Circular Saw: How to Choose the Best for your Circular Saw

The choice to go with one type of blade or the other for your circular saw requires in-depth thinking and consciously weighing the available options at your disposal. Numerous factors contribute to the final product you decide to go with, and these factors will have a tremendous effect on the performance and lifespan of your machine in the long run.

The article guides you on how to choose the best blade for your circular saw between the two options available.

A worker using a hand-held power saw

Section 1: What is a Circular Saw? And its Common Types.

A construction worker cutting plywood with a circular saw


Circular saws came into the scene in the 18th century but only received extensive usage in the United States in the earlier parts of the 19th century. There are numerous types of the circular saw, and in recent times the term circular saw is used to describe any saw with a round blade that rotates on an arbour.

1.1 Types of Circular Saw    

Like earlier said, there are numerous types of circular saws. If we don’t discuss some of them in this article, this is not enough. Because apart from the traditional circular saw, and there are other kinds of saws that make use of the circular saw blade which hence puts them into the category.

This guide will help you identify some of the other saw types that make use of the circular saw blade and differentiate them from other models. Here are some of the most common types of saws with a circular saw:

1.The Abrasive Saw

The abrasive saw is also referred to as the Chop or Cut-off saw, primarily because it is useful in carrying out cutting actions on hard materials.

The abrasive saw is a competent machine and is used to cut through hard surfaces such as concrete, tiles and metals around the home and in construction projects. The abrasive saw is a standard power tool used during construction projects to cut through the hardest parts of a metal material or other hard surfaces.

2.The Biscuit Joiner

The Biscuit joiner is a powerful tool used to join two pieces of wood together. A biscuit joiner makes use of a circular saw blade to cut a hole in the opposite edges of two pieces of wood.

This type of circular saw is mainly used in woodworking tasks and is very handy in home construction or interior decoration. It is in everyday use by carpenters and other woodworkers who need to join one piece of wood to the other.

3.The Cold Saw

The cold saw is the direct opposite of the abrasive saw. It is a type of circular saw designed to cut through metal materials by using a toothed blade to transfer heat generated while cutting. Thereby allowing both the circular saw blade and the material being cut to remain as calm as possible.

A cold saw is usually equipped with an electric motor and a gear reduction unit to help reduce the speed of the circular saw blade while cutting through metal.

Section 2: What is the Difference Between a Diamond and Carbide Tipped Circular Saw?

A hand-held circular saw grinding through steel

A circular saw can be fitted with two types of blade tips which are both effective in their different service areas. Whether you own a circular saw for personal or commercial uses, it is vital to understand what blade tip your machine is critical. This knowledge helps you to work with your circular saw more effectively.

2.1 What is a Carbide Tipped Circular Saw?

Carbide tipped circular saws are very common in the industry today. They include saw blades, lathe bits, drill bits and other relevant cutting tools. Carbide tipped circular saw blade generally stays sharp for longer periods than regular steel-tipped saw blades.

Although in the long run, carbide-tipped circular saws also get dull. They can also be brought back to life in the same way that you do the steel-tipped saw blade. The only difference being the abrasive used to clean the blades.

Functions of a Carbide-Tipped Saw

1.Also known as the Square top tooth saw, carbide-tipped saws are famous for heavy-duty cutting. If you need to cut through some of the hardest materials and you have a ton of them, then the carbide steel is perfect. As it can stay sharper for longer periods than regular steel.

2.Carbide-tipped saw blades are also effective in precision cutting and are used mainly by woodworkers who need to make accurate cuts.

3.A carbide-tipped saw is also appropriate for cabinet or furniture-making as they require very minimal tear outs.

2.2 What is a Diamond Tipped Circular Saw?

While a diamond-tipped circular saw is not as popular in the industry as carbide-tipped saw, it is equally effective and a choice alternative for numerous active users.

When you use a diamond-tipped blade for your circular saw, you can rest assured that your machine is in for the performance of a lifetime and optimized service life. Diamond tipped circular saws are usually best for cutting through the hardest concrete materials without any fear of wear and tear for a long period.

Functions of a Diamond-tipped Circular saw

1.Diamond tipped circular saws are used to cut through the hardest materials because they equipped with diamonds. It is the hardest material known to man and can cut through anything.

2.A diamond-tipped circular saw is perfect for cutting through tiles, masonry and other hard materials.

3.A diamond-tipped circular saw is also perfect for cutting through concrete because it is generally more durable than any abrasive blade.

2.3 Which Works Better?

Choosing the better type of circular saw between a diamond-tipped, and Carbide tipped saw is a complicated affair as they’re both effective in their rights. While the Carbide tipped circular saw is particularly effective in cutting through metal materials, the diamond-tipped circular saw is ideal for cutting concrete.

It is equally essential to include that the diamond is the hardest material known to man till date. And when machines such as the circular saw get fit with diamond edges, they become unstoppable against some of the hardest materials known to man.

The Carbide tipped circular saw blade, on the other hand, is more widely used in the mainstream market and by the construction industry.

How to Choose the Perfect Blade?

Choosing the perfect blade between a carbide tip and a diamond tip is a very straightforward affair, but you still need to be careful. Because the two blade types are best suited for use in different situations.

The diamond tip circular saw is perfect for cutting through the hardest materials which can found in the construction, military and other heavyweight industries. When it comes to heavy-duty cutting, the diamond-tipped circular saw blade is the best bet.

The Carbide tip circular saw, on the other hand, is perfect for wood cutting and other precision cutting endeavours. Which do not require intense tear outs, this makes it perfect for use around the home and even in your kitchen.

The Diamond tip circular saw is the best circular saw for commercial purposes, while the carbide tip circular saw is best for personal or mild uses. So when in the market for the best blade tip for your circular saw, it is best to consider the uses for which you will deploy them as a guide to choosing the perfect blade.

Section 3: How to Properly Care for Your Circular Saw Blade

The blade is one of the most critical parts of your circular saw. Whether it is diamond-tipped or Carbide tipped, without the proper care, your circular saw blade is bound to wear off after some time. And thereby take a chunk of your machine’s service life.

Here are the necessary steps to take to give your circular saw machine the proper care and attention:

1.Oil the Blade Frequently to Avoid Dullness

One of the best ways to keep your circular saw blade as sharp and useful for an extended period is to apply some grease on it frequently. By consistently cleaning your blade edges with grease or oil, it will remain very sharp and avoid rustiness as much as you want.

2.Buy Coated Blades

One of the ways to ensure that you care for your circular saw blade is to purchase coated blades from the onset. With coated blades, your circular saw blade edge is sure to be protected. Protect from dirt, particles and other substances that might lead to a shorter life span for your blade and machine.

  • Soak your Blade Regularly

Another effective way to care for your circular saw blade is to soak it regularly in a washing solution or kerosene.

Soak it in these liquids overnight and watch your circular saw blade glow in the mornings like a flower.

The three methods discussed above are proven to be effective in cleaning up your circular saw blade and preserving it for consistent use within and outside the home.

Section 4: Summary

A worker cutting wood with a circular saw

The circular saw is an umbrella name for various kinds of saw machines that accomplish tasks by rotating around an arbour. You need to know that a sizeable majority of circular saws are useful in the accomplishment of similar tasks and the power tools are very dependable on the job.

Whether you decide to go with a Diamond tipped or Carbide tipped circular saw. You can rest assured that your circular saw will cut through the hardest materials whenever you want. Please feel free to contact us if you have any needs.

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