What to know before you buy a cutting saw blade

Metal type

Before you buy a metal cutting circular saw, consider what types of metal you intend to cut. Some saws that perform excellently on certain metals can chew up (or get chewed up by) other metals. High-speed saws — usually with 3,000 rotations per minute — are best for cutting hard metals like aluminum. Slow-speed saws are better for mild and softer steels. Many modern circular saws have speed options on their control panels to suit multiple metal types.

Blade

Even with the right saw, the wrong blade can be disastrous. An incorrect blade leads to wobbly cuts or burrs that can ruin a project or even damage a saw due to the vibrations — not to mention, inappropriate blades make cutting uncomfortably noisy. When tackling your metal cutting projects, ensure you have the correct circular saw blade for your metal type and saw.

Cut quality

The right metal cutting circular saw with the proper blade will cut straight lines every time, with minimal touch-ups or deburring necessary. Metal cuts are often essential on sensitive projects such as window manufacturing where there’s little forgiveness for mistakes. In cases like these, accuracy with the first cut is crucial to a successful project. Before you purchase a metal cutting circular saw, consider the cut quality your work demands.