When it comes to woodwork, various factors affect the quality of work you can do and the speed.
Among them is the blade’s thickness, especially when using a table saw. So, it’s crucial to ensure the appropriate table saw blade thickness.
The blade’s thickness, also known as kerf, is usually a ⅛ inch in most standard blades. However, most brands also offer thinner options of up to 3/32 inches wide.
Each of these blades has advantages. For instance, thicker blades are durable, while thinner ones are less material wasteful.
The article discusses the blade thicknesses, the advantages of different kerfs, and when each is ideal.
Table Saw Blade Thickness: In-Depth Discussion
A table saw is a power tool mainly used to cut wood and uses a disk blade fitted on its arbor. The arbor is the shaft that holds the blade to the table as it spins.
These blades are usually made of high-grade steel and have multiple teeth.
One advantage of a table saw is that it allows you to make precise cuts on the wood. However, various factors determine the quality and success of your project.
They include the number of teeth, teeth angle, gullet size, and blade thickness.
The blade’s thickness is often referred to as Kerf, which by definition, is the thickness of the cut made. However, this word is usually understandable since the blade determines the Kerf’s size.
A standard blade is 1/8 inch thick, which is often the thickness of most blades used on table saws. However, there are also a variety of other options, both thicker and thinner.
Thinner options include 3/32 inch blades, while some thicker options include a half to an-inch wide blade. The thicker blades often have larger gullets to increase effectiveness and speed.
Pros and Cons Of Thick Table Saw Blade
Pros:
- Durable: Thick saw blades are durable as they are less likely to be deformed by wood while they are cut through them.
- Strong: Thicker blades are generally strong and can be used to cut hardwoods deeper.
- Suits Variety of Trees: Unlike thin blades, which can only work on softer trees, thick blades can work on various types of wood.
Cons:
- Rougher Work: Thicker blades allow too large kerfs during cutting which is wasteful and doesn’t encourage precision.
- Prone to Overheating: Thicker blades create a lot of friction while cutting, which may allow them to heat, warp, and melt.
Pros and Cons Of A Thin Table Saw Blade
Pros:
- More Precise: Thin table saw blades allow you to cut wood precisely through difficult angles and shapes.
- No Material Wastage: The better precision minimizes material wastage by only cutting through the needed parts, which saves you money.
- Ideal For Low Horsepower Table Saw Motors: Thin blades face less resistance while cutting wood which is advantageous when using low-horsepower motors.
Cons:
- Uneven cuts: Due to their thinness, these blades are more prone to deflection, which may lead to uneven cuts. The user must be careful the wood doesn’t slip sideways, affecting the alignment of the disk.
- Become Dull Fast: Thin blades lose their sharpness faster, especially if used on hardwood. While they are sharpenable, you can only do it a few times.
When To Use a Thick Table Saw Blades?
Rip Cutting
You can use a thick saw blade when rip-cutting wood. Rip cuts, which are cuts along the wood’s grain, require more energy when cutting, and it’s not a must that they appear smooth.
Hard Woods
When dealing with hardwoods, like maple and Oak, use thick blades on the table saw. These woods require a strong disk blade to cut through and may deform a thin disk blade if used.
Like a 4/4 wood is approximately 1” thick. This hardwood thickness may require you to use thicker blades.
Deeper Cuts
When working on a project where you must make deep cuts to the wood, use a thicker saw blade. Thinner blades may deform if adjusted to cut deeper than usual.
When to Use a Thin Table Saw Blade?
The following are scenarios where thin blades are ideal:
Cross-Cutting
When making cross cuts, which are cuts across the wood’s grain, you can use a thin blade. The blade ensures smooth cutting and has fewer chances of causing splintering on the wood.
Softer Woods
You can use a thin blade when working on softer woods like pine or poplar. The woods give less resistance when cutting and don’t need much power to cut through.
Narrow cuts
A thin blade is also ideal when cutting the wood narrowly and precisely. This is advantageous when you want to grow your skills.
Some exotic woods are expensive, and every inch matters, and to minimize wastage, a thin blade comes in handy.
Conclusion
A table saw is a crucial part of every woodworker’s workshop and is used in cutting and shaping wood.
The blade plays a major role in the table saw, a reason you should learn about the different thickness options available.
The article should help you learn about the table saw blade thickness.
Also, it discusses the advantages and disadvantages of owning different thicknesses and their uses. Choose the blade’s thickness based on your needs.
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