One of the main advantages of using a miter saw is the efficiency of the process. The cut is clean and fast and so hassle free that you’re never going to want to get back. But all of those wonderful perks are erased if your blade is dull. Things become cumbersome and clumsy.
One of the things you’ll start observing when the blade becomes dull is that the speed of the cut will be reduced. Additionally, you’ll start seeing much more wood chipping that you would normally. Once you notice any of these two problems, remove your blade and give it a good look. If it’s in need of replacing you’ll likely see some rounding on the teeth and you’ll know it’s time to replace it.
What Should You Consider Before Choosing A Miter Saw Blade?
In order to choose the right miter saw blade you first must know what you’re trying to do with it. This determines what type of blade you’ll be going for.
Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself.
- What material will you be cutting? - Wood, plastic or metal will require different types of plates.
- What finish will you need? - This will determine the number of teeth you will need on the blade. The more teeth, the smoother the finish.
- What depth of cut will you need? This will determine the diameter of the blade you will choose.
But when it comes to replacing your blade these are the main point that you should keep in mind.
How to Choose the Material>
The material that the blade is made from is going to be a telling point when it comes to the quality that you can expect and how long the blade will hold an edge. The most common options in this department include:
Carbon Steel - This is the most affordable option but it’s also the least durable. This blade will dull pretty easily and you will only be able to use it on softer material like wood and plastic.
High Speed Steel - A great budget solution, high speed steel is not as expensive as some of the other options on the list but it holds an edge quite well. It cuts through hardwood without a glitch and it will be able to take temperatures of up to 538 Celsius while maintaining hardness.
Carbide - these blades are great for extensive hardcore use. They’re ideal for cutting through any kind of material from softwood to steel.
Cobalt Steel - More expensive and durable than the HSS but not as pricey as the carbide, cobalt steel blades will likely have between 5-8% cobalt in the blade itself. These blades will maintain hardness up to 900 degrees centigrade or 1650 Fahrenheit.
How many teeth do you need?
Another important feature to consider is the number of teeth on the blade. This refers to the number of teeth you can find around the blade. A good rule of thumb is to look for at least 60 on a 10 inch blade. The higher the tooth count, the smoother the cut. Less teeth means a rougher cut but it will work quickly and effectively if a rough construction type cut is all you need.
How deep is the cut?
The depth of the cut is going to be determined by the diameter of the blade and there the two most common sizes are the 10-inch and the 12-inch blade. The 12-inch one can cut deep enough to cover a 4x4 piece of wood while the 10-inch one should be enough for a 2x4. Of course, you will be able to adjust your depth using the depth stop.
Check the Bore of the Blade
The bore is the hole inside the diameter of the blade that you use to fix it to your miter saw. It’s imperative that this hole be compatible with your miter saw. Check the fixed attachment on your power tool and go for a blade that has a bore of the same size. Alternatively, you can go for blades that have adjustable bores. These can fit a 16, 20 or 30 mm attachment.
If you already purchased a blade and the bore on it is larger than what your saw can support, you can fix it using an adapter ring.
What brand should you go for?
Despite what some manufacturers like to claim, it really makes no difference if you use a miter saw of one brand with a blade from another. However, brand name blades might hold an edge for longer and be made from better quality material.
Keep in mind, though, that circular saw blades should never be used in miter saws.
FAQ
Can you put a 10-inch blade on a 12-inch miter saw?
Yes, you can put a 10-inch blade on a 12-inch miter saw but not the other way around. The 12 inch blade is better for rough work that requires power, while the 10 inch one is more of a precision tool.
Is it worth getting a sliding miter saw?
That depends on the type of work you anticipate doing. The sliding miter saw is ideal for cutting longer pieces of wood down their length. If this is the sort of activity you see yourself doing frequently, it might be worth taking a look at the sliding miter saw.
Can I cut a 4x4 with a 10 inch miter saw?
Yes, you will be able to cut through a 4x4 with a 10-inch miter saw but you won’t be able to do it in one clean go. You will need to flip the workpiece over and cut on the other side as well. If you’re really looking to cut through it in one go, you might be better served by the 12 inch miter saw.
What's the difference between a miter saw and a sliding miter saw?
A miter saw will usually be stationary while a sliding one will be fixed on rails and allow for more freedom of movement. This means that you’ll be able to slide the saw back and forth and cut longer pieces of wood.