Circular Saw Blade Kerf: What's Standard?

The kerf of a circular saw blade refers to the thickness of the blade, or more specifically, the thickness of the blade's carbide teeth. This thickness determines the width of the material that is removed when cutting. Typically measured in thousandths of an inch, a standard full kerf blade will have a thickness of about 1/8 inch or 3.175mm. However, there is no definitive standard for blade thickness, and it can vary depending on the blade and the desired finish. Thinner blades, with kerfs of around 3/32 inch or 2.381mm, are also commonly used and offer advantages such as reduced waste and prolonged motor life. Ultimately, the choice of blade thickness depends on the specific requirements of the project, the type of material being cut, and the desired finish.

Characteristics and Values of a Standard Circular Saw Blade Kerf

Kerf is the width of the material removed when cutting

Kerf refers to the width of the material removed when cutting with a saw blade. It is often used to define the thickness of the blade itself, or at least the widest point on the blade, as this determines the width of the cut made. The thickness of the cut is important as it will affect the amount of material lost during the cutting process, which can be costly when working with expensive wood. A thinner blade will reduce waste and sawdust, making for a cleaner cut and a cleaner workshop. Thinner blades are also beneficial when precision is required.

The thickness of a saw blade's kerf is determined by the width of the blade's carbide teeth. Typically, the thicker the saw blade teeth, the more material will be lost. However, thicker blades, often referred to as full kerf blades, have their advantages. They are sturdy and durable, allowing for precise cuts even on thick pieces of wood. Full kerf blades are also less affected by heat during cutting and are more resistant to bending.

On the other hand, thin kerf blades, with carbide teeth that are typically 3/32 inches wide, result in less waste and are ideal for projects that require a lot of thin-strip ripping. They also put less strain on the motor since they remove less material. Thin kerf blades are best suited for motors with less than three horsepower.

In addition to full and thin kerf blades, there are also micro kerf blades, which are approximately 1/16 inch thick. These blades produce less sawdust and are more affordable than thicker blades. However, they have a shallower depth of cut and are not as robust as thicker blades.

The choice between a full kerf, thin kerf, or micro kerf blade depends on the specific requirements of the project, the type of saw being used, and the desired finish. For a fine and precise cut, a thinner kerf blade is generally recommended.

Kerf is determined by the width of the blade's carbide teeth

The kerf of a saw blade is determined by the width of the blade's carbide teeth. Kerf refers to the thickness of the slot that the saw blade will cut, and it is often used to define the thickness of the blade itself. The thickness of the cut will be determined by the thickness of the blade, and most people use the term kerf in relation to the saw blade teeth thickness.

The carbide teeth of a saw blade are welded onto the blade plate and are thicker than it. In the case of high-speed steel saw blades, the teeth are integral with the blade, but the kerf is still thicker than the thickness of the blade plate due to the teeth being "offset" from the blade. This means they are bent slightly to the side, alternating from one tooth to the next.

The angle at which the teeth are affixed to the blade can also affect the kerf. Thinner blades typically have teeth that are not separately attached – instead, the entire blade is shaped to include the teeth, so they are not set at an angle, allowing for a thinner kerf.

The flatness of the blade can also impact the kerf. If a blade is slightly warped, the teeth will not follow each other in the exact same line, but will wobble back and forth, causing the blade to cut a wider kerf than the thickness of the teeth warrants.

A thin kerf saw blade has carbide teeth that are 3/32 inches wide, while a full kerf saw blade has carbide teeth that are 1/8 inch wide.

Thin kerf blades are best for thin-strip ripping projects

Thin-kerf blades are ideal for thin-strip ripping projects. The carbide teeth of a thin-kerf blade are typically 3/32 inches wide, which is about 1/32 inch thinner than a full kerf blade. This reduced width means less waste, as less wood is removed during the cut. Thin-kerf blades also produce less sawdust and put less strain on the motor, making them perfect for use with motors under three horsepower.

Thin-kerf blades are ideal for projects that require a lot of thin-strip ripping. They are also a more cost-effective option, as they allow you to buy the minimum amount of wood needed and reduce the amount of costly exotic woods required. Additionally, thin-kerf blades are safer to use, as they reduce the risk of kickback by minimising the chances of the cut-kerf closing due to stress in the workpiece.

When using a thin-kerf blade, it is important to consider the power of your saw. Thin-kerf blades are best suited for lower-power saws (1.5 horsepower and below) as they require less power to cut through wood. For higher-power saws (three horsepower and above), a full kerf blade may be a better option, although thin-kerf blades can still be used.

When working with thin-kerf blades, it is crucial to prioritise safety. While thin-kerf blades can be used without a riving knife, it is important to use hold-downs to keep the workpiece secure and consider adding a splitter for additional safety. Additionally, always ensure that your saw is calibrated and square before use.

Full kerf blades are thicker and more durable

The main advantage of full kerf blades is that they make very precise cuts due to their thickness. They also require less frequent re-sharpening and can be re-sharpened more often than thin kerf blades, resulting in less cost and time loss. Full kerf blades are also available in a full line of options, including specialized blades for cutting various materials such as natural wood, plywood, MDF, plastics, thin metals, and general-purpose blades.

However, there are some disadvantages to using full kerf blades. They require larger amounts of saw horsepower and can be noisy and create more sawdust. They are also harder to push the wood through, especially for hardwoods, due to the thickness of the blade.

Despite these drawbacks, full kerf blades are commonly used by organizations that use table saws frequently, such as commercial builders, cabinet shops, furniture manufacturers, and industrial plants. The variety of blades available and their longevity make them a cost-effective choice for these businesses.

Kerf thickness affects cutting width, cost, power consumption and waste

The kerf of a saw blade is defined as the thickness of the slot which the saw blade will cut. It is also used to define the thickness of the blade itself, or at least the widest point on the blade, as this will define the width of the cut made. The thickness of the blade affects the cutting width, cost, power consumption, and waste.

Cutting Width

The kerf of a saw blade determines the cutting width. The thickness of the cut will be determined by the thickness of the blade. A thicker blade will result in a wider cut, while a thinner blade will result in a narrower cut. This is important to consider when precise cuts are required.

Cost

The thickness of the blade also affects the cost of the project. A thicker blade will remove more material, resulting in increased waste and higher costs. A thinner blade will remove less material, reducing waste and costs. This is especially important when working with expensive or exotic woods.

Power Consumption

The thickness of the blade also impacts power consumption. A thicker blade will remove more material, resulting in increased resistance and friction, leading to higher power consumption. A thinner blade will remove less material, reducing resistance and power consumption, making it more suitable for cordless saws.

Waste

The thickness of the blade affects the amount of waste generated during the cutting process. A thicker blade will remove more material, resulting in increased waste, while a thinner blade will remove less material, reducing waste. This is important when working with expensive or exotic woods where preserving as much of the material as possible is a priority.

Frequently asked questions