How Thick is a Circular Saw Blade?
Posted by John Rennie on
Circular saw blades are a staple of every handyman, homeowner, and craftsman’s repertoire. Rennie Tool is a leading supplier of TCT circular wood saw blades, providing solutions to suit all types of machines. We offer an extensive range of saw blades with varying dimensions and specifications. Things to look out for when choosing a saw blade include the number of teeth, borehole size and, most notably, the thickness.
Saw Blade Thickness Basics
A lot of people focus on the number of teeth and the material of a saw blade, sometimes disregarding the thickness, but like all other factors, it’s integral to the finish of the final cut. To help you understand saw blade thickness a bit more, here are the basics you need to know.
What Does Kerf Mean?
The thickness of a saw blade is often referred to as the kerf. By definition, kerf relates to the thickness of the cut being made. Given that the thickness of the cut will be determined by the thickness of the blade, most people use the term kerf in relation to the saw blade teeth thickness as opposed to the thickness of the blade.
Why Does Saw Blade Thickness Matter?
There are several reasons why the kerf or thickness of a saw blade matters beyond the thickness of the cut in the material. First and foremost, the thicker the saw blade teeth, the more material you’ll lose. You’ll notice it in the form of sawdust. A thinner blade reduces waste which, in turn, reduces sawdust, making for a cleaner cut and a cleaner workshop. This is especially important when cutting expensive wood that carries a high price tag per board. It also affects precision and accuracy, so if you require a precise cut, a thinner kerf will serve you well.
Thinner blades typically cut faster and leave a cleaner finish, making them a popular choice for the majority of people looking to cut wood. It’s important to remember that the number of teeth can also impact the finish of a cut, as does the type of blade. Typically, diamond carbide tip blades create the smoothest cuts, but they’re not suitable for every type of wood or material.
The only slight drawback of thin blades is that they can bend and are not necessarily the best option for thicker pieces of wood. That being said, your saw will also dictate the kerf of the blade. A smaller circular saw with a low power output won’t be suitable for a full kerf blade because of the pressure it will put on the motor.
How Thick is a Circular Saw Blade?
There is no definitive answer as to how thick a circular saw blade is because it largely depends on the blade being purchased and the desired finish. Kerf can be measured in inches, but for easy reference, anywhere between 1.5mm and 3mm is considered thin. Anything above that is thicker kerf, sometimes called a full kerf.
If your saw blade is loose or unaligned, it will move or wobble. This movement will result in a thicker kerf, and this will lead to a thicker cut in the wood. Among other reasons, this highlights the importance of securely attaching your saw blade.
What Determines Kerf?
The kerf of a saw blade is determined by more than just the thickness of the blade. The angle at which the teeth are affixed to the blade can also affect the kerf of a saw blade. Thinner blades typically don’t have separately attached teeth – rather the entire blade is shaped to include the teeth. This means they aren’t set an angle, allowing for a thinner kerf or thickness.
What Blade Thickness Do I Need?
Choosing the right thickness of blade for your circular saw will depend on three main things: your saw, the material you’re cutting, and the finish you want. If you’re unsure as to what blade you need, first, refer to the saw. If you’re still unsure, we can help. Generally speaking, if you want a fine, precise cut, you’ll want a saw blade with a thinner kerf.
Buy Circular Saw Blades
If you’re looking for a new saw blade, take a look at our range of saw blades. We offer same-day despatch and free delivery across the UK on orders over £30. In addition, we ship worldwide. To find out more, please call us on 0161 477 9577.
I accidentally bought small kerf blades for my older Full kerf circular saw. Washers don’t secure or tighten down on the blade enough. The blade slips. Can I purchase a washer to use on the saw to safely secure it? Not sure but I read 30mm x 43mm x 1mm washers would work.
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