The Power of The Drill

Some materials tend to be more challenging than others. In this regard, you need a drill with a work-power that matches the material or materials in question. With a powerful exercise, you can drill through hard materials like concrete quickly. Also, the drill power affects the drill speed. For hard materials such as metals and the likes, you need a well-regulated rate. Drilling hard materials such as a metal at a very high speed can damage your drill bit. In this regard, we advise that you use a drill with speed control.

The Drill’s Battery Voltage

If you’re looking to use the cordless drill, you need to pay attention to the battery voltage. The more powerful the voltage, the more efficient your training will be.

Why Do You Need a Hole Saw’s Pilot Bit?

As the name implies, a pilot bit guides the hole saw to the area that needs drilling. It also ensures that the hole saw stays on course until you finish creating a hole. In simple terms, a pilot bit functions as an anchor that holds the hole saw, keeping it from wobbling during the drilling/cutting process.

Why is a Hole Saw’s Pilot Bit So Important?

The pilot bit plays a critical role in ensuring that the bit stays firm using a hole saw. It prevents the hole saw from spinning and wobbling over the objects you want to saw through. Without it, you might accidentally gouge the surface of your item instead of having a neat, round penetration cut. When you sink the pilot bit, it guides the hole saw in anchoring itself, enabling the saw’s stability even before the operation starts.

Section 3 How to Use a Hole Saw？

Hole saws are very efficient tools. However, you may be having a hard time figuring your way around it, and that’s okay. We’ll be looking at the step-by-step procedures on how you can effectively use a hole saw.

Before we begin, let’s look at the few components of a hole saw. A hole saw consists of a saw blade and an arbor. The arbor acts as the base to the spot saw, and it’s the part that fits into the drill directly. Now that we know this, let’s begin.

Figure 4- A Hole Saw Attached to a Hand-held Drill

3.1 Choose the Right Type of Hole Saw and Hole Saw Arbor

Here, we really can’t’ t overemphasize that the material you’re looking to cut or drill should inform your choice of the hole saw, and hole saw arbor. It would be best to note the hole sizes you intend to cut/drill. If you frequently cut hard materials like metal or concrete, you should select a powerful hole saw to delve into these materials seamlessly. Plus, hard materials like metal also necessitates lubricants as you’ll need to seam to ease friction and have a smooth drilling process.

For detachable arbors, please try to choose a gazebo that fits your hole saw. Arbors come in two types – one for small gaps (14mm – 30mm) and one for large holes (32mm – 210mm). Besides, you want to have an arbor that will fit into either a ½ or 3/8 chuck, depending on your power drill’s specification or requirement.

3.2 Attach the Hole Saw to Drill.

3.2.1 Insert the Arbor into the Power Drill

Proceed to insert the arbor via the back of the hole saw, ensuring that the power drill grips it firmly. A firm grip prevents any wobbly movement when the hole saw is in use.

3.2.2 Attach the Hole Saw

Now, screw the hole saw into the arbor’s thread, ensuring it fits in tightly. If the drill bit happens to be adjustable, allow it to protrude past the hole saw blades by approximately 3/8 inch and tighten it again via the set screw. The reason for this protrusion is so that you can bore your pilot hole without hassles.

3.2.3 Tighten the Hole Saw Attachment

Yes, we seem to be quite stuck on tightening because it’s better to be safe than sorry. Take the extra step of drawing your hole saw onto the arbor. This additional tightening will prevent it from coming off during a drill operation. Wobbly movements from the spot saw when drilling could damage the material, and we don’t’ t want this.

3.2.4 Insert arbor into the Chuck and Tighten

Here, you’ll fit the end of the arbor into the drill’s chuck. If you’re using a cordless drill, it should, at least, have an 18-volt battery as anything less might not produce the torque you require. An 18-voltage-powered exercise allows you to use your hole saw effectively. After you’ve confirmed this, tighten the chuck and ensure that it holds onto the arbor securely.

3.3 Drill Pilot Hole

Proceed to drill a pilot hole in the center of the spot you want to cut out. The pilot hole serves as a guide to ensure that the hole saw is steady and anchored. While drilling, try to maintain a drill bit level. Plus, if your material is free-standing, you should anchor it onto something, so the hole saw doesn’t cause it to spin.

3.4 Take Some Safety Measures

Before you start the actual drilling, take a final look at everything you’ll need during the drilling process. Tighten loose ends and fix whatnots. You also want to ensure that you have a lubricant by your side.

3.5 Align the Drill Bit in the Pilot’s Hole and Start Drilling

Position the drill bit’s tip into the pilot’s hole. It will keep the spot saw steady and stop it from wobbling. When you begin drilling, the teeth of your hole saw should come in contact with your workpiece evenly. If you’re cutting a rigid material such as metal, endeavor to add a few drops of lubricant to the hole saw’s blade to ease friction.

Start drilling at a low speed and increase as you push the saw into your workpiece while making sure you’re maintaining the drill bit level. Within intervals, slow down and remove the saw from the hole to clear out chippings and pent up sawdust. It will also keep the blade from overheating.

3.6 Removing Plugs

It is one of the challenging phases in drilling, as most people find it difficult to dislodge a plug (mostly wood) from the hole saw. Well, if you’re using a spot saw that has a plug ejecting feature, you don’t’ t need to worry as the pin will come off quickly. On the other hand, if your hole saw doesn’t’ t have this feature, you can use a slotted screwdriver to dislodge the plug. Using a slotted screwdriver can be somewhat tedious as it requires a considerable amount of workforce.

3.7 Can I use a Hole Saw with a Battery or Cordless Drill?

While corded drills might allow you to outsource electrical voltage to power your training, a cordless drill will enable you to work seamlessly. It is because of its mobility. However, if you have to use a cordless or battery-powered drill, ensure it has a battery voltage of at least 18-voltage power. Anything below the 18-voltage power will cause your routine to underperform, resulting in a poorly-done project.

Section 4 How can I use a Hole Saw to Enlarge an Existing Hole?

Drilling a fresh hole requires less effort than enlarging an existing hole. When preparing a new spot, your pivot bit serves as an anchor that allows you to hold your workpiece in place and drill evenly. However, it’s quite different when you’re looking to enlarge an existing hole as there is no place to fix your pivot bit. So, how do we enlarge an existing hole? Let’s find out in the subsequent paragraphs.

Figure 5 – A Large Diameter Hole Saw and A Concrete Plug

First off, you mark the existing hole with some horizontal and vertical lines. These lines will represent the center of the existing hole. After you’ve drawn the lines, place a scrap piece of plywood over the existing hole, and transfer the center lines to the plywood. Once the plywood is steady, fix your pilot bit on the intersection of both center lines and drill through the plywood and then onto your workpiece.

Another way to enlarge an existing hole is by fixing two hole saws onto the arbor. To do this effectively, you need a smaller hole saw (one with the same diameter as the existing hole). A more massive hole saw (one that has a similar diameter of the new hole you’re about to drill).

You should fix the smaller hole saw inside the large one. So, when you start drilling, the smaller hole saw will easily slide through the existing hole, and the large outer hole saw will hit a new spot. However, you should note that not all arbors allow two hole saws, endeavor to verify this before attaching two holes onto a single pavilion.

Section 5 How to Drill Tap Holes Through Acrylic or Metal Baths and Basins

Using hole saws to drill through wood materials is easy. The same is true for hard materials such as acrylic and metal baths. But you will need a different method, which we will study.

Advisably, you should always have cutting oil around when drilling metal, as this helps to reduce friction and offer the necessary lubrication. When there is a reduction in conflict, the hole saw will run as it will be cold. Besides, cutting oil keeps the flush metal chips from the kerf. Invariably, this allows the teeth of the saw to slide through your hard material seamlessly.

Alternatively, if you can’t stop at intervals to apply oil while using your hole saws, get a sponge and cut it into the exact shape of your hole saw. Once you’ve done this, soak the sponge with cutting oil and let it absorb evenly. After this, put the sponge inside your hole saw. While you drill the metal, the sponge supplies the oil making your work relatively seamless. Note that you should prepare cast iron without any lubricant as it needs none.

Section 6 How can I Prevent my Hole Saw from becoming Clogged with Dust?

As we said earlier, having a lubricant around is one of the best ways to reduce friction and sawdust formation. Ideally, sawdust comes from overheating and excess friction. One subtle and effective way to douse this problem is by slowing down and retracting your hole saw now and then while drilling. It allows the saw to cool off and the debris to the spin-off. However, if your drilling project calls for a more robust approach, you can try the trick below.

Once you drill the pilot hole for your cut, score the wood’s surface lightly with your hole saws. After scratching the surface, drill 1/4 inch holes within the scoreline’s inner markings, spacing them closely around the perimeter. Ensure that you hit the spots entirely through your workpiece. At this juncture, you can resume drilling with the hole saw and worry less about the sawdust. The sawdust will automatically escape via the ventilation holes as you drill.

Figure 6 – A handyman Drilling A Wooden Plank

Section 7 What do I need to Pay Attention to When using a Hole Saw?

There are some specific tips you need to pay attention to when using hole saws. For the sake of precision, we’ll be looking at three separate tips that can come in handy.

7.1 Preventing A Blowout

Trying to pull out your hole saws from a cut can blow out the back of your workpiece. If you intend to blast holes through walls or floor joists, a blowout shouldn’t’ t be an issue. However, if you’re sawing through finished surfaces such as doors or slabs, a blowout can pose a serious concern. So, how can you avoid encountering a blowout while sawing through surfaces?

Fortunately, you can avoid a blowout by harnessing two approaches. First, you can place a scrap wood behind your workpiece and saw into it. Secondly, you can saw halfway through from either of the ends and complete it by drilling through the other side of the workpiece.

7.2 How to Avoid Wood-burning when using a Hole Saw?

The best way to avoid burning your wood during a drilling project is by ensuring you have an effective lubricant. Drilling with cutting oil reduces friction and stops your hole saw from overheating.

7.3 What to do When Drilling Large-diameter Holes

Yes, drilling large diameter holes can be quite daunting as it weakens the wrist, drill motor, and hole saw. Instead of trying to hit a large-diameter home at once, you can harness an effortless technique.

This technique involves drilling several stress-relief holes within the cut perimeter. You can begin by drilling a 1/8 inch deep, circular hole on the workpiece with your hole saw. After this, change the drill bit to a 3/16 inch diameter one. Use this drill bit to create several spots that are close to each other.

Endeavor to drill these holes around the initial 1/8 inch circular hole. Once you finish this, return to the hole saw and complete the sawing. You’ll discover that the 3/16 inch diameter holes will reduce the strain and stress during the drilling process.

Final Thoughts

With the tips we’ve discussed above, you should have no issue when it comes to using a hole saw. You can also use the buying guides shared in this article to choose the right hole saw for your project. However, if you need further assistance in selecting the right spot saw, feel free to reach out to us. We will be glad to guide and provide the necessary support for you.

Table saw blade vary in size, type, and other features. Whether you are a newbie or expert in using these tools, picking a suitable unit for your project is crucial. However, that is not always an easy task.

In this article, we are focusing on how to choose the best table saw blade for your upcoming project. You will learn all the basics about blade types, tooth configuration, and other relevant features to consider during the selection process.

Section 1 Why Do You Need a Table Saw Blade?

A table saw blade is a sharp blade that you mount on a table saw. This tool usually utilizes an electric motor to operate, and its strength can go up to 3HP or higher. The blade is the cutting portion of this tool, and the operators use it on different materials. That includes wood, plastics, laminates, and other applications.

The working process is simple – once you mount the blade to the tool safely, you activate it. It is critical to wear safety equipment, including goggles and clothes. After turning on the device, you start cutting the desired workpiece. The blade protrudes the top of the table and cuts the material.

As for the major components of a saw blade, those include:

Teeth – these are the actual cutting components of the tool. Teeth come in different configurations, but the critical thing to note is that they should be sharp.

Arbor hole – you will notice the hole in the middle of the blade. That is the arbor hole, and the vital thing is to size them correctly. That can affect mounting the blade and its operation. The general rule is that the arbor hole is from 5/8” to 1” thick.
Gullet – these are the swoops the manufacturer cuts out in front of the teeth. The idea is to ensure to remove any chips and dust from the working area.

