Last Updated On June 25, 2023
A circular saw blade is an essential need for any beginner-level to professional-level projects. This tool consists of a round-shaped metal with a sharp tooth that helps in making different cuts on wood, metals, plastics, etc.
But cutting any material also depends on the thickness of a circular blade and how thick is a circular saw blade in general.
Generally, the thickness of any circular saw blade depends on the type of finish one wants. The thickness of any circular blade should be 1/8 to 1/4 inch in general for smoothness with the most minor dust finish. Thick blades are durable and designed to withstand tough cutting tasks.
If you want to know more about circular saw blade thickness, keep reading till the end!
How Thick Will A Circular Saw Cut?
In general, circular saws can cut through materials with thicknesses ranging from 1/4 inch to 6 inches.
A saw’s performance is directly related to the quality of its blade. The thickness of a circular saw’s cut relies on the blade’s caliber and the proper setting of the depth gauge. Generally, most circular saw blades can cut 2-inch lumber.
The capacity for a circular saw to pierce through a material depends on two variables which are:
Saw Size
The saw size is an important factor in determining the maximum thickness of a circular saw blade should be. Heavy saws can cut thicker materials, while lighter saws are limited to cutting thinner materials.
Material
The material being cut also impacts the maximum thickness that can be cut. Harder materials, such as hardwoods, demand a thicker, more robust blade, while softer materials can be cut with a thinner blade.
Choosing the right circular blade is essential, as using an improper blade can result in poor cutting performance and even damage the saw or blade.
Why Does Saw Blade Thickness Matter?
A circular saw’s thickness plays a crucial role in both smooth cutting and proper finishing. The thickness of a circular blade matters because a thick circular saw blade offers the following:
Increased Durability
A circular saw blade with accurate thickness can be more resistant to tear and wear. Hence, while cutting any heavy material, the blade is going to remain protected and last longer, and require less frequent replacement.
Cutting Performance
With a thick circular saw blade, you can easily cut through dense materials, such as hardwoods which can be challenging for thinner blades. Hence, more material can be removed in one go.
Sand Dust
A thick circular saw blade might cut through the dense material easily but it creates much more dust than any thin circular saw blade. Any thin circular saw blade can cut wood or any material more efficiently with less dust and a smooth finish.
Cutting Speed
Thick circular saw blades require more power than thin circular blades. The thick blades are also slower than the thinner blades, thus can be a disadvantage for users who need to make quick cuts.
Moreover, thick blades tend to bind with any existing break or cut in the material, which creates a distraction while cutting.
FAQs
How to choose the best circular blade thickness?
To choose the right thickness of a blade, you need to keep three factors in mind: the saw, chosen material, and the finish. If you are working on a project with plywood, you will need a nice clean edge. The more teeth for a blade, the better. For a fine and precise cut, you will need a circular saw blade with a thinner kerf.
How to determine the kerf of a circular saw blade?
You can determine the kerf of a circular saw blade by its thickness or the angle where the teeth are fixed to the blade. Thin blades have no angle; rather, the entire blade is shaped with teeth.
Verdict
By now, you must have got an on how thick is a circular saw blade in general. The thickness of a circular saw blade ultimately depends on the type of material and the finish you want. When you want deep cuts with a smooth finish, a thick circular saw blade can be a perfect choice.
There are some cons of using a thick circular saw blade as well. To avoid them, you can go for thin circular saw blades, which will also provide a smooth finish with less dust.
By keeping the above-mentioned factors in mind, you can easily choose the perfect circular blade for your work.
This is Ahmed Shuvo, an enthusiastic tool enthusiast with a passion for saws, especially circular saws and miter saws. I have written blog posts and conducted research on the proper use and maintenance of these tools. I am also a DIYer who enjoys making wooden projects and always striving to improve my skills. I am confident in my expertise and eager to contribute to the growth of this industry through my writing.