Specialty Blade–5 Tips for Choosing your Specialty Blade

FACTS CHECKED BY  NICOLE PAV 

Cutting blades has evolved from your traditional standard modules to specialty blades for specific cutting. With the different types of materials present today, most users face the challenge of how to get a perfect cut on them. Nevertheless, there are various things to consider before choosing your specialty blades, from the type of material to the kind of cut. Hence this article is to help guide you on the different factors to consider when choosing your specialty blade.

Table of Contents

1. Specialty Blade Length, Width, and Thickness (Blade Geometry)

Today we have different materials that are sometimes very tough or thick. Cutting materials of this caliber requires the use of specialty saw blades. The geometric design of the module you choose will also vary depending on the nature of the material. It invariably means that you will need a more compressed and broader specially-made blade for thicker materials.

The diameter of a specialty circular saw blade tells a lot about what the module can do. This diameter is the total distance between two opposite ends of an edge. Even though circular saw blades are famous for cutting wood, they can also cut other materials. However, to be able to cut different materials, they must be customized to match the material properties. A good example is cutting materials like plastic with specialty circular saw blades; you must ensure that the plastic is 15% of the blade diameter.

In summary, blade geometry is essential in considering choosing a specialty blade. It would be best if you had specific geometrical changes to your edge to get the best cut for the different materials.

Circular blades with different geometries

Circular blades with different geometries

2. Specialty Blade Type of cut

The blade’s kerf is a slot responsible for cutting material, making it an essential feature to consider. This kerf width is responsible for how much material is removed when reduced.

Asides from the blade geometry, a wider blade kerf will help you cut through material faster. It can be beneficial in many ways from an economic perspective. Some users prefer to have their blades cut more material, thereby requesting blades with wider kerfs. Although this module may cost more during purchase, it will save you more money in the long run.

Another way the kerf influences the type of cut is in the number of passes your blade will have over the material. Blades with wider kerfs will cut through stuff with fewer passes than blades with thinner kerfs. In turn, it will leave you with a neater cut. However, it is essential to note that when choosing a specialty saw blade with a wider kerf, you must consider its geometry, as wider kerfs will demand thicker blades to support the kerf.

The cutting edge of the circular blade

The cutting edge of the circular blade

3. The material composition of Specialty Blade

Due to the different types of materials present today, individual blades with unique material compositions are the best way to cut through such materials. A perfect example of such a module is the diamond multi-tool specialty blade. This blade comprises both steel and synthetic diamonds. These two components already make for a more durable edge. These diamond multi-tool specialty blades are of different types, namely;

• Segmented blades

• Continuous rim blades

• Turbo rim blades

The segmented diamond blades are unique because they deliver higher power than the traditional blade. This blade is designed with diamond edges and can cut more aggressively. They can precisely cut through sturdy materials like concrete. They are popular among users that cut sturdy materials faster.

On the other hand, the continuous rim blades are specifically made to cut materials like tile. The structural design of this blade is quite different in that it has no teeth, which makes them unable to cut materials like wood.

Finally, turbo-rim blades can cut through sturdy materials like brick. However, they share a very similar structural design with continuous rim blades because they also have no teeth. The turbo rim blades differ from the fixed rim blade because they deliver better cutting power. This power makes them able to cut through tough and harder materials.

Diamond saw blade cutting concrete

Diamond saw blade cutting concrete

4. The precision by Specialty Blade

Another significant factor to consider when choosing your specialty blade is the blade’s precision. The way to determine a blade’s accuracy is by its hook angle. This hook angle is the forward or backward lean on every tooth of the blade. In simpler terms, the hook angle is where every cutting tooth of the blade enters your material.

The angle of entry of a blade is critical as this will determine its feed rate and how the blade will cut the material. The hook angle of your regular circular saw blade comes in with an aspect of about 5 to 15 degrees positive. Specialized blades tend to have steeper angles that can go as high as 22 degrees for cutting softer materials like plastic. At the same time, going as low as 6 degrees to cut hard materials like concrete.

These specially customized angles significantly determine the precision of the blade. Most users only seek this blade type when they have projects requiring high precision. So if you are looking to cut a delicate material with high precision, you should look to have your hook angle customized.

5. Type of material to be cut by Specialty Blade

When it comes to the kind of stuff you want to cut, you must think about effectiveness. It would be best if you considered this because the best slab to use may not necessarily be the most expensive. The perfect blade will cut through the material quickly and effectively.

So before you determine the type of specialty saw blade, you must know the material you want to cut. Today we have different elements that users seem to cut, materials like concrete, bricks, wood, etc. All of these materials need blades with the required;

  1. Hardness

2. Toughness

3. Wear resistance

Hardness is the ability of the blade to cut the material with the required hardness and strength, even at points of aerial prowess.

Toughness is the ability of the blade to cut the material without chipping or fractures. It describes how a module can handle shock, bending, and torque forces.

Wear resistance is the blade’s service life in operation without having to be replaced by another module.

Circular saw blade for cutting wood

Circular saw blade for cutting wood

Conclusion

Specialty blades are, in truth, a class above the traditional edge, not just in price but also in cutting ability. This article has spotlighted the different things to consider before choosing your specialty blade.

So, are you looking for a specialty blade that meets all your requirements and preferences? NCCuttingtools has a lot to offer you. They have various leaves; you can search based on blade type, diameter, material type, and cost considerations. If you need a specialty saw blade that can cut sturdy material quickly, then NCCuttingtools is the place for you.

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