Plate – it is the name for the entire base construction of a blade. Plate width can vary, and you should choose it depending on the application and the tool.

Table saw blades can have a different diameter. The primary consideration is that the diameter fits both the tool and the desired application.

Section 2 What Do I Need to Know About Blade Tooth Options?

Caption: A Table Circular Saw Blade on a Wooden Background

During the process of choosing a table saw blades, it is essential to consider blade tooth configuration. As for the tooth count, it can vary significantly. The standard is somewhere among 40-50 teeth, but you can also find models with less than 30 and more than 70 teeth.

2.1 Beveled Teeth

The primary purpose of using beveled teeth is to achieve a clean and fast cut. These blades are characteristic because teeth alternate left and right. They feature a different angle range, which contributes to speeding up the cut while keeping it clean.
It is worth noting that there is a difference between positive and negative hook angles. If the teeth lean forward, you got a positive angle and a faster speed of the cut. On the other hand, a negative hook angle indicates backward-facing teeth. That is great if you are looking to achieve better precision, and you don’t mind cutting a bit slower.

2.2 Flat-Topped Teeth

Your table saw blade might also feature flat-topped teeth. They often work in combination with beveled teeth for optimal results. If you are using a combination blade, the beveled teeth will cut, and the flat-topped units will have the task of clearing any waste left behind them.

If you use a ripping blade, flat-topped teeth can come in handy for efficient stock removal. That will optimize and speed up the entire cutting process. The important thing to note here is that additional teeth do not necessarily make the blade perform better. It is all about finding the most suitable choice for your tool and the application.

2.3 Triple-Chip Teeth

The next tooth shape we will present is the triple-chip one. If we want to explain it better, we can say triple-chip is usually thicker than the sharp beveled teeth, which is why it takes smaller bites. That means these are not as pointy as beveled teeth, but they still have the required sharpness for many tasks.

Triple-chip teeth are suitable for cutting any materials prone to chipping. That is why suitable applications include laminates, melamine, metal, plastics, but also solid surfaces. Their main purpose is to help to achieve a precise cross-cutting process every time you use it.

Section 3 What Is the Role of the Gullet?

If you take a closer look at a single tool on your blade, you will find some room in the front. That gap is the gullet, and its purpose is chip removal. While you are cutting, you will remove some material, and the particles will start flying everywhere. The gullet’s task is to ensure that there are no particles that remain in the working area. It ensures they can’t disrupt the working process.

If you are planning a cross-cutting project, you don’t need a large gullet. The rate is not that fast, which is why a small blade is enough. However, ripping projects require a large gullet. That is because it needs to handle more material and a faster feed rate. That is why you should find a deep gullet for your ripping project.

Section 5 Basic Types of a Table Saw Blade

Caption: Types of the Table Saw Blades

If you came across a table saw cutting blade, you might have noticed abbreviations on it. These might be unknown if you are a beginner, but they are crucial when choosing the right blade.

Some acronyms describe the type of tool. Find out the key feature of each below!

5.1 Flat Top Grind (FTG)

You will often find these under the FTG acronym, but some people also call it “rakers.” The critical thing about this table saw blade is that its edges are square to the plate.

As for the performance, a suitable explanation is that they perform similar to a chisel. For example, if you are cutting a wooden application, it will act as a chisel as soon as it touches.

Most people use these blades for cutting along the drain. That makes them suitable for a table saw rip blade. A flat-top grind might not provide the cleanest possible cut, especially when compared to other types.

5.2 Alternate Top Bevel (ATB)

Another common type of table saw blades is the alternate top bevel or ATB. As the word suggests, you will find that teeth are at different angles. The manufacturers usually alternate them, and the purpose is to achieve the shearing action.

That is the critical difference compared to the flat top grind. It chops the material, while the ATB shears it. It makes these tools a great choice for wood and any other application that requires a shearing action. If you want to maximize the shearing, aim for steeper bevels. However, please note that these tools go dull quickly, which means you might need a table saw blade sharpening sooner than usual.

5.3 Combination (ATBR)

The confusion about combination blades is because of their acronym ATBR. You will rarely find that it says “combination” on the tool because the abbreviation describes this type.

TBR stands for “alternate top bevel/raker.” That indicates this tool is a combination of the previous two, although the manufacturer has a usual setup. You will find that all teeth come in five groups – a single flat-top tool follows four ATB teeth. Another critical thing to note is that the gullet between the groups is bigger than usual. The idea is to achieve the best possible performance – the raker does the cutting, and the other four teeth remove any waste behind it.

5.4 Triple-Chip Grind (TCG)

The fourth table saw blade type we will mention is the triple-chip grind. These combine “trapeze” teeth that are high and “raker” teeth, and the ultimate goal is the capability of cutting tough materials. Those materials can include strong plastics, MDF, and laminates. Even if you are cutting non-ferrous metal, you can trust the TCG blade to do the job right.

As for the working process, it is similar to the combination blade. The chamfered tooth cuts the material, and the other does the cleaning. It is worth noting that triple-chip grind blades have better durability than alternate top bevels (ATB), especially if using them on hard applications.

Section 6 How to Choose a Table Saw Blade According to the Cutting Material

Caption: Man Cuts Wood on a Circular Saw

The next thing to consider when picking the best table saw blade is the cutting material. You will find that the task you want to perform is also important for choosing the right tool.

Take a look at these suggestions that will help you pick the right unit for the desired job.

6.1 Ripping Saw Blades

Let’s say that you have a wooden board that you want to divide into two pieces, and you want to do it quickly. Using a flat top grind blade is the best choice because it is the fastest option you have. The precision won’t be optimal, and the cut won’t be the cleanest possible, but it will do the job efficiently.

Are you cutting hardwood? If the material is tougher than usual, you might need to go with at least 40 teeth in the configuration. For softer materials, even a 24-tooth FTG will do. As long as you pick a top-quality table saw blade, you might not even need any sanding to achieve a satisfying finish.

6.2 Crosscutting Saw Blades

If you are planning on performing cross-cutting projects, you can go with alternate top bevel teeth. We mentioned that their primary task is shearing, and that will come into play here.

The general rule for cross-cutting is that you need to find an ATB blade with many teeth. The lowest you should go for is 60, but don’t hesitate to use a 100-tooth option if you have one. Thanks to those teeth, you can achieve a smooth cross-cut that will exceed all your expectations.

If you plan on performing both ripping and cross-cutting, go for an ATBR blade. That combination will ensure that you don’t have to switch the blades back and forth while operating.

6.3 Sheet Goods Saw Blades

The first thing to clarify is what sheet goods are. Those can be plastic laminates, hardboards, MDF, melamine, particleboards, and plywood. Now, the choice will depend on the exact workpiece you plan to cut.

For example, you should be careful when cutting plywood because it is prone to tearing. That is why a combination or alternate top bevel blade is the right choice. If you are cutting across face veneers and seem delicate, make sure that the blade has 80 teeth.

ATB blades are suitable for dense applications like a hardboard, MDF, or melamine. On the other hand, a plastic laminate might be more suitable for a triple-chip grind. That is particularly true because it will do a good job and last for a long time without requiring sharpening.

6.4 Thin Kerf Saw Blades

If we are talking about a thin kerf table saw blades, that means their thickness should be 3/32″ or as close to that as possible. These are thin, which means they won’t cut as much wood on a single pass. That is why your table saw won’t have to use its motor to the max, which is excellent for preserving the tool.

You might not have a strong table saw, which is another reason you should look for a thin kerf blade. As long as you find the blade of optimal thickness, even a compact-sized and underpowered tool can cut hard materials.

Section 7 Is the Saw Blade with More Teeth Better?

Caption: Teeth on the Saw Blade

This rule doesn’t apply when choosing a table saw blade. The best number of teeth is the one that fits your application correctly.

If you ask the experts, they will say the blades’ standard size is between 40 and 50 teeth. Now, if you want to rip solid wood, the best choice might be a 24-tooth flat top grind blade. On the other hand, plastics and non-ferrous metals are most suitable for an 80-tooth triple chip grind. So this is the whole reason what you want to do with the blade and not the number of teeth.

It is far more critical to discuss the quality of the saw blade teeth. You want the teeth to have thick carbide tips. Additionally, check if the manufacturer fused them to the plate. Carbide tips can be of different quality, but how you operate the tool will also affect when the teeth go dull.

Section 8 Will the Cutting Kerf Width, Affect the Operation of the Saw Blade?

Yes, you will find that the kerf width is capable of affecting the operation. Each table saw blade comes with a slot that the blade saws into the application. Users talk about that slot under the name “kerf,” and you will find both thin and full-kerf options.

You will find that a standard kerf features a 1/8″ slot, which is why you should use them on tools with at least 3HP. Some devices don’t have a motor that strong. If it is under 3HP in your table saw, go with a thinner kerf that cuts a slotless than 1/8.”
A thinner kerf means more vibration, which is why you should consider using an accessory to dampen the vibration. Additionally, it might require some experience to achieve stability and the desired cut results.

Summary

A table saw a blade is a versatile tool capable of performing different tasks. However, choosing a suitable unit is imperative for doing every job right.

You can pick between different saw blade types and consider various tooth configurations. The cutting material also plays a role when choosing the right tool.

If you are looking for a top-quality table saw blade, NCCuttingTools can make them for you. Our company has the equipment, skills, and experience required to meet anyone’s needs related to the cutting tools. Give us a call to talk about your requirements and discover why we’ve been users’ favorite for years!

Since 1884 when Henry Cope invented the wood router, it has continued to stand the test of time.  But for every woodworker, this hand tool remains vital to their daily activities due to its versatility. Two centuries later, many brands of wood routers have sprung up across the world. While this is a welcome development, it has also brought on confusion and indecisiveness for users. 

Hence, this article provides useful information on choosing, using, and getting maximum utility from wood routers.

Fig. 1: Complex Pattern Shaped by a Wood Router.

1. What is a Wood Router?

Woodworking routers specifically make unique cuts, edges, holes, and joinery on woods. In other cases, they are used to cut intricate patterns similar to rabbets. Again,  other uses of the wood router include shaping and trimming timber, especially in cabinetry. Enumerated below are the services of a woodworking router according to the book;

• Cabinetry
• Creating signs
• Boring holes
• Join flat edges and surface plan
• Sculpting letterings
• Cutting decorative edges
• Custom grooves and slots
• Machining dovetails, mortises, and tenon
• Routing raised panels
• General DIY projects

Usually, a wood router is a power hand-tool mounted on a motor to give it high speed to cut. However, the routing bit is the most intricate part of the wood router, which easily chips off the wood. When you purchase a wood router, you need not bother about other tools to perform many functions. A wood router ultimately saves you cost and keeps your tool room less stuffy and equally simple. Whether for your workshop or at home, the wood router always comes in handy.

• Advantages of the Wood Router

1. For high precision cutting and shaping
2. A significant merit of this tool is its ability to perform so many tasks. With just buying other accessories, you can achieve better results without buying new tools.
3. Thanks to how the router is structured, you need not worry about getting hurt as the cutting tool far from reach.
4. Regardless of the work piece’s size, the wood router can easily maneuver and machine it properly.
5. Its portability makes it easy to handle just for any task at hand.
6. If you are a small-scale woodworker, it’s a wise investment due to its low price and corresponding durability.

• The Structure of a Wood Router.

Typically, a wood router consists of three primary parts; the motor, the bit, and the handle. However, secondary interests include the housing, fence, base plate, collet & nut, dust extractor, speed, and depth control. This tool consists of an electric motor mounted vertically with the help of a collet on the shaft end. With the height-adjustment feature, you can accurately bore any depth.  A handle helps to provide the needed grip, and this varies from one manufacturer to the other. Below is a detailed explanation of each part and its significance to the smooth-operation of the wood router.

• Collets

A collet is usually attached to the end of a motor’s spindle and made of steel. It is locked in place with a nut that controls the grip to the end of the bit. Since it is attached to the bit, it is responsible for spinning the bit when the tool is in operation. However, according to the bit’s shank diameter, a colleague’s sizing helps you determine the bit size as well.

