Using a Circular Saw Blade for Metalworking
The Workhorse of Cutting: The Circular Saw
The circular saw is a versatile power tool that utilizes a spinning disc blade to tackle various cutting tasks. Initially designed for lumber, this electric saw comes in handheld and mounted varieties. With the right blade, it can conquer a range of materials, including metal and plastic. Circular saws offer impressive performance at a budget-friendly price, making them a popular choice compared to pricier options like wet saws and angle grinders.
Cutting metal with a circular saw presents a unique challenge compared to wood. Unlike wood where the blade removes large chips, metal cutting is closer to abrasion, generating a shower of hot, sharp metal shards. To minimize injury risk, a full face shield and gloves are essential equipment when tackling metal with this tool.
Gearing Up and Getting Started: Cutting Metal with a Circular Saw
Before diving in, prioritize safety! Wear a full face shield, gloves, and long sleeves to shield yourself from flying hot metal shards.
1. Sharpen Your Approach.
- Blade Selection: Choose the right metal-cutting blade for your project. This ensures efficient and clean cuts.
- Clamp It Down: Secure the metal firmly with clamps. Ideally, let it overhang the edge of the saw blade for better control.
- Guide the Way: Mark your cutting line for a precise finish.
2. Cutting with Confidence.
- Power Up and Align: Align the saw blade with your marked line, then slowly power on the saw.
- Steady Does It: Carefully guide the saw into the metal, maintaining control throughout the cut.
- Cooling Down: Regularly apply cutting fluid to reduce heat and friction, promoting a cleaner cut.
Remember: A circular saw is suitable for limited metalwork. For thicker metals or frequent cutting, consider using a dedicated metal cutting tool like a metal chop saw or reciprocating saw.
HSS vs. TCT: Choosing the Right Blade for Metal
The type of metal you’re cutting is key to selecting the ideal circular saw blade. Here’s a breakdown of the two main contenders:
1. High-Speed Steel (HSS).
These blades are a budget-friendly option for softer metals like aluminum and thin steel sheets. They offer good initial sharpness but wear down faster and aren’t suited for tougher materials.
2. Tungsten Carbide Tipped (TCT).
The go-to choice for tackling tougher metals. TCT blades boast tough tungsten carbide tips fused onto a steel body. This translates to exceptional durability, allowing them to conquer a wider range of metals, including thicker steel and even some stainless steel.
Making the Right Call
For most metal-cutting jobs, a TCT blade is the recommended choice due to its superior lifespan and ability to handle various materials. However, if you’re working with very thin, soft metals like aluminum and cost is a major concern, an HSS blade might be a suitable option.
Pro Tip: Check your project requirements and choose the appropriate blade type. While we can’t directly promote specific brands here, a reputable manufacturer like Kinkelder offers various TCT saw blades capable of cutting through solid steel, bars, and tubes. Explore their selection to find the perfect blade for your metalworking needs!
Kinkelder TCT Champion Series
The Champion SL blade leverages the combined power of Cermet and cutting-edge PVD coating technology.
Features:
- Cutting of solid steel bars from 400 to 800 N/mm2
- Cutting speed: 180 – 120 m/min (D 30mm – D150 mm).
- Tooth load: 0.06 – 0.08 mm/tooth.
Engineered with a groundbreaking new carbide grade, PVD coating, and innovative body and tooth design, this blade tackles even tough materials with smooth and efficient chip removal.
Features:
- Cutting steel tubes with a tensile strength of up to 850 N/mm2
- Cutting speed: 180 – 280 m/min.
- Tooth load: 0.04 – 0.24 mm/tooth
Engineered to excel at high-performance cutting of thin and medium-walled drawn tubes and high-strength tubes used with top-of-the-line cut-off machines.
Features:
- Cutting speed: 280 – 220 m/min.
- Cutting tubes with tensile strength up to 1,800 N/mm2
PVD coated carbide tipped CX 1 saw blade developed for cutting solid steel with tensile strengths between 700 – 1,500 N/mm2 at very high production rates.
Features:
- Cutting speed: 180 – 80 m/min (D25 mm low tensile – D >100mm high tensile)
- Tooth load: 0.08 – 0.05 mm/tooth
Carbide tipped and PVD coated for very fast cutting and good surface finish.
Features:
- Austenitic stainless steel
- Cutting speed: 120 – 80 m/min (D 20mm – D >100mm.
- Tooth load: 0.08 mm/tooth.
CX 7 is a Cermet tipped saw blade dedicated to cut low to medium strength carbon steel.
Features:
- Cutting solid materials with a tensile strength up to 800 N/mm2
- Cutting speed: 180 – 120 m-min (D 25mm – D >100mm medium tensile).
- Tooth load: 0.08 – 0.06mm/tooth (starting value).
LFC PTE LTD is the proud authorized distributor of Kinkelder brand circular saw blades in Singapore. We also cater to clients across Malaysia and other ASEAN nations, providing a comprehensive range of industrial cutting tools and machinery.
Our team of dedicated specialists is committed to providing personalized guidance to ensure you select the most suitable products for your company’s specific requirements. Contact us today to discuss your cutting tool requirements and achieve optimal efficiency in your operations!
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