Is It Worth Sharpening Circular Saw Blades?

Last Updated On July 1, 2023

Regular use of circular saws reduces the sharpness of the blades. A sharp blade is essential for making accurate and safe cuts. If your saw blades are dull, you can either replace them or sharpen them. 

But is it worth sharpening circular saw blades? Yes, it’s worth sharpening a circular saw blade rather than replacing them. Sharpening is cheaper than replacing, giving the same sharpness as a new blade. 

However, besides cost, there are also some advantages of sharpening blades instead of replacing them. Let’s find out the pros and cons of sharpening your circular saw blade to see if it’s worth the time and effort.

Is It Worth Sharpening Circular Saw Blades?

For Occasional, light-duty sawing, replacing the blade is the cheaper option. However, if you use your saw more often, then sharpening it’s a much better option as it’s much more convenient. And you can do it yourself at home with the right tools and a bit of practice.

Cost-Effective Solution

Sharpening saw blades is often less expensive than purchasing new ones. This is especially true for high-end, specialized saw blades that are expensive to replace. 

A new 12-inch circular saw blade costs you, on average, $100-$120, while sharpening is only $20-$40. By sharpening the blades, you can save money and still maintain the same level of performance as your saw.

Sharpening is a Better Option for Cutting Dense Material 

When working with thin and soft materials, sharpening the blade is largely unnecessary. If you’re cutting denser materials that require more power and precision, then sharpening should undoubtedly be in the cards.

Because if you cut dense material, blades will retain their sharpness quickly, and you can only replace them 2-3 times a month. So it’s better to sharpen them. 

Increased Blade Life

Typically, circular saw blades last 12 to 120 hours, depending on the material being cut and the frequency of use. So regular sharpening can extend the life of your saw blade. 

By keeping the blade in good condition, you can use it for a more extended period before needing to replace it.

Blade Condition

Why not sharpen your saw blade if the blade is in good condition? Sharpening a circular saw blade can restore its sharpness and improve its longevity, allowing you to cut easily and accurately.

Drawbacks of Sharpening Circular Saw Blades

Sharpening circular saw blades is a great way to keep your tools running efficiently and minimize the need to purchase costly new blades. However, this process isn’t free of drawbacks. 

Time-Consuming

One of the primary drawbacks of sharpening a circular saw blade is the time involved in the process. Sharpening of a circular saw blade can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size and complexity of the blade. 

Damage to the Teeth

Sharpening a blade improperly can result in the blade’s teeth being damaged or over-sharpened. This can diminish the blade’s ability to cut materials and limit the blade’s life.

How to Sharpen a Circular Saw Blade

A dull blade won’t only produce lower-quality cuts than before, but it may also cause kickback and other dangerous issues. To keep your circular saw blade working in tip-top condition, you’ll need to sharpen it regularly.

Necessary Materials

Before you start, you’ll need to collect the necessary materials. These include – 

1. Bench vice
2. Oil
3. A piece of wood (five-inches-three-inch)
4. Sharpening stick 
5. Sandpaper
6. A File sometimes

Procedure

Step 1: Before starting the procedure, clean your saw blade

Step 2: Attached the sandpaper on the wood

Step 3: Remove the saw blade

Step 4: Clamp the saw blade in a vice, ensuring that the teeth are facing up

Step 5: Use a permanent marker to mark the top of each tooth that you plan to sharpen

Step 6: Identify the bevel angle: Locate the bevel angle, which is the angle at which the tooth is ground. This angle is usually between 15 to 20 degrees.

Step 7: Apply some lubricant or oil to the blade

Step 8: Sharpen each tooth by back and forth motion. 

Step 9: Continue sharpening each tooth until it has been sharpened.

Tips for Sharpening Circular Saw Blades

Here are some tips to help you properly maintain and sharpen your circular saw blades. 

• Ensure it’s properly attached and secured to the saw to avoid accidents.
• Use goggles and protective gloves to protect your eyes and hands from injury.
• Rinse the saw blade in white vinegar solution while sharpening.
• To remove the metal particles from the tooth, use a wire brush.
• Dull blades create excessive heat during sharpening, which may make burn marks on the teeth.

FAQs

How many times can you sharpen a circular saw blade?

The teeth within the blade must be continually maintained to keep its ability to cut metal clean and efficiently. Typically, circular saw blades only need to be sharpened 2-3 times over a year. 

When should you sharpen a circular saw blade?

You should sharpen a circular saw when the blade has lost its sharpness or isn’t cutting as smoothly as it once did.

Can You Sharpen Circular Saw Blades By Hand?

The good news is that it’s possible to sharpen a saw blade by hand. The bad news is that it’s not as easy as you think and takes a lot of work. These methods can take some time and require some skill to get right.

Which is the best angle to sharpen a circular saw blade?

The recommended range is the best angle for sharpening a circular saw blade, 15 to 20 degrees. It’s because a blade sharpened at this angle is less likely to experience kickback or binding and is also better able to produce a smooth, clean cut.

Conclusion

So what can we finally say? Is it worth sharpening circular saw blades? Sharpening circular saw blades is a necessary but time-consuming process that provides many benefits. 

It can improve overall work efficiency and ensure longevity. Sharpening of saw blades also is done at home with minimal cost, saving you money in the long run. Therefore, sharpening circular saw blades is worth the time and effort.