Fig. 2: Collet and Its Nut

• Base

Before the sub-base, the base always has a hole for the drill or router to pass through. There are fixed base router and plunge router. And there is a connection between the base and the top half of the wood router in the fixed base router. Whereas in the plunge router, two vertical columns support the router’s upward and downward movement.

• Sub-base

The sub-base is a flat disc covering the base entirely. Its primary function is to prevent scratch on the workpiece’s surface. Nowadays, sub-bases come in various forms, such as the combination and offset base plates, to widen the router’s application.

Fig. 3: The Base and Sub-base of a Wood Router.

• Speed Control

Due to each job’s specific needs and requirements, you need various speeds to achieve results. Like every other rotating tool, the wood router’s speed machine revolutions per minute (rpm). The speed control knob either increases or reduces the wood router speed. But this function is essential when using various drill bits to complete different wood or patterns.

Fig. 4: The Speed Control Knob

It is noteworthy that the no-load speed is the number the dial reads while the load speed will vary. Cutting speed varies according to the size of the drill bit, the cutting material’s nature, and even the cut depth.

• Depth Control

This feature helps to set the depth of cut by varying the router’s height. It has a lock feature that permanently maintains any fixed size all through the period of use. And it also bears a depth scale, which helps to set the desired depth.

Fig. 5: The Transparent Depth Control Scale.

Fig. 6: Lock Knob of Depth Control Scale.

• Dust Extractor

Just like every other cutter out there, the current environmental needs call for a dust extractor. Not only is it beneficial to the environment, but also the operator. All fine dust produced is channeled through a spout attached to the dust extractor. Good quality routers will come with a feature to assist with dust extraction. While some manufacturers add it as an accessory, some do not.

Fig. 7: CNC Router with Dust Extractor.

2. Type of Wood Router

With the level of technology today, many wood routers have been developed by numerous tool manufacturers. However, these routers all still perform the same functions only in unique ways. The application and type of base of a wood router have a role to play in its functionality. Presented below are the types of wood routers in the market and how they differ from each other.

3.1 Fixed Base Router  

The fixed router planer should design so that the substrate is placed flat on the workpiece or at a certain angle. Notably, this router’s unique feature is that the cut’s depth set before turning it on. For this router, the cut depth is not adjustable once the machine begins to run. But a little drawback of this router is that it can be time-consuming for tasks involving varying cut lengths. The base and body remain fixed together at all times, with no possibility of plunging action.  All amounts are started from the edge and not above the workpiece.

3.2 Routers with Removable Bases 

Some wood routers come with interchangeable bases to accommodate a wide range of applications. In this case, the top half of the router is a whole assembly, while the bottom is removable. Whenever you want to shape, sharpen, sculpt, or grind, it is best to use interchangeable bases. Often, routers with these kinds of floors are light-duty in nature and do not require massive power.

3.3 Plunge Router 

A wood router works like a drill press, which operates in an overhanging position. It cuts from above by plunging into the workpiece vertically.  Unlike the fixed base, it can vary the depth of cut even before and during cutting. Therefore, the plunge router has become the most popular in the woodworking industry due to its high versatility and usage. And it keeps it fixed at your desired height. 

Fig. 8: Plunger Router.

3.4 Heavy-duty, Medium-duty And Light-duty Router

The “duty” here refers to the size and amount of power these routers require to operate. These classifications would eventually tell on the kind of task each router can perform effectively.

• Heavy-duty Router

This router can hold up a bit of a diameter up to 38mm or 1.5 inches. It is the largest and produces excellent power to drive the largest bit possible. But it is reserved for extremely professional use only and not for DIY projects, and as long as the power supply can last for several hours.  The implication of this is that they will be used only on rare occasions.

• Medium-duty Router

This class of wood router lies in between the heavy and light-duty routers. They are relatively small in size and can handle light projects. In essence, they can carry and hold larger bits than the light-duty routers. And they come in handy in workshops and regularly used because of their unique ability. 

• Light-duty Router

This class of router is ideal for personal use and DIY projects within your home only. They are not to use for heavy projects lasting a long period at all. As the name implies, it is light in weight, small in size & can hold far less than 38mm.

3.5 CNC Router 

This type of router is an automated version of the electric/manual routers. Because it is mainly suitable for large industries that produce products that require uniform and accurate cutting. These routers are controlled by a computer program and maintain all the input parameters set on it consistently. It uses in high productivity situations requiring high precision and high accuracy.  A typical application of the CNC router is in staircase production companies. Endeavor to get a matching bit to be used alongside as there are always special tools for CNC machines generally.

3.6 Difference Between the Fixed Router and Plunge Router

4. What Does a Wood Router Do?

As discussed in the previous section, the various types of wood routers all have their particular application. Despite the versatility of these wood routers, their uses are specific to some rare purposes. In general, the services of a wood routers cover the following highlighted below:

4.1 Routing the Edges of the Wood Piece

Routing involves making grooves or patterns on wood. For this purpose, a fixed base router comes in handy because it works well from the edges.

4.2 Cutting Dadoes

Dadoes are unique square-notch woodwork cuts made across the grain and predominant in the cabinetry and furniture making industry. It involves trimming off the wood’s surface to create space for mating in another piece of wood.

Normally, dadoes run end-to-end on the wood, so it is best to use a stationary basic router planer for this task. Note that you should have marked out the path and pattern of dado you need before cutting. Then the cut depth should be set on the router before starting.

Fig. 9: Plunge Router Shaping a Groove.

4.3 Rabbet Cutting

Rabbets are quite similar to dadoes but differ a little. Unlike dadoes, they run along the edges on. They help two blocks of wood to flush, such as in cabinets making. The rabbet bits should cut to a depth equal to the other wood’s thickness to flush. For this task, a fixed base router will be more suitable because of its high stability.

4.4 Inlaying Banding:

The first step to cutting a perfect inlay is purchasing a router inlay tool kit. This kit consists of an inlay bushing, brass router template guide, and a 1/8-inch thick carbide spiral. Hence 1/8-inch appears to be the minimum depth of any inlay.  

The first step is to cut a template similar to the shape of the inlay using a hardboard. 

Secondly, attach your inlay template to another hardboard of about 1/4- inch thickness via glue or screw. 

Thirdly, trace around the inlay in an anti-clockwise direction using a 1/8-inch bit and brass guide. 

Steadily, cut deeper into the workpiece until you have cut through outside the inlay template. 

And now, you should have an outline of your desired inlay cut, although a bit bigger than the inlay itself. Carefully, continue to clear the waste from the center until the inlay is clearly defined and set.

4.5 Dovetails

It is simple and straightforward. All you need to do is install a dovetail drill on the wood router spindle. And mark-out the intervals on the workpiece edge where the dovetails should be cut and good to go. A table wood router is the best suited for this job.

4.6 Create a Rounded Edge

Using a round-over cutter is the most critical part of this task. These types of cutting machine tracks are specific diameters. When creating an outer rounding, a counter-clockwise direction of feed advised and a clockwise direction for inner rounding. Typical radii diameters of round cutters range from 1/4-inch to 3/4-inch.

Fig. 10: Creating a Rounded Edge.

4.7 Making a Cutting Board

It is a DIY project and can do using either a fixed base or plunge router.

4.8 Making Raised Panel Doors

A wood router helps to pattern out a panel door’s tricky edges. This process majorly involves rounded edges, dados, and rabbet, and many more as the case may be.

4.9 Traditional Cut Joints

Before making any seams, the surface needs to suitably smooth. With a dish-carving bit, a wood router can perform this function effectively.

4.10 Create Decorative Flutings:

A cove cut use for creating a decorative fluting on woodwork. A round nose bit or cove bit can easily make these designs effortlessly.

Figure 11: Decorative Fluting Using a Wood Router.

4.11 Recess Hinges

A recess is otherwise known as the mortise. In a bid to create space for a hinge on doors, a holiday becomes pertinent. A mortise router bit combined with a fixed base router is most suitable for this job. You can carry out this task by marking out the three sides of the hinge on the door’s side. Afterward, you set the depth of cut corresponding to the thickness of the hinge plus a little more. Then you begin to cut until the outline is ultimately revealed.

4.12 Cut Screw Threads

Just like tap and die, a wood router can cut screw threads. Although it is preferable to use a table wood router for more balance and control. To effectively carry out this task the follow the steps highlighted below:

• Firstly, by marking out the dowel’s part to cut the thread around, which is often spiral. You can use a paper to form this easily.
• Secondly, set the height of the bit above the table just equivalent to the depth of the intended thread.
• Thirdly, cut the lead-in at the beginning of the dowel.
• After that, use a pin from above to hold the dowel in place as you proceed into the cut.
• Finally, keep rotating the dowel continuously as you cut.

5. What Type of Wood Router Bit is Needed?

Different types of wood router require varying sizes of bits or cutters. All these depend on the shape of routing in question. Information regarding the bits is essential to the success of your job.

Fig. 12: Basic Types of Routing Bits.

5.1 Basic Types of Router Bit Profiles

• Straight Router Bits

Over the years, these bits have remained the most common and frequently used ones, among others. It is best suited for straight down cuts such as grooves, dadoes, or to cut a hole for Inlays—the variety of diameters in the market range from 3/16-inch to 1-1/2-inch.

Figure 13: A straight Router Bit.

• Rabbeting Router Bits

The rabbet bits are known for making vertical and horizontal cuts. These cuts create a notch on the edge of a workpiece. These bits usually have a pilot bit, which guides the cutting process from start to finish. These pilot bits come in various sizes (diameter) to produce any desired dimension of a rabbet.

Figure 14: A rabbet Router Bit.

• Chamfer Router Bits

These produce the angular or bevel cut. In architectural designs, the chamfer bit helps to create decorated edges. Another use of this bit is in joinery, to allow for multiple constructions due to beveled edges.

Figure 15: A chamfer Router Bit.

• Edge Forming Router Bits

Generally, Edge forming router bits mean for decorative purposes. It helps to produce a variety of edges that adds an extra touch to your fantastic design. However, the most common bits in this category are the Edge beading bits, Cove router bits, Round over bits, and Ogee bits. Just like a planer, a guide bearing also uses for fine cutting.

Figure 16: Set of Round-over Bits for Edge Forming.

• Joinery Bits

The need to achieve precision cuts brought about joinery bits. Prominent joinery bits include lock miter, dovetail, draw locker, and finger joint router bits. All these bits produce a specific precision joint. Sometimes a dovetail router is used in conjunction with a dovetail jig for precision and high accuracy.

Other types of router bits include; Molding Router Bits, Stile and Rail Bits, and Raised Panel Bits.

Figure 17: A dovetail Router Bit.

5.2 Which is Better Between 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch Shank Router Bits?

The shank is that part of the bit that fits into the collet. It is fastened to the collet via the collet nut and has nothing to do with cutting or shaping. Bits with large diameters are machined with a 1/2-inch shank while those with narrow diameter come with a 1/4-inch leg. The 1/2-inch shank has appeared to be better in performance due to some factors such as- mass, grip, and deflection.

Mass

The router bits with 1/2-inch shanks have a mass about four times that of the 1/4-inch shank bits. This extra weight helps stabilize the router when in operation, which translates into a cleaner cut. With greater mass comes more surface area for heat dissipation to prevent burning of wood during routing.

Grip

More grip is possible since more surface area for the 1/2-inch shank to hold on to the collet. Generally, it prevents slipping, especially for heavy-duty bits.

Deflection

Asides the inherent centrifugal forces produced during rotation, some sideways details also contribute to deflection. The act of feeding the workpiece to the router or vice versa also generates significant deflection. Use a 1/2 inch knife handle to resist and minimize deflection to ensure precise cutting. For long bits or piloted bits, the 1/2-inch shank can attenuate the deflection degree likely to be produced.

6. How to Use a Wood Router?

Using a wood router requires some requisite knowledge to use it effectively. From the setting-up to finally cutting or shaping with the router, some necessary steps must follow.

