Crosscut blades are used to cut various types of wood, with alternating teeth that cut in opposite directions. They are found on handsaws and power tools and can be purchased with carbide teeth. The number of teeth impacts performance, with larger teeth cutting faster but leaving a rougher cut. Combination blades for crosscutting and ripping are available, but may not be suitable for softer woods. Planning for the type of wood and depth needed for the cut is important when selecting a crosscut blade.
A crosscut blade is typically used to cut all types of wood such as plywood, chipboard, hardwood, and softwood. This type of blade has alternating teeth where one tooth cuts in one direction and the next tooth cuts in the opposite direction. There are several varieties, types, and uses for crosscut blades.
Crosscut saw blades are found on wood-handled handsaws. Forest industry workers used them to fell standing trees. These saws are available in one-person and two-person models. This type of crosscut blade is beneficial because it cuts in both directions, helping to reduce the work involved in felling trees.
Furniture stores usually enlist the use of a crosscut blade on chop saws, radial arm saws, table saws, and even miter saws. A crosscut saw blade cuts through all types of wood commonly used in cabinet making by removing only a small amount of the surface, which is called run-out. This practice can save valuable materials.
Crosscut saw blades can be purchased with carbide teeth. This type of blade is durable and can be re-sharpened many times so it’s cost effective. The hook angle is the tip of each blade that is flipped over and is designed to control how fast the wood is fed. The higher the angle of the hook, the faster the feed rate due to the fact that it feeds the wood quickly.
The number of teeth on a crosscut blade typically has a distinct impact on its performance. The larger teeth penetrate deeper into the wood and cut much faster than the smaller teeth, which are positioned closer together. A cross-edged blade with larger teeth tends to rip the wood and leave a rough cut that requires more sanding to finish a project. Versions with smaller teeth usually leave a smooth cut that requires little honing.
Crosscut saw blades can usually be purchased as a combination blade for crosscutting and ripping at the same time. These are designed with teeth and also flat points between them, which are called rakes. The rakes eject the wood chips that are created by the deep bite of the teeth. The rakes are designed to keep extra chips away from the cutting surface.
When planning a wood project, it’s usually a good idea to plan for the type of wood to be cut and the depth needed for the cut. This usually ensures that the correct type of crosscut blade is selected for its ease of use and longevity. A combination blade that crosscuts and also rips is usually not suitable for softer woods as it can rip, leaving the cut as if it was shredded rather than chopped.
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