A reciprocating saw blade require a specific selection based off the material that is to be cut. The reciprocating saw blade have a measurement of the number of teeth per inch (TPI). The teeth per inch measurement will determine the performance of the reciprocating saw blade.
If a person select a reciprocating saw blade with the incorrect teeth per inch measurement, then the reciprocating saw blade may stall, smoke, or even snap while being used. Reciprocating saw blades with a lower teeth per inch (TPI) measurement will has fewer teeth on the blade and the spaces between each tooth will be larger. These spaces allows for the debris from the cut to exit the saw quick.
How to Choose the Right Reciprocating Saw Blade
Because of this feature, low TPI reciprocating saw blades are used to cut softer material, like branches or framing lumber. Reciprocating saw blades with a higher TPI will have more teeth and the spaces between the teeth will be more smaller. These saw blades are used for cutting metals or plywood, as they will not splinter when the reciprocating saw is cutting them.
The material of the reciprocating saw blade is also important in it’s function. Reciprocating saw blades has high carbon steel, bi-metal, and blades with grit or carbide edge. High carbon steel reciprocating saw blades are effective in cutting wood and plastic materials.
However, high carbon steel will dull quick if it encounters nails. Bi-metal reciprocating saw blades are more durable and a material that combine both strong saw teeth and a flexible blade back. Finally, grit and carbide edges is used on saw blades that must cut screw or masonry.
The length of the reciprocating saw blade must be chose according to the thickness of the material. A reciprocating saw blade should be chose that is at least two inches longer than the thickness of the material that is to be cut. If the reciprocating saw blade is too short, it may get stuck in the lumber that is being cut.
Additionally, if a reciprocating saw blade is too long, the blade may whip and move uncontrollably when being used to cut the materials. The speed at which the reciprocating saw blade is run is also important in its use. When using a reciprocating saw blade on soft wood, a high number of stroke per minute should be used.
However, when using a reciprocating saw blade on metal, a lower number of strokes per minute should be used to reduce the amount of heat create by the cutting action of the reciprocating saw. If too much pressure are used on a reciprocating saw, the reciprocating saw will polish the material instead of cutting it. Additionally, the shoe on the reciprocating saw must be plant firmly on the work surface.
Otherwise, the vibration that the reciprocating saw creates will increases. The person using a reciprocating saw blade must ensure that the TPI of the blade match the material that is being cut; the material of the blade must match the hardness of the materials that are being cut; and the length of the blade must match the thickness of the materials that are to be cut. Each of these factor will ensure the reciprocating saw blade will efficienty cut the material it is intend to cut and will not break during use.
