There are a few things you need to consider when choosing reciprocating saw blades. The most important factor is the type of material you will be cutting. Different blades are designed for different materials. You also need to choose the right blade thickness and length. A thicker blade will be more durable, but it will also be slower and less maneuverable. A longer blade will give you more reach, but it will also be less maneuverable.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a reciprocating saw blade is to think about the specific project you are working on and what type of material you will be cutting. There are hundreds of different blades available, so take your time and find the right one for the job.
Choosing the right reciprocating saw blade
Reciprocating saw blades come in a variety of different sizes and materials. Different blades are designed for specific purposes. Here is a brief description of the many types of reciprocating saw blades available:
Coated Blades
These blades have a thin layer of metal coating to protect the blade from corrosion. Coated blades are suitable for cutting woods, plastics, and non-ferrous metals.
Uncoated Blades
These blades have no metal coating and will become rusty sooner because of it. Uncoated blades can handle a lot more abuse than coated blades, so they are great for heavy-duty use in construction sites or on job sites where there is a lot of debris and sawdust in the air.
High Carbon Steel Blades
These blades are made from high carbon steel, which is a tough metal that can handle daily wear and tear well. High carbon steel is very strong and will withstand a great amount of rough use.
Bi-Metal Blades
You can find bi-metal reciprocating blades that have an alloy steel body with a high-speed steel cutting edge. The alloy steel gives the blade strength while the high-speed steel makes it possible to cut through harder materials like wood, plastic, and metal.
Titanium Coated Blades
Some manufacturers also offer titanium-coated reciprocating saw blades for extremely hard materials or applications where a lot of heat is produced during cutting.
Types of Reciprocating Saw Blades
Reciprocating saw blades are categorized by the type of material they can cut. The most common types of reciprocating saw blades are:
Wood Blades
Reciprocating blades made for cutting through the wood are usually about three inches long and one-fourth of an inch wide. A typical wood cutting blade is designed with 19 teeth per inch, which will provide closer cuts that leave less dust behind.
Woodworking Blades
Woodworking blades come in many different styles, but all of them have teeth that are designed for making ultra-smooth cuts without tearing up the surface of the wood.
All-Purpose Non-Ferrous Metal Blade
These blades have heavy-duty non-ferrous metal bodies to ensure when working with softer metals like copper, aluminum, and brass. These blades are great for use when working around the house or in a light commercial job site where there is no need for an industrial (and expensive) blade.
All-Purpose Ferrous Metal Blade
If you’re cutting hard metals like iron, steel, and stainless steel, you will want to invest in an all-purpose ferrous metal blade. This type of blade has extra teeth to prevent warping while allowing maximum heat dissipation from the saw body during cutting.
Reciprocating Saw Blades: The Ultimate Guide
There are a few things you need to consider when choosing reciprocating saw blades. The most important factor is the type of material you will be cutting. Different blades are designed for different materials. The appropriate blade will depend on the specific application you are working on.
Corrosion Protection
Blades can be coated or uncoated. Coated blades have a protective layer to prevent rusting while an uncoated blade will quickly corrode due to contact with moisture and debris.
Type of Material
The material you will be cutting with your reciprocating saw is one of the most important factors in choosing which blade to purchase. An alloy steel body may be perfect for hard metal, but it won’t perform as well when cutting through wood or plastic. Likewise, a high carbon steel blade might work fine for cutting through soft metals like copper, aluminum, and brass, but it could easily break or bend used too much on harder materials.
Toughness
Since reciprocating blades are designed for heavy use, it is important that they have a sturdy body and be made of high-quality metal. A durable blade can take a lot of abuse and still stay sharp enough to get the job done.
Safety tips when using a reciprocating saw:
For safety purposes, it is highly recommended that you wear a pair of high-quality gloves as well as protective eye gear when operating a reciprocating saw. In addition, your work area should be well-lit and clutter-free to prevent tripping or an accident from occurring. It is also important to keep the blade sharp at all times to ensure maximum performance and efficiency.
These simple precautions will help you avoid injuring yourself while working around the house or on a job site.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to have plenty of replacement blades on hand so that you don’t have to stop in the middle of a job due to a dull blade or broken one. Always check your owner’s manual for information about dowel rods, special blades, and other accessories.
Conclusion
There are a few factors you should consider when choosing reciprocating saw blades. The most important factor is the type of material you will be cutting. Make sure to choose the right blade for the job to avoid damaging your saw and make the project more difficult than it needs to be.