Buying guide
Reviews of saws and router bits can be helpful if the reviewer tested them for the same work as you do. Many reviews supply a basic guide on how to buy cutting tools for construction. This sort of consumer research is made easier by manufacturers who narrow their contractor line to a few selections.
Carbide tipped woodworking tools are usually preferable to steel and high speed steel because they are far more durable. At first, the obvious attributes noticed are that they feel heavy and look chunky. Those obvious differences help to filter the comparison, but as you focus in to compare carbide you'll recognize significant variance. What's in a name? Jargon is confusing if an economy line is called the pro series. Reviews don't often tell you if a saw or bit is for a hobby, or whether it can survive a test under the worst conditions. A recommendation is only as good as the experience informing the opinion. Beyond the scope of reviews is the knowledge that the makers supply divergent product lines to different consumers. While a brand may have excellent ratings in one line, its other lines may not rate best for every job. Even in one brand's line of cutters, durability inevitably varies from one style to next.
Compare to industrial
When you compare ordinary bits or saws to industrial woodworking tools, what quality stands out decisively? For short jobs, a discount tool could be sensible, but a durable one costing a bit extra initially may outperform and outlast it by years. Heavy duty lines supply a complex range to meet emerging challenges of material diversity and increasingly sophisticated machines. They cover the needs of business customers, but anyone can appreciate their durability. Comparing takes a bit of effort, but it is rewarding. Industries purchasing specialized tools either learn exactly what's needed by trial and error, or ask a knowledgeable supplier. Finding the best one can streamline production steps. In repetitive operations, it can save hours of labor and reduce waste.
How do you recognize the clues of industrial quality? First, eliminate brands which can't fit your model. Then you can compare quality. The best industrial carbide saws or cutters are designed to endure extended runtime and overall life. The reason is no secret; it's part science and partly common sense.
Industrial carbide saws are precision ground on automatic machinery with diamond abrasives. Some important differences are a lot more subtle to see than a logo. By looking closely, you might notice a reflection on a fine grit finish. However, you can't visually evaluate precision, which is more relevant. Tolerance is the allowed deviation from a specified dimension. Wide tolerance causes noisy vibrating. A good circular saw blade fits snugly. It is precisely concentric, balanced and aligned. To run quiet and true, close tolerance is within a couple thousandths of an inch.
Thin kerf saws or wide?
The kerf is the tip width, and it can make a big difference. The minimal drag and light weight of thin kerf conserves energy. For portable units, reduced thickness is a necessity. Much of today's available equipment is underpowered in comparison to the old school. The width of standard kerf seems to be trending down around .110 in. thin or less. Thinner sizes are commonly seen, but not always labeled thin kerf. Since the width of a plate must be narrower than the tip size, it may be flexible thin gauge steel. If the motor is powerful enough to overcome drag, thin kerf doesn't offer much benefit.
For industrial use, you may be better off getting a relatively weighty, stiff, wide kerf one. A good 10 inch saw blade typically has a .085 in. thick, tensioned plate. The advantage of thicker width makes it stiff enough to minimize vibration, deflection and warping. Heavy duty, wide kerf tip size is usually at least .125 or 1/8 in. and up. Full size tips are strong, stable, and can be reground many times. The disadvantage is thick kerf may waste some wood.
The principle has exceptions. Small, thin industrial circular saws perform best in certain critical specialty applications only if their deflection won't matter. In general, stability and plate thickness are key.
Carbide grade
Mystery and confusion cloud the subject of carbide grades. The rating isn't for quality; it is meant for a specific purpose. Tungsten is a metal that is heavy, withstands heat and resists corrosion. Tungsten is extremely hard, but in pure form it is brittle. To make a compound better able to absorb shock, tiny grains of tungsten are cemented in a softer binder; often cobalt. C2 is a widely seen regular carbide grade.
Binder and grain sizes can be adjusted to promote different properties. For toughness, coarse granular particles are mixed with a lot of binder. C1 grade is tough to resist shock and impact in masonry.
Fine micro grain is packed close together with a low percentage of binder. C3 and C4 grades are abrasion-resistant but brittle. Such a grade enhances endurance for standing up to the abrasiveness of a dense substance like solid surface. This will allow for extended life working medium density fiberboard, but won't tolerate the shock of intermittent pounding.
Luckily, the packaging is apt to indicate the type of job intended. Labeling won't reveal the formula, but suggests its preferred application. Skip the technical hype if you prefer, but pay attention to the recommendation on the wrapper.
Industrial bits have a shank in proportion to the head. A hefty, 1/2 inch shank is better to grip and less flexible. Look behind the carbide tips. There should be no obvious gaps or blobs. A big bit in close tolerance runs smooth and stays sharp.
Saw blades and router bits
DeKalb Saw and Tool supplies industrial brands RKO Saw, Amana, FS Tool, Everlast and MK Morse. We recommend products that get a good rating in feedback from our industrial clients. We supply professional bits and circular saw blades at competitive prices.