Power Saw Blades

A power saw blade is a cutting blade designed for use with power saws to cut materials such as wood, metal, plastic, laminate, masonry and concrete, depending on the blade type and saw being used. Choosing the correct blade helps the operator cut more quickly, accurately and with less physical effort than when using a manual saw.

Power saw blades come in different shapes and designs depending on the tool. For example, circular saws use round blades that spin at high speed, while jigsaws, reciprocating saws and power hacksaws use straight blades that move backwards and forwards or up and down.

Fine-toothed blades usually provide a cleaner cut, while coarse-toothed blades cut faster but may leave a rougher finish. Always select a blade that matches the saw, material, size, fitting and application.

Frequently Asked Questions about Power Saw Blades

What should I consider when selecting saw blades?

Blade choice depends on the material and finish required. Finer teeth are better for smooth cuts in wood, while coarser blades suit demolition or cutting through metal.

Will the number of teeth on by blade impact how it cuts material?

The higher the number of teeth per inch (TPI) a blade has, the finer and smoother the cut. Generally a blade with more teeth is ideal for precision cuts on soft wood. Alternatively, a blade with fewer teeth will create rougher cuts, however it will cut through hard wood faster and requires less energy from the motor of the power saw.

What blade do I need for wood, metal, plastic or masonry?

The blade used depends on the material being cut and the power saw being used.

For wood, use a blade with larger teeth for fast cuts, or a blade with smaller teeth that are closer together for finer cuts. An example is this jigsaw blade from Bosch. Many blades for cutting wood are made from high-carbon steel (HCS).
For metal, use an HSS, bi-metal or TCT metal-cutting blade, or a specialist abrasive or metal-cutting disc, depending on the saw. Mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, pipe, tube and sheet metal may all require different blade types, so use the correct cutting speed and steady control. Examples include these circular saw blades that can cut through stainless steel, as well as this multi-tool blade from Fein that can cut through mild steel.
For plastic, use a fine-toothed blade that is designed to reduce chipping, cracking or melting. Cutting through plastic too quickly can generate heat that may melt it, so cut slowly and with control. An example is this jigsaw blade from Bosch.
For masonry materials, such as concrete, stone and tiles, use a masonry-rated blade, abrasive disc or diamond blade, depending on the tool and material. An example is this reciprocating saw blade from Bosch, which can cut through brick, as well as this power hacksaw blade from Fein that can cut porous concrete.