6.1 How to Cut a Hole in a Wood with a Router?

i. Mark-out the diameter of the hole using a template.
ii. Make a rough cut around the hole circumference using a regular drill or Forstner bit to remove enough chips.
iii. Use glue or tape to attach the template.
iv. Mount a router bit on the collet and set to a depth that will cut through the template and workpiece.
V. Remove the template once the fineness of the hole is satisfactory.

6.2 How to Install a Wood Router Bit Properly?

i. Choose an appropriate router bit in terms of size and length.
ii. Clean the router, collect, and bite properly.
iii. Carefully insert the router bit into the collet until it’s about 1/8 to 1/6 inch away from the collet’s bottom.
iv. Tighten the collet nut till a firm grip reaches between the collet and router bit shank.

6.3 How to Prevent Wood Tearing?

i. Avoid less pressure when making the final pass of the router on the workpiece.
ii. Use backer boards to support the workpiece.
iii. Ensure the grain direction and bit rotation coincides for a smooth cut.
iv. Use supports/ fences with no clearance at all.

6.4 What to Pay Attention to When Using a Wood Router?

i. Use the appropriate router bit for the right task.
ii. Read the manufacturer’s manual and understand how to operate, especially as a newbie.
iii. Firmly hold the router handle the proper way.
iv. Bear in mind the direction to cut, either clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on the job.
V. Adorn protective gear as expected.
vi. Understand the router’s limitations and adhere to them.

Summary

In conclusion, we are confident that you have learned quality knowledge about the wood router, its uses, features, and everything in between. At NCCuttingtools, providing premium and top-of-the-line cutting tool solutions to all our clients scattered across the globe is our priority.

A diamond drill bit is an essential tool in the manufacturing of diamond tools and other related materials. Drilling a hole in glass is not an easy undertaking. If not done correctly, you will end up shattering the glass and probably wounding yourself as well.

(Glass)

However, by being here, you have taken the first step towards doing it right. In this article, we will examine how to drill a hole in the glass without encountering any hassle. Which tool is most suitable for drilling; we will discuss how to prepare the drink.

Section 1 diamond drill bit – What Should You Know About Glass?

Why is it so hard to drill a hole in the glass? The answer is that glass is a brittle material. While it is hard and sometimes super-strong such that it can withstand tremendous impact, by its very nature, it is a brittle material.

You can create glass from several things, including a combination of sand, soda, and lime, among other things. Apart from having differing materials, the process of creation also differs. Regardless of the materials used or the method of the invention, most glass types remain brittle. And this renders drilling a hole in the glass without breaking it quite hard.

Section 2 diamond drill bit – Choosing the Right Tools for Drilling

With the right tools and technique, you can drill a hole in the glass without any hassle. Before you settle for a device, you need to determine which materials went into making the glass. You will also need to take into account the conditions within under you will be drilling the glass.

(Picture of a drill bit)

As mentioned, glass is a brittle material. Thus, you will require a sharp, hard bit to drill it. Generally, there are two types of drill bits suitable for use when looking to dig a glass hole. There is the tungsten carbide-tipped drill bit and the diamond-tipped drill bit.

Carbide-tipped drill bits are the most common drill bits. People use them for drilling non-tempered glass, ceramics, and tiles. Diamond drill bits are the alternative to carbide-tipped drill bits. They are much more challenging than carbide-tipped drill bits and, as such, can do a better job of drilling a hole in the glass. Diamond drill bits are even better for specialized glass drilling jobs such as drilling holes through windows and mirrors that pipes can pass through, among others.

A diamond drill bit is your best bet to drilling a hole through glass, especially if you are new.

By the way, it is not impossible to drill a hole in the glass with a regular drill bit. However, you will require a superpower to do so without breaking the glass. The alternative is hours upon hours of practice, droves of patience, and superb skill.

Apart from the diamond drill bit, you will also need the following materials:

• Cardboard
• Lubricant, oil, or water
• A flat surface (on which you will place the glass)
• Marker (for delineating the drill site)
• Drill (cordless or corded)
• Gloves
• Coverall (or long-sleeved clothes)
• Glass drill bit (preferably a diamond drill bit)
• Painter’s tape
• Safety glasses
• Long pants
• Cushion (optional)

Section 3 diamond drill bit – How to Drill a Hole in Glass

Once you have chosen your tool, whether a diamond drill bit or a carbide drill bit, you can drill the hole you want. The following will guide you through the process of preparing a hole in the glass.

(Diamond drill bits)

3.1 Safety Measures You Should Take

So, you have a diamond drill bit for cutting through glass. The next thing is to get straight to work. Not so fast, though. Before you get down to using your new diamond tools, you should first ascertain your safety. Drilling a hole through glass could result in pieces of glass flying around, and you will undoubtedly want to protect yourself from harm. The last thing you want is to avoid drink from entering your eyes or piercing your skin.

To protect yourself when using your diamond tools, you will need the following:

• Safety glasses
• A thick pair of gloves
• An overall (or long-sleeved clothes, at the very least)
• Long trousers

3.2 Steps to Drilling a Hole in Glass

Once you have taken safety precautions, you can now get down to drilling. Following is a step-by-step guide on how to do that. Before you begin, attach the cardboard to the drill site on the glass with a painter’s tape. Your glass drill bit (preferably a diamond drill bit) will drill through this first, which will help it achieve a good grip beforehand.

• Outline where you intend to drill through with a marker.
• Attach your glass drill bit (start with the one that has a small width) to your drill.
• Don your safety attire: gloves, coveralls, etc.
• Place the glass on a flat surface for support (if you have a cushion, use it), and tape it down.
• Power up your drill and start drilling. Slowly!
• Discard the cardboard once you’ve drilled through it and into the glass.
• Spray water, lubricant, or oil as you drill to prevent overheating.
• Pause your drilling once you are almost through to the other side
• Flip the glass and drill through the hole on the other side

NB: Drilling through the hole from one side can result in the glass shattering. On the other hand, completing the drilling via the other side minimizes this risk.

3.3 What You Need to Notice When Drilling a Hole in Glass

When you are drilling a hole in the glass, you must pay attention to where the glass is thinnest. Places such as this are the easiest to drill holes in glass. It helps to notice such sites and start from there if you are new to drilling a glass hole.

Section 4 diamond drill bit – How to Drill a Hole in Glass Without Breaking It

The following steps will help you drill a hole in the glass without breaking it.

4.1 Always start with a new drill bit:

You should know about diamond drill bits (and other glass drill bits) to get dull with use. As such, endeavor to use a new, fresh diamond drill bit whenever you want to drill glass. Using a flat bit is a recipe for failure, as shattering the glass will significantly increase.

4.2 Provide support for the glass at all times:

If you want to drill a hole in the mirror without breaking it, you must provide support for it. Before you embark on the drilling process, place it on either a sturdy surface or a cushion.

4.3 Control the speed of the operation:

Drilling a hole in glass requires buckets of patience. If you are the type that does things in a rush, then it is not for you. Patience and slow drilling will significantly increase the chance of successfully drilling the hole. Usually, the diamond drill bit (or any glass drill bit for that matter) you intend to use will give you an idea of the speed you should drill. In the absence of that, 400rpm is enough.

4.4 Start with a small hole size:

No matter the size of the hole you intend to drill, always start with a small one. Then, as you proceed with the drilling, widen the drill bit you are using until you finally achieve the size you want.

4.5 Ensure the Glass’s temperature is cold at all times:

One thing you can expect when drilling a hole in glass is for it to heat up. Another thing you can expect is for it to vibrate. When these happen, the glass you are drilling will shatter. For preventing this, it is advisable to shoot at a slow rpm and keep the drink cold. To do this – keep it cool – spray water on the drill site as often as possible. Alternatively, dab a small amount of lubricant or oil on the area as you drill.

4.6 Stay away from the glass’s edges:

When you are drilling a drink, it is advisable to put a distance of, at least, ¾ inches from its borders and the drill site. Anything more, and you will be risking the glass shattering. The reason is quite simple; drilling close to the glass’s edges means that it doesn’t have proper support. And without sufficient permission, while shooting, glass has a propensity to shatter.

4.7 File the hole upon completion of drilling:

Finally, endeavor to fill the hole you’ve drilled once you finish, especially if you will be threading a cable through it. It is not a secret that the jagged edges of the glass are sharp. And when you drill a hole through it, you will get these short, rough edges. To prevent these edges from slicing through whatever you are threading through the hole, file and smoothen the spot.

Section 5 diamond drill bit – How to Drill a Hole in a Glass Bottle

(Glass bottle)

The principles of drilling a hole in glass are relatively similar across the board, albeit with minor differences and peculiarities. In glass bottles, the uniqueness lies in the type of drill press that you use. It is advisable to make use of a drill press when drilling a hole in glass bottles.

Glass bottles, by their very nature, are irregular. It is usually a result of their shape and design. The use of handheld drills is not advisable because of this. Drill presses, as opposed to handheld drills, free up at least one of your hands when you are drilling as you only need one hand to lower the diamond drill bit into the glass. As such, you can use the other hand to guide the bottle during the process.

Section 6 diamond drill bit – Can You Drill a Hole in Tempered Glass?

(Tempered Glass)

Tempered Glass, also called toughened glass, is a type of glass that manufacturers cool rapidly during the manufacturing process, with the intention being to make it stronger. Tempered Glass is quite strong – about four times stronger than usual ordinary glass.

Apart from making glass very strong, the process of tempering also alters the glass’s property so that it is safer than regular glass. This property alteration allows the tempered glass to shatter into small, even pieces instead of standard glass, which breaks into big uneven pieces. The significance of this is that tempered glass is safer.

Because of this, it is impossible to drill a hole in tempered glass, whether through the use of diamond tools or standard drill tools. Any attempt to do so will result in grains of shattered glass.

Section 7 diamond drill bit – Can You Use the Dremel Tool to Cut glass?

If you have a Dremel tool and wonder whether you can use it to cut glass, the answer is, “Yes, you can!” However, it is not advisable to do so. Even Dremel, the company that manufactures these tools, advises against it.

If you do decide to cut glass with a Dremel tool, take necessary precautions.

You can use a Dremel tool to fashion a drinking glass, vase, or candle holder from a commonplace bottle.

Dremel tools are super-fast: Their RPMs range between 10,000 and 35,000. This fastness is the reason why they produce cuts of such superb quality. Without a steady hand to guide them. However, their results can be less than satisfactory.

Advantages of Dremel Tool

The significant advantage of working with Dremel tools is that they can produce very high-quality cuts. Another advantage is that you can use them for other functions apart from drilling, such as polishing and grinding.

The Working Method of Dremel Tools

Dremel tools rely on the concept of high speed to serve the functions they perform. It is in opposition to the high torque concept that typical, simple drill tools use.

Summary

Cutting a hole through glass is easy, but only if you know how to go about it. The most important thing to know is that a hard drill bit (such as a diamond drill bit) essential. Just as important is being patient; cutting slowly; and sprinkling water, oil, or lubricant to prevent overheating.

At NCCuttingtools, we sell genuine diamond drill bits. We also possess the expertise and experience to guide you through the process of drilling a hole in the glass. Contact us today to start.

Diamond drill bits are a powerful and versatile tool, but only if you can use their full potential. If you are a beginner, you might need some guidance on how to use this tool.

Our experts gathered the essential problems that users might encounter while operating a diamond drill bit. We offered quick and efficient solutions that both beginners and advanced users will appreciate.

If you want to become an expert on using diamond drill bits, you’ve come to the right place. Start reading right away to discover the problems you might face and how to resolve them!

1. What Can a Diamond Drill Bit Do?

You use a diamond drill bit to open and enlarge a hole through both hard and delicate materials. These tools are suitable for both beginners and advanced tool operators. That means DIY experts can use them for projects around the home, but it is also ideal for professionals who need to complete challenging projects.

1.1 The Application of Diamond Drill Bits

You can use diamond cutting tools for the following applications:

1. Different types of stone – that includes rock, gemstones, minerals, pebbles, etc.

2. Various glass types – that provides for sheet, fused, beach, sea glass, etc.

3. Hardwood materials

4. Fossil, bone, antler, and shell

5. Ceramic and similar materials – that could include tiles, porcelain, glazed pottery, etc.

1.2 Types and Sizes of the Diamond Drill Bits

You will find these tools in various types and sizes. However, the primary difference is between core drill bits and the ones with a blunt nose. Bluntnose drills will usually feature diamonds only on the top part of the unit. Unlike that, the core drills are hollow at the top.

