If you are new in the world of circular saws and are confused about selecting the blade size and other features, this article will clear all the fog in your mind. We will discuss the appropriate blade size according to the board height, give you some tips about cutting, and explain some other things you need to consider before buying a circular saw.
Circular Saw Blade Size Guide
The blade is one of the most important parts of a circular saw. When dealing with boards of different heights, you need to change the blade size accordingly. The most common blade size being used by DIY people worldwide is 7 ¼ inches, and it is ideal for cutting boards with a height of 3 inches. Other blade sizes, according to board heights, are given in the table below.
| Board Height (Inches) | Blade Size (Inches) |
| 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 5 1/2 |
| 3 | 7 1/4 |
| 4 | 10 |
| 5 | 12 |
As you can see in the table above, the blade size needs to be changed according to the board height. When starting a new project or replacing the worksheet in one project, you need to make sure that your tools can deal with the workflow. The above-mentioned blade and board sizes also apply to other tools as a table saw, miter saw, and radial-arm saw.
Some Details about Saw Blades
The following details will increase your knowledge about a saw blade and will help enhance your work experience.
Saw Blade Radius: The radius of the saw blade is equal to half of its diameter.
Max Cutting Depth: It is equal to the radius of the blade.
Diameter and Blade Size: The blade size is equal to the diameter of the blade.
Gullet: It is the space between the teeth of the blade.
Anchor Hole: It is the hole where the blade is attached to the saw.
Tips for Beginners regarding Blade Size and Board Height
- You must adjust the anchor hole radius. Make sure that the board is placed above the bore radius.
- The depth of the cut will be equal to the teeth gullet. The diameter is measured from the top, but the blade reach is not more than the gullet. If you keep this thing in mind, your cut will have fewer splinters.
Important things to Consider before Buying a Circular Saw
Work Mechanics
Circular saws come in two different styles. Both are equally effective but vary according to the nature of the work. For home use and DIY people, a sidewinder is the best. In this type of circular saw, the handle is located above the blade, and the blade is located on either the left or right-hand side of the handle. You can choose according to your preferences. The blade is powered directly from a motor spindle. They are light, easy to work with, easy to store, and inexpensive compared to the other type; worm-drive. If you are looking for a heavy-duty circular saw with more torque and power for cutting your wood, worm-drive circular saws are the best for you. They are costly, big in size, and are best suited for workshops and professionals.
Power Specifications
When it comes to power specifications, you have the choice to go for corded or cordless models. Cordless models are powered by batteries and offer you the freedom of work on the go. They also have some limitations. Cordless models can’t deliver a powerful punch as compared to corded models.
Corded models have a power rating in amperage and may vary from one model to another. When a more powerful motor is installed in the saw, it has a higher power rating and draws more current. On the contrary, cordless models have a power rating according to battery power. The common sizes of cordless circular saws are 18 or 20 volts. The type of battery also varies from one model to another. The battery backup also depends upon the battery power and your usage.
Must read: Circular Saw Usage Guide for Beginners
Blade Size
As already explained, there are various blade sizes available. Most circular saws come with a blade size of 7¼ inches, which is best for DIY people and moderate workload. It is best suited for cutting standard-sized boards. You can buy additional blades and keep them in your arsenal for future use. Just a pro tip: always keep your blades sharp and store them properly in bags or boxes. Wear gloves while handling blades.
The Comfort of Use
You must select a circular saw which is comfortable to use. You must look for an ergonomic design. Check out the specification of the handle. Notice the gripping material, shape of the handle, and the balance it provides. If a circular saw is comfortable in use, it will reflect the quality of the cutting.
Safety and Additional Features
Make sure your circular saw has all the safety features installed. Don’t go for a cheap model with fewer safety features. Some additional features include a light to illuminate the workstation, power brakes for a quick stop, high-quality saw foot, a simple blade replacing mechanism, and preset bevel adjustment.