As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn More.
Many DIY workers need to use circular saws. A common question from them – can I use a smaller blade on my circular saw?
Depending on the required depth of cut, the circular saw will be defined. Different blades are designed to fit particular circular saws. Before selecting the right saw, you will need to define what type of cut you want to make.
In general, a circular saw accepts maximum of 7 ¼ inch blade. For a bigger cut, you will need to consider buying a different saw.
Table of Contents
Can I Use a Smaller Blade on My Circular Saw?
Each circular saw comes with a detailed instruction that works as a guide regarding use, blades types, and so on. In the instruction, you will find what is the recommended blade for your saw.
There are different types of saw blades, the sizes may be varied from 5-inch to 12-inch. Each saw can accept only a particular size of the blade. The blade size will ensure the depth that you can cut with your saw.
The key factor is that you shouldn’t use a blade that is smaller or larger than the recommended blade by the manufacturer for your circular saw.
Here is another consideration if you need deeper cuts. Remember that the corded versions of circular saws can accept 7 ¼ inches blade.
Some cordless circular saws come with relatively much smaller blades. So, it is quite certain that you can’t obtain a deeper cut from your circular saw.
There are other ways for you. Some different saws like radial arm saws, compound miter saws, and table saws can accept larger blades of 10-inch or 12-inch. These saws are perfect options for obtaining deeper cuts than circular saws.
The size of the saw blade is important but you can’t ignore the importance of teeth that a blade contains. The teeth determine what types of materials you can handle with your saw.
Different types of cuts such as clean cuts and rip cuts, rough or smooth cuts can be attained depending on the teeth of your saw blade.
How Deep Does a Circular Saw Cut?
You have already known that the depth of cut depends on the blade size. But you can’t also ignore the necessity of your specific circular saw and its manufacturer. It is because different manufacturers produce saws in bearing mind particular necessities.
A specific circular saw can accommodate a specific size of the blade. The average blade size of a corded saw is 7 ¼ inches or 165 mm. The cordless saws generally have relatively smaller blades that confirm the cuts of limited depth.
It is not a wise decision to try a bigger size blade than the recommended size for a circular saw. You have to go for a larger saw if you need a deeper cut.
When selecting a saw, check what cutting depth you can get at 0 degrees. It will ensure you how deep you can efficiently cut, though it doesn’t determine the bevel cut.
For making a bevel cut, get a saw that has an adaptable base plate. It means that you may not cut densely at 0 degrees. However, you can easily cut at 45 degrees bevel.
You can make straight cuts and the depth on the materials as it is mentioned at a 0 degree cut by the manufacturer. For cutting a deeper angle cut, select a saw beveling at the angles of 45 or 90 degrees.
Differences between a Worm Drive Saw and Circular Saw
When it comes to the most powerful saw, a worm drive is a perfect choice. It is heavier and it delivers extreme power and higher torque.
It can cut concrete or wet lumber with ease. This saw is perfect to use in larger renovation jobs or for framing. The blade of this saw sits left to the motor.
The circular saw comes with less power than a worm saw. A circular saw is used to cut thinner and lighter materials as it delivers lower torque.
The depth is also lower than the cut with a worm drive. For your DIY project, the best circular saw is the perfect option as it can handle smaller projects efficiently.
Wrap Up
I think that you have now a clear idea about what size of blade you can use on your circular saw. You should only use the recommended blade for a specific circular saw. Using a smaller or larger blade is not good and you will not get the expected cuts.