The standard drill bit diameters could go anywhere from 0.05mm (0.002 inches) to 38mm (1.49 inches). The selection of a suitable drill bit will depend on the material that you are cutting. The general rule is that the bit should be no more than 1/64″ bigger or smaller than the desired hole you want to make.

2. What Can the Diamond Drill Bits Cut?

They are incredibly versatile and capable of cutting through almost anything. That is because diamonds are the most challenging material out there, which means these cutting tools can miss virtually anything else. However, it would be best to focus on operating with hard and strong materials because these tools can drill a hole in them.

2.1 Why Use Diamond Drill Bits?

Here are some benefits of using diamond cutting tools:

Capable of drilling hard materials – you can use diamond drill bits for stone, concrete, ceramic, tiles, and other challenging applications. Not all bits can handle these materials, which makes this the main advantage of these tools.

Drill the desired hole quickly – thanks to their strength and reliability, the risk of cracks and damages to the material is minimal.
Durability – diamond drill bits can be very durable, especially if you maintain them correctly.

3. How to Use Diamond Drill Bits

Caption: Drill bits – how to use them

Here are the simple steps to follow when using diamond tip drill bits for your next project.

1. Mount the drill bit to the operating tool. Make sure that everything is connected correctly.

2. Place the material in the desired position.

3. Determine where you plan to drill the hole.

4. Angle your drill bit and start drilling an initial hole. Operate at a low speed, and only increase it if you feel confident enough.

5. Consider switching drill bits if you need to enlarge the hole after making the initial cut.

4. How Long Do the Diamond Drill Bits Last?

It is hard to tell how long a diamond drill bits last because that depends on many factors. It will vary depending on the speed of using the drill, the coolant pressure, and the applications you are cutting.

The critical thing to know is that these drill bits are durable and should be long-term investments. For the most challenging materials, you will drill at least 15 holes with a single bit. But if you use it on thinner materials, you might be able to hit hundreds of holes.

5. What Is the Difference Between Sintered Diamond Drill Bits and Electroplated Drill Bits?

Here is a brief explanation of both bit types:

Sintered – at high temperatures, the manufacturers bond the diamond to the matrix. Thanks to that, they feature multiple diamond layers. That extends durability because you can remove a single layer to release a new one whenever you need it.
Electroplated – the manufacturers use nickel to bond the diamonds to the bit. These feature a more affordable alternative, but they are not that durable.

6. How to Drill a Hole in Glass/Stone?

The first step is to get your cutting tools ready. If there is a need, make sure to sharpen diamond drill bits because you need them in the project’s best possible shape.

Let’s see what happens if you use a handheld drill or rotary tool. First, you might notice that the bit skitters everywhere on the material. The solution lies in angling your drill before you begin operating. Once you drill the initial hole, it shouldn’t be a problem to return the tool to the original position.

It can be convenient to place a masking tape since that will prevent the bit from moving. That will make it easier to use diamond drill bits for glass because it might be slippery.

Those equipped with a bench or drill press might not have the option of angling the tool. However, you can always use a vice to hold the workpiece in position.

7. When to Use the Diamond Drill Bit or a Core Drill Bit?

Caption: How to choose the right diamond drill bit

Check out some guidance to help you when choosing the right tool:

Diamond drill bits – you will find these to be larger than the core drills when it comes to the surface area. These drill bits are healthy, which is why you can use them on the hard shell, gemstones, precious stone, and other vital materials. The downside is that they might not be as fast as the core drill bits.

Core drill bits – these units are faster and suitable for sea glass, ceramic, slate, stone, pebbles, and plates. You will find these bits versatile and appropriate for both professionals and DIY experts. Core drill bits are better at making holes in various materials than for obtaining a core.

7.1 What to Do If You Only Want to Have a Core of Material?

If you are wondering about the diamond drill coring bits, we would suggest going with thin-wall units. It would be best if you had a tool that can deliver a precise hole, which is where these bits come into play. You can use them to obtain a precision core on thin stone, optical and beach glass, and similar materials.

8. How to Install the Diamond Bit to the drill?

The first thing you want to ensure is that the diamond cutting tools you are using are compatible. For example, you might need a chuck or collet to hold a small bit piece that is up to 3mm thick.

Now, figure out where you should insert the bit into the tool. That will usually be at the top of the device. While inserting the drill bit, make sure that about 50% of it should be inside. It ensures you have plenty of the tool left to work with while maintaining the required stability.

9. Does the drill need Water or Lubricant When Working?

Do you plan on drilling hard materials? If the answer is yes, it would be advisable to use water to simplify the process and prevent problems from happening.

For example, using diamond drill bits for concrete requires using water. It must fall onto the material so that it keeps it cool. You can use a drip-feed, tap, or a pump. The only thing to make sure is that the water dripping doesn’t compromise your sight of view. It would be best if you saw what you are drilling clearly to do the job right.

10. How to Use Diamond Twist Drills to Open and Enlarge Holes?

The main reason why you need diamond twist bits is that they simplify the process of enlarging holes. These tools will be useful if you focus on working on small items, such as pearls or beads.

All you should do is to put them on the tool and start drilling. Make sure that the bit size is no bigger than 3mm, but also no smaller than 0.5mm.

The experts suggest that you can open and enlarge a hole in a window if you have condensation problems.

11. What to Pay Attention to When the Drill Is Working?

Caption: A closeup in metal drilling

While you are operating, pay attention to anything that seems out of the ordinary. That could include the following:

It seems impossible to drill through the material –

it might be that the bit tip is blunt and requires sharpening. Perhaps you need a more suitable bit for that material.

The speed doesn’t seem appropriate –

the experts recommend starting with the lowest rate and increasing if necessary. Overheating might appear in case of high speeds, and your bit might become blunt sooner.

A smell of burning –

if it feels like something is burning, stop operating immediately! It might be that you need to lower the pressure or change the bit. Either way, the drill bit shouldn’t be hot once you touch it. Using a coolant can help to counteract this.

Always keep in mind that top-quality diamond tip drill bits are the way to minimize the risk of these problems.

12. Where Can You Purchase Better Diamond Drill Bits?

The easiest way of buying diamond drill bits is online. You will find numerous shops and manufacturers offering their products on the internet. It only takes a couple of clicks to place an order, and you don’t have to move from home. Alternatively, you can head to a local shop and buy the bits there.

If you would like to learn more about these tools, read our article about the diamond drill bits’ operation.

Summary

Diamond drill bits are durable, versatile, and capable of doing many different tasks. That makes them an excellent value for money and a smart long-term investment.

NCCuttingTools has been in the business of producing top-quality tools for over 20 years. The company gathers skillful engineers and experts ready to deliver tools for even the most challenging projects. Don’t hesitate to give us a call today to get a quote on your diamond drill bit requirements!

As much as a miter saw is essential in many forms of woodworking and cutting jobs, it is necessary to go for the quality. It might be quite tasking as there are numerous types of miter saw available on the market. Simultaneously, it is more than going for the right features and brand as there are many factors to consider.

However, we prepared this article to aid your dilemma in choosing the right miter saw, how to use, and how to buy it. You shall gain valuable information on how to pick one which you shall find satisfactory rightly. 

 

1. What is a Miter Saw?

 

A miter saw (which we also refer to as a chop saw) is a type of motorized saw blade that we use in making sharp and accurate crosscuts in a workpiece at a specific angle or position. A miter saw is a powerful tool that we regularly use for molding and trimming. It is quite suitable for cutting through wood and other materials such as metal.

Figure 1.  A miter saw in white background with a crosscut timber

Moreover, you can also use it in cutting other materials. The miter saw cuts by dragging a circular saw blade in high spinning motion down onto a workpiece. You place the workpiece against a fence, ensuring a precise cutting angle between the blade’s plane and the edge of the workpiece. 

 

2.Major Types of Miter Saws

 

Miter saws come in different types, and as such, they all have their distinct advantages. 

2.1 Sliding Miter Saw

A sliding miter saw is a type of saw that comes with rails to ensure the saw blade slides from the front to the rear end of the wood. In essence, it gives a much greater depth of cut than other miter saws, which possess no rails. More so, some types of sliding miter saws also can make a compound cut. 

Figure 2. A construction worker cutting board with a sliding miter saw

Sliding miter saws can create bevels quickly and from whichever angle. They also possess the multifunctional feature that compound miter saws have, and it slides. Moreover, it shares some similarities with a radial arm saw. One distinct benefit of using a sliding miter saw is that it gives a lengthier cut.
You can also lock the rails of this type of saw to make pull-down and straight cuts.

2.2 Compound Miter Saw

The compound miter saw is quite a multitasking saw blade. We also refer to is as a compound saw given its feature to make two simultaneous angle cuts. It can make a miter and a bevel cut at the same time. It is specifically ideal when it comes to various types of molding and crown cutting. 

Unlike the sliding miter saw, compound miter saws have no rails, and as such, nothing is obstructing the cutting arm. The compound miter saw blade has a pivoting arm that you can shift or tilt to an angle (besides 90-degrees). It means they are optimal for thick materials, and as such, you can make miter and bevel cuts. 

Figure 3. A compound miter saw on a black background

Its ability to make bevel cuts makes it a perfect tool for lots of projects. A miter cut is for the sole purpose of joining a material, say a wood piece. 

On the other hand, a bevel cut passes through the material’s thickness, and you can use them for finishing purposes. You can also use it for further angle cuts on both the horizontal and vertical planes. 

Simply put, a miter cut goes through a horizontal plane. In contrast, a bevel cut goes through a vertical one, and the compound miter saw is quite capable of making these cuts.

2.3 Compound Sliding Miter Saw

The compound sliding miter saw is a type of saw that possesses the combined features of the entire kind of miter saws that we have discussed. It can both make miter and bevel cuts, and it keeps rails, which means it is capable of making lengthier cuts. 

The primary advantage of using a compound sliding miter saw is that it can cut through wider workpieces. However, a standard miter saw can cut through materials up to 6 to 8 inches in thickness. If you plan on missing a workpiece broader than that, you will experience some issues in making sharp and accurate cuts. 

Figure 4. A man sawing lumber with a compound sliding miter saw

But with the compound sliding miter saw, that is less of an issue. For instance, a 12-inch combination sliding miter saw can easily cut through workpieces or materials that are up to 16 inches wide. It makes a whole lot of cutting jobs and projects more accessible.

2.4 Dual-Compound Sliding Miter Saw

The dual-compound sliding miter saw (which we also refer to as double bevel compound miter saw) is a saw that allows the cutter to make compound cuts in the left and right directions without the need to turn the material or workpiece over. Instead, you can easily use the pivotal arm to flip the saw blade. 

They are quite convenient for professional use as they make large cut ranges. They are also excellent for projects that need accurate and fair cuts like trim and crown molding.

Figure 5. A carpenter working with a dual-compound sliding miter saw

 

3. What Size of Miter Saw is best?

 

It largely depends on the nature of the project you are working on. A miter saw with a substantial sized blade (say 12-inches and above) can make more profound and broader cuts. In contrast, a miter saw with a smaller blade size (below 10-inches) are relatively easy to handle and economical.

Miter saws come in a variety of sizes, and they each fit some specific job situations. Besides, having different sizes of miter saws in your possession allows you to handle a wide variety of jobs, and you should go for ones that suit your lines of work. 

For instance, if you have to make some cuts on a crown molding, you will need a good miter saw. But what size will be ideal? Well, this depends on the size of the crown molding you intend to cut. If it’s within the range of 4 to 5 inches, a 10-inch miter saw can appropriately do the job. 

However, if the crown molding is more significant, say six or more inches, the best recommendation will be a 12-inch miter saw. Furthermore, if the crown is up to 9 or 10 inches, I’d guess you’d want to opt for a 12-inch miter saw with a sliding blade. 

