A circular saw is a valuable tool for wood, tile, and several other activities. But installing a sharp blade for a straight and accurate cut is essential. However, the concern is that a saw knife doesn’t last forever. So how long should a circular saw blade last?
Ideally, a circular saw can last up to 120 hours of cutting. The minimum a saw blade survives is for 20 hours of use. The longevity of the edge depends on the saw blade quality and how frequently you use it. Besides, a few techniques can increase the life of a saw tooth.
In this article, I’ll break down several aspects related to the longevity of a circular saw edge. So keep reading.
5 Signs That Tell You To Change Old Circular Saw Blade Immediately
A blade often shows wear and tear, which tells you to change it as soon as possible. Don’t miss out on these signs. Because a worn-out saw tooth is risky to use and won’t give you a fine cut.
1. Low Cutting Speed:
When the blade ages, it will cut slower than its usual speed. Noticing this sign is easy if you can compare the rate of your previous cuts with the current pace. You would also see the teeth get heated faster than before. This would automatically slow down the cutting speed.
When the speed gets reduced, you need to change the saw knife.
2. Noisy Cut:
A worn-out saw tooth gets rusted and dysfunctional. This is why it may make sharp and loud noises while cutting. When the blade is short, the sound is generally consistent. But with an old edge, it would make a squeaky and fluctuating noise. It indicates that the knife is wearing out.
Change the blade immediately if the noise seems unusual to you.
3. Inconsistent Cutting:
A common is inconsistent cutting when the sawtooth is old. The cutting is no more when with an old sawtooth as you run the saw. You may also get a burnt smell due to the rust in the blade. As a result of wearing, the cut gets interrupted.
When the cutting is no more smooth, this is high time to replace the saw tooth.
4. Cracked Blade:
Another noticeable sign is a cracked blade across the teeth—regular usage, heat, and pressure cause these cracks. If you notice such borderline cracks, it is risky to use the knife. It may break at any time and damage the material you are cutting.
Don’t use a cracked blade! Change it as soon as possible.
5. More Chipping:
When you cut with a sharp sawtooth, the tears of the material are minimal. But with a dull knife, chipping increases dramatically. The fragments of the materials keep spreading around when using a flat blade. As a result, the cut on the material would be rough and inconsistent.
Whenever you see unusual chipping, consider changing the knife.
5 Effective Ways To Increase Lifespan Of A circular saw cutter
You can take a few steps to increase the longevity of a circular saw knife. To maximize the life of a saw and use it smoothly, I have a few practical ways to suggest, described below:
1. Prefer Dry Cut:
Try to use blades that support dry cuts. Dry-cutting knives work without any lubricant. This is why they don’t get dirty or dull quickly. They perform a neat and delicate reap which keeps the saw teeth sharp for a long time. Thus both the cutting performance and blade longevity improve with a dry cut.
2. Use The Right Blade:
A variety of blades are available in the market. Know which knife is designed for which activity. Each blade has distinctive properties and qualities. For example, the knife would wear out fast if you use a wood-cutting blade to cut tiles. So get the right edge to use for the longest time.
3. Apply Properly:
Please don’t use a cuter without knowing how to use it. For example, it is crucial to align the cutting point to the sword. Also, you should tightly secure the material before cutting. If you don’t do these, it will damage the material and the blade. Learn how to work with a circular saw first. It will make the blade last longer.
4. Clean The Blade After Use:
Keeping the cutter clean is essential. A clean blade lasts long and performs well. Consider deep cleaning the saw knife once in two months. For regular cleaning, wipe the buildups after every use. In case it gets filthy, soak the blade in soapy water. Scrub thoroughly and wipe the dirt off.
5. Use Silicone Spray:
Using silicone spray on the blade prevents it from wearing. It puts on a protective layer on edge. This layer prevents it from getting dirty even after several cuts. It also keeps the teeth sharp and facilitates a smooth and perfect amount. Silicone spray increases its longevity by improving its sliding properties.
5 Tips To Choose Circular Saw Blade That Will Last Longer
The right circular saw cutter gives a fine cut and lasts longer. To make the edge last for the longest time, I have a few tips for choosing a saw cutter that will last longer.
1. Blade Material:
Cutters are generally made of either carbide or stainless steel. Carbide blades are the best, as they have Teflon layers with oversized tips. They don’t get heated efficiently and last for a long time. They cut well and wear out very slowly. Try to avoid choosing stainless steel cutters as they damage quickly.
2. Cutting Material:
Choose the blade as per the material you would cut. The right cutter for the suitable material would last for the longest time. The thickness and hardness of the knife vary substantially according to the material to be trimmed. So choose the blade as per the cutting material.
3. Number Of Teeth:
Choose the cutter that has the most tooth count. The more the tooth across the cutter edge, the more perfect and fine cut you get. When the cutting process goes smoothly, the strain on the blade is less. This means the cutter with more teeth would last longer.
4. Blade Diameter:
The cutter-edge diameter should match the size of the circular saw. The cut will be rough and challenging if you fix a small blade. This would wear the cutter fast. But the right edge runs swiftly, lasting longer. So get the right cutter size for the circular saw. Note that different circular saws may need different blade sizes.
5. Teeth Size:
You may choose either a full-kerf or a thin-kerf cutter. Full kerf blades have ⅛ inch teeth width, and thin-kerf blades have 3/32 inch wide teeth. Choosing the tooth size depends on the circular saw’s power.
Full-kerf cutters are for high-power saws, and thin-kerf are for low-power saws. So choose accordingly. These tips help you get the right cutter edge that performs well and lasts longer.
Related Questions:
How Long Does A Circular Saw Blade Last?
Ideally, a circular saw knife might cut between 20 to 120 hours. It depends on how you care for the cutter you use and the type of material you are missing. So the longevity would hugely depend on your usage.
If you use the blade gently and cautiously, it will increase its lifespan. So make sure you maintain this blade according to manufacturer guidelines.
How Do You Know When Your Circular Saw Cutter Is Dull?
When the circular saw cutter gets dull, it won’t give you an accurate cut. The cuts would be irregular, and the finishing would be rough. Other flat cutter signs are squeaky noise, a burning smell, and excess chipping residues. When you see such signs, consider replacing the saw cutter.
Can You Polish A Circular Saw Cutter Many Times?
You may polish a circular saw cutter up to 4 times. These circular saw knives must be high-quality. Remember to hone the low-quality edge twice. If you have exceeded the sharpening limit, replace the blade. Otherwise, you won’t get a good cut with the sharpened knife.
How Many Teeth Should A Good Saw Blade Have?
Around 2 to 4 teeth cutting the material at a time is a good count. According to that, you can calculate the teeth number required. But generally, a 24 to 40 teeth count is ideal, depending on the material you are cutting. For instance, a 24-teeth saw is suitable for wood cutting.
Is It Worth Sharpening Circular Saw Teeth?
It is worth considering sharpening circular saw cutters if the damage is minor. If only the teeth get dull, you can sharpen them. You can clean rust or dirt from blades too. But if a crack or the cutter runs roughly, it is better to replace it than repair or sharpen it.
Final Verdict:
Do you want your circular saw blade to last for a long time? Then follow the tips and ways I have mentioned to increase the cutter’s life. Buy the right saw cutter, operate it with care, and maintain its condition. You will get the best cut and blade longevity if you take my word!
