When a circular saw no longer performs properly, it can be due to several reasons. A blade may become dull or loose because of the frequency of use or the environment in which you are using it. Another common cause is when you hit nails and other metallic objects with your saws. Whatever the cause might be; sharpening your blade will give you another chance to access your favorite tools.
How to Sharpen A Circular Saw Blade
Before going for a professional sharpener, you can try out some of the following tips to sharpen your circular saw blade. Note that the process of professional sharpening is similar to what you can do at home.
1. Remove the Blade Guard and Hold-Down Clamp
You will need a wrench for this step since there are screws holding them in place. Once they are removed, you should see the blade, which is usually held down with another screw. The blade should be able to separate from the saw for you to have a clear look at it.
2. Make Adjustments on the Arbor Wrench
You will need a way of holding the blade, and this is where your wrench comes in handy. You may also see some bolts or screws around the saw’s arbor that holds down the blade. Loosen them slightly with your wrench, and make adjustments on the arbor’s diameter so that it can accommodate the blade.
3. Remove the Existing Blade
The next step requires you to take out all the screws holding down the existing blade to remove it from its place. You should see some screws around the edge of the saw’s table that holds the blade in place. Make sure you loosen them before sliding out the old blade.
4. Fit in the Blade of Your Choice
Now you will have to fit your preferred blade into its place and secure it with all screws. Be sure to tighten every screw firmly so that the blade stays in place while working on your circular saw.
5. Evaluate the Blade Immediately after Replacement
Once you have installed a new blade, you should cut a few pieces of paper or cardboard that are about ΒΌ inches thick to do an immediate evaluation of the blade’s sharpness. Ensure that you hold all your materials when doing this test so that they can be cut properly.
If you notice that the blade is very sharp, then this means it has been well-sharpened and you can stop here. However, if there are some chips around the edge of your material after cutting, you will need to repeat all steps again until the blade acquires a smooth edge.
6. Contour the Blade on Your Machine
If your circular saw blade is still not as sharp as you wish it to be, then this step may help you make adjustments on the contours of the blade. You can use a file or some sandpaper on a flat surface for this purpose. Make sure you follow the pattern of the blade’s teeth to avoid making mistakes.
You can also use a metal-cutting bandsaw to sharpen your circular saw blade. Just make sure you hold the blade properly and allow yourself enough time for this process if it is your first time sharpening a blade. Some people like using bench grinders, pipe vise jaws, and bench stones to do the process.
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How do I know if my circular carbide blades are dull?
There are several hints regarding the quality of your carbide blade. These may be detected by looking at them with the naked eye as well as using a basic circular saw. A dull blade needs more effort to cut through wood, resulting in false cuts. If making a straight cut on a hardwood is difficult, it needs to be refined. You can also discover duller blades if the circle saw is moving slowly or making an annoying buzzing noise.
When sewing, the resistance should be light to none. The motor should not be tensioned, and the blades should not be blocked or restricted in any manner. Burnt marks and product chipping are additional indications of dull blades. If your blade has several of those marks, it needs to be sharpened or replaced.
If you are planning to change the saw blade of your circular saw, our guide on How to Change a Circular Saw Blade is the right one for you.
Things to Know Before Sharpening Circular Saw Blades
Carbide cutting blades require specialized expertise to deliver optimum performance. To prevent dents, the blade sharpener must be utilized properly. Invest in high-quality blades and get years of use out of them.
Circular saw tool blades need a lot of planning before they’re ready. Find a professional sharpener who sells high-quality cutting tools.
How do I keep a sharp blade?
Use a piece of wood for the strength of the blade. Reset teeth with a sawn tool. A taper file is triangular and it also sharpens the front of one tooth and the posterior one at the same time.
Choose a blade with alternating teeth. Set the blade putty on one side of the mind and cut it down to the correct height for your body and task requirements. With a properly set blade, no tension can touch you and you do not need to be concerned about kickback.
Your saw blades should regularly be sharpened or replaced once they have deteriorated. If you have an old blade, it can still be used.
Circular Saw Blade Caring Tips
It is important to keep your circular saw blade in good condition. When you try sharpening it yourself, you should use the appropriate tools and techniques for the best end results.
When using a circular saw, you can change or adjust the angle of its blades with different speed controls. You should also sharpen them to increase performance when necessary.
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Conclusion
Sharpening a circular saw blade is not a very difficult task once you have been shown how to go about it from start to finish. If you follow these steps carefully, you should not have any troubles.
When your blades are no longer efficient in cutting wood, then this is the time to look into purchasing or replacing it immediately. To avoid making mistakes that can affect your productivity, ensure that the blade is sharp enough before using it again.