Therefore, before procuring any miter saw blade size, ensure it fits your job. It is imperative to note that a smaller inch saw blade is fit for a smaller inch workpiece, and it is also the same for the saw blade and materials with bigger inches. 

 

4.When to Use a Miter Saw

 

Typically, miter saws have the design to give sharp and angled cuts for trim work, molding, rafters, and other types of workpiece materials. They also make accurate crosscuts, and with the fitting blade for the job, they can be quite versatile in operation. It is quite an essential tool that professional carpenters and DIYers must-have. 

Therefore, the best time to put the miter saw to fair use is in making precise cuts for picture frames, door frames, crown molding, window casings, and lots more. They are construction tools.

 

5.How to Use a Miter Saw

 

5.1 Safety First

Before you begin operating the saw, you must ensure you are on your safety glasses and hearing protection. 

While the blade is in motion cutting through a workpiece, keep your fingers at least 6 inches from the table.  

Some saw lines possess lines that indicate danger zones. Ensure you observe them.

While the blade is spinning, ensure you don’t reach under it.

Allow the blade to finish a cut before lifting it.

5.2 Get to Know Your Miter Saw

Before you begin to use the miter saw, you should know the exact difference between a miter, bevel, and compound cut. It is also ideal to understand your miter saw by flipping through the pages of your user manual. Also, find out the location of all the adjustments and locks. 

Miter Cut: As we said earlier, a miter cut is a cut you make at any angle (except the 90-degrees) on a workpiece. Woodworkers or cutters make a miter cut by explicitly placing the saw blade horizontally at the material’s plane, and it goes through the length and width, not its depth. 

Bevel Cut: Like the miter cut, you also make the bevel cut at any angle other than 90-degrees, but it cuts right across the thickness of a material, instead of its length and width. More so, you make the angle cut close to the face of the workpiece or material, and usually, you use a straight edge cut as measurement.

Compound Cut: We could see the compound cut as combining both the miter and the bevel cut. It is so because it consists of both the miter and bevel angle. This cut functions based on two simultaneous angle cuts, and it is quite ideal for molding and crown cutting. 

5.3 Calibrate Your Saw

5.3.1 How to Calibrate A Miter Saw

To calibrate your miter saw,

Inspect the blade: 

You must ensure you give a thorough inspection of the crosscuts, miters, and bevels, and they should be as tight as they should be. If not, you might end up with a dirty or a bum blade. 

Cautiously spin the blade and keep your eyes peeled for bends, wraps, or any other problems.
If you notice any irregularity that could eventually mar or dull your blade’s cut, you could try adhesives, solvents, and other home-made concoctions to restore the sharpness.

Table It: 

It is another process you should take note of. Numerous tool manufacturers ensure their miter saw tables have high tolerances. But there is a low tendency that an older saw will possess an untrue table. You should ensure you test its authenticity.

To test it, position a perfectly flat level on the edge across the table. Then, vividly inspect for any form of gaps that may be between the table and group. To get a good result, you could also slide a sheet of paper underneath the level. It would help in revealing gaps that you may not be able to see. 

If some sheets of paper can perfectly fit in the gap, you could take the table for grounding, scraping, or pressing at a machine shop. However, if the gap is too broad, you should probably get a new replacement.

Square Up the Fence for Good Miters：

Most times, your miter saw fence might not be square to the table. Kickbacks and some forms of misuse could take it out of its proper alignment. To be sure you have squared up your fence, pull down the blade to the least depressed position, then use the pin to lock the arm in its place.

Ensure you reference the square of the body of the blade and not its teeth. The user manual will surely guide you on which screws you need to adjust if the miter scale needs adjustment.

Take it To the Next Bevel：.

To up the bevel angle, you use the 45o or hypotenuse of your square, tilting the saw to a 45-degree angle. If you discover a gap between the saw blade and the square’s 45o, then bring the bevel into proper alignment with the bevel adjustment bolt (usually near the miter saw’s back).

A Quick Note：

Many miter saws come with miter gauge scales that are immovable, and they also feature offensive numbers and marks on the metal. You can take the liberty to loosen the screw fitted on the indicator to make a little adjustment. 

Checking Your Work：

Once you have ensured that the bevel angle is apt, and the fence is square, critically observe the miter gauge. If it doesn’t match your adjustments, you can easily align the indicator with a Phillips head screwdriver in numerous cases. 

5.4 Set Your Miter Angle

Set your saw to an angle of 45-degrees

Confirm or verify your grade by taking test cuts

With a reliable square, check the resulting corner to see if your test cuts meet at a right angle

5.5 Set Your Bevel Angle

Loosen the knob of the bevel lock

Move the saw arm to the preferred angle

When the indicator finally points to your needed rise, tighten the bevel lock

5.6 Set Your Compound angle

Place the workpiece on the table against the fence

Set the pitch and slope

Adjust the board’s position on the table

Power up the saw 

Prepare to make the cut

5.7 Make the Cut

After observing the processes above, you can then go in for the precise cut. Power up the saw and let it meet the wood.

5.8 Dust Extractor, Bag, or Bare?

First, it is difficult for a miter to collect dust because the miter saw will spray dust in all directions when cutting through the material. To curtail the mess, connect a dust extractor or a wet/dry vacuum. 

If the wind direction is favorable, you can work outside without needing any form of the dust extractor. 

 

6. What to Look for When Buying a Miter Saw

 

6.1 Saw Type

Typically, miter saws fall under three categories: stationary compound, sliding compound, and sliding dual compound. Generally, the price of a miter saw is equivalent to how sophisticated it is. Of all the three categories, sliding compound miter saws are ideal blades.
It is because it can function as the other two we mentioned.

6.2 Power Source

Most miter saws come with 10, 12, or 15-amp motors. But if you will be working with wide crosscuts and hardwoods, it is ideal you go for a highly-powered engine. However, for composite materials, a less powerful motor will do.

6.3 Blade and Crosscut Capacity 

It would help if you also considered this, and it also depends on the nature of the job you are handling. Typically miter saw blades come in 8-1/4-, 8-1/2-, 10-, and 12-inch diameters, and a knife with a bigger diameter makes a more extended cut. On the contrary, a blade with a smaller diameter makes a shorter cut. Your edge crosscut capacity choice depends on what you want to handle.

6.4 Angle Ranges and Detents

As much as some saws vary in miter and bevel ranges, all saws should cut at a 45-degree angle. However, it is ideal to go for saws with positive stop detents. Put, and a detent is a catch that locks a mechanical movement until its release. So, it would help if you are looking for a saw with a smooth, simple detent.

6.5 Cut Guide

A laser beam will be the best bet in guiding how you cut. So, it would help if you got a laser in addition to a miter saw.

6.6 Fences and Material Support

The fence helps in securing the wood during the cut. Ensure the material is stable and pressed up against the wall before you begin the border.

6.7 Dust Extraction

You will need a dust extractor to curtail the sawdust flying in different directions.

6.8 Notable Features and Accessories

It would help if you went for a miter saw that features an arm lock, a handle situated at the saw’s top, and extendable material support. It makes using it quite easily. Not to mention, it must be quite handy.

6.9 Safety

It would help if you didn’t compromise your safety while using a tool, especially a miter saw, which has an exposed spinning blade. Ensure you are on the necessary protective wears and keep the precautionary measures we listed above.

 

7. Should I Buy a Corded or Cordless Miter Saw?

 

Well, both have their specific advantages. The plug-in corded models offer more sustainable power, unlike the cordless ones. On the other hand, cordless miter saws allow you to work where there is no available plug-in outlet. 

Thus, if you need a miter saw that you could use to work from one place to another, you should procure the cordless model. However, if you work at a specific location with very few power outlets, a corded model will do fine. 

 

Summary and Final Thoughts

 

Miter saws are tools that we use for numerous constructive jobs, and they have a position in every professional carpenter’s or woodworker’s toolkit. If you are looking for the right manufacturer to patronize, look no further. NC Cutting Tools are here with the best types of miter saws on the market.

Every day, countless cutting activities go on around the world using different types of saw blades. While these saw blades come in numerous saw blade sharpening and dimensions, the circular saw blades seem to be the most versatile. However, no matter how durable any saw blade could be, the need for maintenance will eventually arise. Often, the major maintenance of the saw blade centers around re-sharpening its teeth. Hence, how and when to perform sharpening becomes extremely important, which this article targets to tackle and clarify.

Fig. 1: Circular saw blade showing the arbor.

1.Which saws can sharpen?

Following the advent of saw blades, one thing has become clear- the need to sharpen them properly. Despite the various saw blades in existence, the focus here is on the circular saws. Whether diamond saw blades, carbide-tipped, or HSS-tipped blades, sharpening them is quite possible.  Due to the nature of saw blades manufactured nowadays, it still requires extremely hard files or sharpeners. Saw blade sharpening is all about taking off old layers of the teeth to reveal fresh tips.

Fig. 2: Circular saw blade sharpening.

2.Is It Worth Sharpening Saw Blades?

In addition to considering whether to sharpen the saw blade, some factors must consider before shaping. Suppose you could easily walk-in to a store for a replacement then why the need to re-sharpen. Well, this will largely edge on your purchasing power and will. Quality circular saw blades can be pricy. The degree of dullness will further inform your decision to replace or re-sharpen.
The truth is, saw blade sharpening always leave your blade as good as new. After sharpening, you always have yourself a crisp and efficient blade. Generally, large-diameter blades often seem better to sharpen over smaller diameter blades. Again, the quality of the blade you intend to sharpen will go a long way toward informing your decision. Saw blade sharpening guarantees durability and maximum utility over time.

In essence, once your saw blades have served a couple of years, it is safe to say a replacement is imminent.

3.How Do I Know If My Saw Blade Is Dull?

Firstly, one of the major determinants that you have a dull saw blade is the nature of the cut it gives. Once your saw blade begins to give rough and inaccurate cut, you need to consider sharpening. A dull saw blade will always produce poor quality cut and give your project a bad outcome. Secondly, a dull blade causes overworking of the motor as it tends to do more work without corresponding results. You can effectively diagnose this as sharp blades consume less power, and you can observe the change in the sound. Thirdly, frequent tearing and chipping of the material cut also point out that your blade is dull.

Another thing is that saw blade sharpening becomes important when the blade cannot run itself through the material easily. When this happens, you observe burn marks around the cut you make. Finally, the difficulty of the saw blade following the marked-out cut line indicates that dullness has set-in.

Kindly note that your decision to sharpen your blade is based on your discretion as no specific date is attached. What you use your saw blade for and how much work it does determines how often it needs sharpening.

4.Things to consider before doing saw blade sharpening.

Just as mentioned in previous sections of this article, there exist many saw blades that require some techniques to sharpen. Before carrying out saw blade sharpening, you must ensure that consider factors such as:

• Does your saw blade deserve sharpening? This question is multifaceted with different views and angles. Usually, a saw blade worth sharpening is of very high quality and often costly enough to be sharpened over replacement. Therefore, investing your money to buy a good saw blade is the beginning of it all. On the other hand, poor quality or weak saws do not need sharpening. In this case, we recommend completely replaced.
• If you feel you can carry out saw blade sharpening yourself, you must invest in the required tools. A saw blade sharpener or a diamond file such as tools, even technical knowledge, can get the job done correctly.
• You should also consider the tip type of the finished saw blade before sharpening.
• Carbide-tipped saw blades are better sharpened by professionals rather than as a DIY approach.
• Ensure your proximity to professional grinding saw shops.

5.Step by Step Guide on How to Sharpen Saw Blades

The assumption here is that this is a DIY (do-it-yourself) approach. Below are the steps to follow:

Remove the Blade

Never attempt to carry out saw blade sharpening without dismounting off the arbor. It can be disastrous and dangerous, especially if the switch can mistakenly go on. You must remove the saw blade for sharpening to take place. With a wrench or spanner, you can remove the bolt holding the blade off the arbor.

Secure the Blade

With a simple vice grip, you can safely hold down your saw blade while keeping the teeth upwards. However, you must avoid overtightening the vice so as not to warp the saw blade.

Make Marks

This step primarily helps to avoid over-sharpening, as this will affect the tooth thickness negatively. In the beginning, make a mark on the blade, which will serve as the start/ endpoint when sharpening.

Consider the Bevels

The bevel is a part that gives the saw blade a peculiar cutting pattern. Just ensure that you take note of the angle and maintain it as much as you can during sharpening. Also, do well to maintain the bevel angle by positioning your file in that manner when stroking.

Turn the Blade

Similarly, just as you have done on one side of the saw blade, do the same on the other side. Make marks also and repeat the other processes chronologically.

 File the Tips

After filing the angle, the tip of the tooth is next, and you need not apply much pressure or many strokes. Please keep it simple while running the file back and forth all through the blade tips.

Install the Blade

Finally, once the saw blade sharpening does, take the saw blade out of the vice grip. Mount on the saw blade arbor, bolt in place, and enjoy your new blade. Once you are through sharpening, unlock the blade of the vice grip and then return it to the saw. Your blade is sharp, and you can enjoy using it for precise cuts.

Fig. 3: saw blade teeth.

6. points to check after sharpening the saw blade

Checking for precision and accuracy after sharpening matters a lot too, here are 5 points to look out for:

Edge quality and point sharpness (each tooth visually certified under a 30x magnifier）

• Concentricity (within .002）
• Plate runout（within .005）
• Tooth runout （within .005）
• Tolerance of the various saw tooth geometry.

7.Methods of saw blade sharpening

Nowadays, you can choose to carryout saw blade sharpening via two broad methods as discussed below:

1.Manual/ Semi-Automated Filing:

This involves using a hand file, or a circular diamond saw blade to sharpen the tooth. Knowing fully well that a diamond saw blade is hard than the popular carbide-tipped saw blade. Keep the angle of the file against the tooth at 20 degrees per each stroke.

2.CNC Machine Filing:

Over the years, man has advanced the approach to saw blade sharpening. The invention of CNC has made this easier than ever. CNC machines eliminate human labor, make sharpening faster and more accurate. CNC machines seamlessly grind both sides of the blades at the required angle, all in one pass. The inputs parameters required are cutting angle, blade diameter, and blade.

Fig. 4: Ongoing automatic saw blade sharpening process.

8.Saw Blade Caring Tips

• Keep the blade in a Dry Area: Keep dry and away from moisture.
• Use the Blade for The Right Task: Do not misuse the blade to avoid accidents.
• Cool the Blade: When not in use, keep the blade well aerated.
• Hang the Blade Using the Center Hole
• Clean Blade Using Solvent and Nylon Brush: This prevents corrosion and improves longevity.

Fig 5: Saw blade hung on the center hole.

Conclusion

The moment you follow all the key guidelines highlighted above, then you are good to go. However, should you require further guidelines and assistance, do well to see this video. Contact and shop with us at NCCuttingtools for all your cutting tools need, and concerns.

Nowadays, it is not enough to own a Cold saw blade; you must do well to master the use. Beyond this, there arises a dire need to be able to troubleshoot simple problems.

The ability to effectively troubleshoot these problems and solve them makes you a master of the Cold saw blade. Instead of this, we have decided to curate this article to serve as a guide through troubleshooting and correction.

In subsequent paragraphs, you would find answers to problems most Cold saw blade users encounter.

1.What is a cold saw blade?

A Cold saw blade used for cutting metals at low speed; however, its uniqueness lies in the teeth design. The teeth design is such that heat is dissipated quickly to the chips generated during cutting. In turn, it helps keep the temperature of both the blade and workpiece in check and prevent overheating.

Cold saw blades used for cutting ferrous and non-ferrous metals. You stand to gain more when you use the cold saw blade. Your blade and workpiece remain cool all through cutting; this implies that minimal discolouration and sparks occur.

Presently, there are two prominent types of the Cold saw blade- High-speed steel (HSS) and Tungsten Carbide-tipped (TCT). Interestingly both types of blades are re-sharpenable when they become dull. For the HSS blades, they cut ferrous metals in the form of tubes, bars, castings, etc. seamlessly at about 350 SFM. HSS blades cut very well without generation heat and high resistance to wear. TCT blades are every hard, and therefore cannot resist shock as much as HSS blades do. However, it cuts faster than HSS blades at a moderate chip load per tooth. TCT blades are primarily for cutting non-ferrous metal but can do well with cutting ferrous metal as well.

Figure 1: A Set of Cold cut saw blade.

2.How to use the cold saw blade correctly?

The key secret to enjoying and reaping the full advantages of the cold saw blade lies in the correct usage. Highlighted below are the simple hacks, that can help you derive the maximum utility of a cold saw blade:

Allow the blade to do the work- This simply means you should not in any way force the saw blade through the workpiece. Instead, you allow the blade cut through progressively without putting pressure or rushing it through the workpiece.

Regulate the speed of cold saw blade- Here, you would want to pay attention to the nature of metal you are cutting. The speed needed varies from metal to metal. Cutting of brittle materials must be kept and maintained at a low rotational speed. Consult the manufacturer’s guide to get the exact speed needed for the metal you want to cut.

Clean and Lubricate the Cold saw blade- Application of lubricant on the Cold saw blade goes a long way in helping it function well. It rapidly decreases friction and consequently overheating. Furthermore, cleaning the surface of the blade will help to keep debris out. The presence of debris could interfere with jobs, harm the operator, or damage the workpiece.

Take Safety Measures- There are general safety procedures expected to follow when operating the Cold saw blade. These includes:

• Wearing safety gears to protect the sensitive part of the body
• You are positioning yourself appropriately when operating.
• Concentrate on the job at hand by avoiding distractions.

Figure 2: Cold saw blade in operation with sparks.

3.How to change the blade in Baileigh cold cut saw?

a.Remove the hexagonal socket screw to release the mobile guard.

b.Position a wooden block into the vice.

c.Gently rest the machine head in the block of wood.

d.Remove the lock bolt with a hex wrench in the clockwise direction due to the left-handed screw.

e.Dismount the blade and washer from the spindle.

f.Mount the new blade and repeat the process from a-e above.

g.Re-confirm that the blade is firmly in place and ready to cut.

By following the steps above, you assured of a perfect replacement of your blade on the Baileigh cold cut saw.

4.Why is my cold cut saw blade jumping while cutting?

Jumping is also known as kickbacks; from experience, several reasons could cause this unfortunate setback. But not to worry, we have got a handful of hacks to help you solve such problems.

Firstly, ensure the vertical motion of your blade is maintained orthogonally to the axis of rotation. Secondly, proper placement of the workpiece on the cold cut saw blade jumping.

Furthermore, a blunt cold saw blade is a valid reason for jumping to occur. Therefore, you must make sure your blade always kept sharp. Again, rushing the cold saw blade through the workpiece could bring about jumping. It is the more reason why it is advisable to let the Cold saw blade do the work.

Lastly, ensure the Cold saw blade’s base is bolted well to the ground, and the electric motor is in good shape.

5.How long do cold cut saw blades last?

No matter how much care you give to your blade, a time eventually comes when it needs to be changed. On average, a typical cold saw blade should last at least six months.

You can usually run a quick diagnostic check to determine the need for resharpening your cold saw blade. Among these checks are the following:

Frequent tearing out during cutting

Excessive chipping

Damaged teeth.

Inability to follow cut line

Blunt teeth

Typically, a cold saw blade can complete between 800 to 1000 cuts before totally wearing out. Also, during their lifespan, you can sharpen them up to 30 to 40 times. Although, other factors could prompt resharpening even if the blade has not completed 800 to 1000 cuts.

Therefore, we advise that you study your usage frequency and draft a suitable plan to follow. Your ability to develop a working plan will help you to use the blade effectively without any disappointment.

6.Where to get cold saw blade sharpening?

You can easily get cold cutting saw blades in NCCuttingtools. All you need to do is schedule meetings and date them.
The cost of grinding always depends mainly on the diameter and number of teeth of the Cold saw blade. Only when the saw blade is in terrible shape does the additional cost need to be paid, which requires additional work.

Pricing and Costing

The overall cost of sharpening a typical cold saw blades $10 to $20 for a 10 to 14-inch diameter cold saw blade. Prices vary with the diameter and number of teeth of the blade. In the business of cold saw blade sharpening, the cost of sharpening an HSS-tipped cold saw blade solely based on the blade diameter, while for a carbide-tipped blade, the price is dependent on the number of teeth. In simpler terms, it means that a 20″ or 100″ carbide-tipped blade would cost the same to sharpen but differ if it is an HSS-tipped. As the number of blades that you intend to sharpen increases, so does the discount you get on the price.

Figure 3: Resharpening of Cold saw blade using a sharpening tool.

7.What factors affect sharpening?

Cold Saw blade tip & nature of metal

As discussed earlier, the Cold saw blade tip finished with either HSS or TCT. While HSS tipped blades are usually easy to sharpen, their cutting ability is often lower than that of TCT. One other fact about TCT is that it is very hard, and this simply implies that sharpening will seem tedious.

On the other hand, the nature of metal to be cut with the Cold saw blade informs the sharpening. A cold saw blade used for steel cutting would require a different degree of sharpness than that used for diamonds.

What to pay attention to when sharpening?

Endeavour to pay rapt attention paid to the tooth thickness and hook angle. The hook angle mostly has to do with the extent to which the Cold saw blade engages the workpiece.

What to avoid when sharpening?

As much as using the automated method to sharpen is encouraged, some users still prefer to do it themselves. In doing this, you have to take some precautions when carrying it out:

1.Switch off and disconnect the Cold saw power cable from the mains.

2.Ensure that you evenly file the teeth to prevent wobbling.

3.Use safety gear to prevent chips from entering into your eye, as it is usually hot.

Figure 4: Up-close image of a carbide-tipped cold saw blade.

8.What is needed to sharpen a cold chop saw blade?

A cold chop saw blade is similar to a mitre saw in look and appearance. The significant difference lies in the ability of the mitre saw to make both straight and angled cut. To sharpen the cold chop saw blade, what is needed depends on the method used to grind. While the automated CNC sharpening method is left for the professionals to decide, the do-it-yourself approach differs.

To do it yourself, you need to prepare the blade, and subsequently get yourself a sharpening tool set.

Figure 5: A cold chop saw blade.

Conclusion

Finally, we believe by now; this article has adequately addressed your common concerns as regards the cold cut saw. We also understand that you might need a practical demonstration of some of the points discussed above. If you still need more guidance or assistance for any reason, you can call us or message at NCCuttingtools.

Nowadays, many people run into problems when trying to decide the best cutting tool to purchase. It is not just enough to want to buy a cutting tool such as a diamond core bit. You must go the extra mile to do enough background checks on brands on sales. It might seem strict and rigorous initially but will eventually save you a lot of time and energy. This article aims to provide you with useful tips to consider in choosing the brand of diamond core bit to buy.

Fig. 1: Serrated diamond core bit teeth.

1.Quality/ Advanced Technology of the product

Whether as a supplier or final user, this remains by far the most important to consider when making a decision. As a user, your primary objective is that you purchase a product that performs its function perfectly. The extent to which a brand of diamond core bit will play rest on the shoulder of the materials used in manufacture. The quality of the diamond and other related metals used by a diamond core bit manufacturer goes a long way in helping you choose rightly. As a supplier, you aim to ensure your customers are delighted with the product they get from you.

Therefore, when you do a market survey, you have to pay maximum attention to details. These details will include finding out several technical features. It ranges from the technique used to bind the diamond crystals, the method of moulding the steel body, the presence of a pilot drill, etc. Furthermore, suppliers can decide to pay a visit to the diamond core bit manufacturer’s facility to see things first hand. The emergence of advanced manufacturing now adapted in the production facility has ensured high standards and safety of the final product. Computer-aided manufacturing processes, 3D printing technologies, laser welding, etc. are all in fashion now. Diamond core bit manufacturers that adopt this 21st-century method will produce the best of core bit, which will be durable and safe to use.

Fig. 2: Neat and new set of diamond core bit.

2.Purchasing and Maintenance cost

After duly considering the quality and technology used in manufacturing a diamond core bit, the next obvious factor is cost. In any situation, you need to check your purchasing power firstly and how far it can satisfy your need. Most diamond core bit manufacturers now ensure that their product is competitive in the market without compromising quality.

Asides from the purchasing cost of a machine or tool, the cost of maintenance informs the final decision. You must strike a balance between these two concepts before embarking on buying any product. The cost of purchasing a diamond core bit must correspond to the value used will derive. It means that cost should be proportional to utility in all cases. The maintenance cost would also come into play once you can overcome the aspect of the purchasing price.

For every tool, machine, or equipment, you know that maintaining it is a necessity. Effective maintenance helps to keep the diamond core bit running at all times. So many factors contribute to how maintenance costs vary for different diamond core bit manufacturers.

Factors that affect the maintenance cost ranges from:

The design of the tool

The material it cuts

The mode of cutting (dry or wet cutting)

The material it is made of and so many more.

In all, you must take into cognizance these many factors to enable you to decide on which brand to go for accurately. So, therefore, make sure you do conduct well-grounded research to be certain of useful facts and figures. While some diamond core bit manufacturers produce high-end bits, some others produce mid-range bits.

3.Durability and Ease of Use

It is essential to look out these qualities when choosing a diamond core bit manufacturer. However, there seems to be a clear difference between them. Durability refers to the degree of how long a tool or equipment last in active service. Ease of use places emphasis on how convenient and effortless it feels when operating by end-users. It is no gainsaying that some brands have invested heavily in getting it right from the very beginning. These go on to become the first-choice diamond core bit manufacturer over time.

A well-established fact is that the durability of a diamond core bit is inherent in its design. Manufacturers have developed a unique approach to design, which will tell on the useful service life of the diamond core bit. After successfully designing the diamond core bit, the next thing is to produce it. Adopting the right metal treatment and finishing process will later go a long way to tell on durability.

Ease of use ensures that new users can successfully use the diamond core bit with little or no supervision by a professional. This concept also determines how the product delivers to get the most with minimal stress. It further relates to how the manner of using the diamond core bit relates to its performance. A significant example here is the issue of wet-cutting and dry-cutting. Recently, a universal diamond core bit has come on sales, i.e., they suit either dry-cutting or wet-cutting.

In essence, do well to be on the lookout for these two characteristics when selecting a diamond core bit manufacturer.

Fig. 3: Stainless set of diamond core bit.

4.Long-standing reputation

Regardless of the industry, the reputation of a product or firm speaks louder for them. Even in situations beyond them, people can attest to their status. Help yourself make the right decision by reading online reviews about a diamond core bit manufacturer.

Endeavour to this before entering into a partnership as a supplier. It will save you the stress of your buyers’ incessant complaints should, in case the brand is terrible. A diamond core bit manufacturer that is known for quality and cost-effectiveness has an imposing reputation. The other tips shared above must also be evident in a typical diamond core bit manufacturer. The diamond core bit manufacturer should have an excellent product, but their added-services should also be top-notch. Value-added services attract and keep credible customers for any firm.

Services such as after-sales services, free consultation, regular checkups, etc. remain an integral part of any reputable business. Again, bear this in mind when selecting your preferred diamond core bit manufacturer.

5.Ease of access to product

Yet again, you must keep this at the back of your mind at all times. When you have satisfactorily treated the other factors above, then the “ease of access to product” must come into play. As an end-user, especially, you have to ensure you purchase a product that is common to your locality. Failure to do these will lead to many unforeseen outcomes. For instance, when buying the diamond core bit, you should first check with stores within your locality. As a major supplier, you do not want to incur the high cost of transporting and logistics when taking delivery of your order. It would, therefore, guide your decision rightly.

Away from the cost of delivery, time to wait for delivery of bulk order also plays a significant part. You would want to reduce the cost incurred and delivery time to the barest minimum. A diamond core bit manufacturer closest to you should be the default preference for you. However, there are rare cases of this not being the norm. Other factors could make you choose a farther away diamond core bit manufacturer if the product meets your need.

Fig. 4: Diamond core bit with pilot drill

6.Overall technical specification

Technical specifications here go beyond just the ability to cut. It cuts across core areas that many diamond core bit manufacturers have distinguished themselves. Diamond core bit may generally perform the same function, but surely in different ways. This ability is always an intrinsic function of their unique design. These specifications will go on to affect the overall performance of the product. The accuracy, the speed it can rotate at, the purpose it can fulfil (wet, dry, or general-purpose cutting). Other specifications, such as length/depth, diameter, teeth design, also vary from one manufacturer to another. While some diamond core bit manufacturers make their product attachable to an angle grinder, others allow attachment to drill.

In a bid to ensure proper and quick disposal of chips, ejector holes come on the diamond core bit. Above all, do not fail to assess all the possible suitable technical specifications of interest to you.

Fig. 5: Diamond core bit with ejector

Conclusion

From the previous section, we have done our best to address the most pertinent tips to provide excellent guidance. Note that these tips shared above all work hand-in-hand. However, we still advise that you watch out for some added features here, which will significantly benefit you.

Shop with us now at NCCuttingtools for all your cutting tools needs. Our 20+ years in this field positions us as your best diamond core bit manufacturer. We promise to deliver your needs and more when you do business with us.

Stained glass ring saws can be quite handy to masons or handymen who specialize in stained-glass arts. While many glass artists may easily get by with other glass cutting tools, a stained glass saw makes the job easier as you can use them to work wonders with stained glasses jobs.

If you have a forthcoming stained-glass project, and you can’t decide on the tool to use, we’ve taken the stress to compile some core functions of stained-glass ring saws.

Figure 1 – Engraving a glass

6 Things stained glass ring saws do well

Before you select another tool for your stained-glass cutting project, you might want to take a look at why we’re recommending stained glass ring saws for your cutting projects. It will fascinate you to know that stained glass ring saws disallow wastage of glass materials as it allows you to cut more efficiently, something a handheld tool almost lacks.

1.Use it to cut intricate curves and shapes

Since most stained-glass projects are art-based, you really can’t avoid making intricate cuts and dramatic direction changes. A hand cutter wouldn’t help much here, and as such, you have to resort to using a stained-glass ring saw. With this, you can effortlessly make complex twists and turns without worrying about damaging the stained glass. Also, a hand cutter can be strenuously time-consuming and offer a low success rate.

Naturally, glass cutting can be a daunting task. Stained glass cutting is a more technical task that requires special tools; stained glass ring saws are one of such tools. To make your job easier, we’ll advise that you get diamond saw blades as they’ve proven to be quite efficient.

2.Easily cut textured and uneven surfaces

Stained glasses come in complex designs, and if you’re not careful, you can easily deplete your success rate with the wrong tools. These designs can range from ripples, dimples, waves, and you can mostly find them on the glass surface. Cutting surfaces like these with hand cutters can pose a terrible risk.

Also, the severity of these textures may give handheld cutters quite a tough time. It is yet another reason to explore the stained-glass cutting ring saw options available to you. A stained glass saw keeps you out of the error radar as it operates mechanically. Moreover, since stained glass cutting requires some much precision, a stained-glass saw would only make things easier for you.

Figure 2 – An engineer cutting a stained glass

3.Cut small and delicate pieces.

There are some small and delicate shapes that you’ll find hard to achieve with hand cutters. If you happen to be a glass artist, then you’d understand that cutting out irregular glass pieces can be laborious. Most glass artists stay on to their seats for hours when trying to cut out these irregular pieces. A glass cutting ring saw is the best tool you can have for this kind of job, especially when precision is critical. Glass artists who make ornaments will undoubtedly find stained glass ring saws remarkably handy. Asides from the speed it offers, you’re almost certain of making little or no errors as they cut precisely. Precision matters most in this case.

4.Cut ornamental, fused or any speciality of glass easily.

If you didn’t know, stained glass doesn’t deal with sheet glass alone. Stained glass can also come in fused glass, glass beads, glass tubing, and a host of other varieties. Each of these varieties poses a severe challenge if you’re looking to integrate them into one stained glass piece. Once again, you have no option other than to turn to your diamond saws for glass.

Furthermore, using stained glass on any of these glass specialities ensures that you cut the glass materials easily without the fear of scraping it and incurring more expenses. If you wish to cut your stained-glass materials more confidently, then you should consider getting a ring saw for stained glass. As a jeweller, a stained-glass saw can boost your productivity tremendously as you will be able to carve out ornamental pieces quite seamlessly.

Figure 3 – A stained glass

5.Conveniently cut thick glass materials.

Most masons or handymen can relate to this reason as virtually all glass materials are very thick. Yes, handheld cutters might have a trying chance, but you can be certain of expending excess energy. An easy route out of this daunting feat will be to resort to a stained glass saw. With this, you can seamlessly cut-glass materials speedily without losing too much energy. Also, in a situation where the finishing is quite important, you should strongly consider using a stained glass saw as a hand cutter might only succeed in doing little or even ruining the whole operation.

We’ll go further by saying that you should opt for diamond saw blades as they perform better than other metal cutters. Thick glasses require strong tools, and diamond tools are one of such tools. Plus, diamond tools have a penchant for wearing evenly, which makes them quite durable.

Figure 4 – A stained glass saw engraving a glass

6.Use it to cut other hard materials.

Yes, you might not be looking to cut other materials with your stained glass saw, but you should probably hear this first. You can use stained glass ring saws to engrave inscriptions on glass and other materials. Let’s focus on “other materials.” Other materials can include tiles, ceramics, granites, stoneware materials, and a host of other materials. With this, you can attest that the benefit of owning a stained glass saw outweighs that of a handheld cutter by far.

You should also consider the expenses of purchasing other tools when you can use one tool to handle several projects. It will also save you some workshop space. You don’t need to hang excess tools on your wall when you can have a few efficient tools.

As a word of caution, we advise that you purchase a diamond stained glass saw as you can use it on a range of materials. It will equally save you loads of time. Let’s not forget the ease that comes with using diamond tools as well.

Note that we aren’t asking you to suspend using your handheld cutters as these tools are also useful for some simple tasks that require less precision or mechanical operations. You can keep these hand cutters as supplement tools. Besides, if you must rely on handheld tools, you’d do well to leverage diamond tools as you will exert less energy when using them.

Figure 5 – A set of glass cutting tools

Frequently Asked Questions on things stained glass ring saws do well.

We’ve compiled some frequently asked questions most glass artists or masons might have. If you’re looking to purchase a stained glass saw, you may need answers to some of these questions as well.

Can I use other cutting tools to cut stained glass?

It depends on the severity of the glass. As we stated earlier, some glasses are quite thick, and some of them come in very complex designs. To be on the safe side, we advise that you use stained glass ring saws for glasses in this nature. Plus, stained glass ring saws will help you to avoid expensive damages. Predominantly, as a stained-glass artist, owning a stained-glass saw is a necessity that you shouldn’t compromise. Most stained-glass artists have attested to its efficiency.

Can I use diamond glass ring saws to cut other materials?

Diamond cutting tools are the hardest cutting tools you’ll find on the market. So, yes, you can use diamond glass ring saws to cut other materials, hard or soft. It is one of the benefits of purchasing a diamond cutting tool for your cutting projects. If you predominantly work on glass, tiles, and other hard materials, we recommend that you a diamond stained glass saw and save yourself from incurring additional expenses. Also, you can engrave designs on these materials effortlessly.

Where can I get the best diamond stained glass saw?

Getting the best diamond stained glass saw is crucial and requires buying from a reputable manufacturer. While there are numerous manufacturers out there, we recommend that you purchase your quality stained glass ring saws from NC Cutting Tools. NC Cutting Tools offers the best diamond stained glass ring saws on the market. You are likely to find NC Cutting Tools in most workshops you visit.

Final thoughts

If you haven’t thought about purchasing stained glass ring saws, we sincerely hope that this article has helped in exposing some core uses of stained-glass ring saws. With this, you can stop underestimating the benefits of using a stained glass saw and proceed to get one today. You should also deem it necessary to purchase them from NC Cutting Tools as they are one of the prominent manufacturers of stained glass ring saws as well as other diamond cutting tools.

Don’t hesitate to purchase your stained-glass ring saws and start making beautiful designs on your stained glasses today.
Watch this video to understand how a stained glass saw works.