Well, your circular saw blade was running in excellent condition for the last few months. It was giving perfect sharp cuts. But for the last week or so, you are observing a change in its cutting behavior.
The cuts are either not perfectly sharp or have splinters coming out. So, you started adjusting the bill of a new blade in your weekly budget.
Well, don’t spend your money on buying a new one. You can easily sharpen it. How? Our genie article will settle down all your worries.
This article will comprehensively explain how to manage it in your carpentry room. We will start with the necessary knowledge and gradually build on the proceedings.
What is a circular saw blade and its application?
It is one of the most proficient tools, a round-shaped disc-like carpentry tool. Beware, this disc is not dull! It has sharp teeth. And its bite is like a razor that knows no mercy and cuts down the wooden, metallic, and steel plates into pieces.
Types of blades:
Mentioning the types is important because its tooth type decides whether you can do it simply or needs professional dealing.
A conventional saw-like blade has traditional teeth that can be sharpened by the simple first-time attempters by hand or using machines.
The second type, having carbide teeth, is hard to sharpen at home, so this type is usually sent for professional treatment at designated shops.
Indications of blade dullness:
The signs are apparent with simple observations. They lost luster and shine. You may notice grit attached to the teeth and residue stuck in the base.
The sharpness of cut edges is compromised. Dull blades use more power and produce fewer results. Hence your batteries get burned out. So, better to sharpen it!
Things required: how to sharpen a circular saw blade?
What you need should be in hand before you commence your work. You need the following.
You should have safety gear. It consists of safety gloves for protecting your hands from any unfortunate cuts or abrasions. You should wear safety goggles too.
They protect your eyes from any grit or residues getting into your eyes. Wear the ear buffers to safeguard your ears from the hazards of noise made by the machines.
After this, get a small cleaning kit. It includes a hard bristle brush, petroleum jelly or Vaseline. Get a bottle of industrial degreaser. Now you need a hard brush because you have to deal with a metallic blade.
The lubricating jelly clings with the grit and removes it away. Industrial degreaser is another impressive product. It can be used occasionally.
But if you use it too often, it can affect the quality of metal. It makes it brittle and prone to breakage. So, use but with care!
The third in the checklist is supplies. You would go for a diamond filer. Secondly, you need to have a Dremel tool. The best results can be obtained if you use it with a diamond hone attachment. The third option is using sharpening machines.
» Step one: Releasing the blade:
The first step before you proceed is removal of the blade from its device. Unplug the machine. Press the release button. Most of the tools nowadays have this feature.
But in case you don’t have it in your machine, simply unscrew it from the clamps. By pressing the button, your blade comes out with a click. Take it out carefully. Now you have to fix it in vise clamps for further working.
» Step two: Cleaning it manually:
Not at all specific with sharpening, you should keep your blades clean as much as possible in routine too. Dust down any gross particles with a duster. Mark the tooth from where you will start.
Apply the petroleum jelly on the bristles brush. Move it along the edges of the sawblade. If you move in the opposite direction, it may cut down the bristles. So don’t underestimate its sharpness despite being dull for cutting wood!
Clean all the teeth cautiously. After this, put on the industrial degreaser on it. After all this, you will see the luster coming back, and most of the grit may be off. But still, you cannot restore its sharpness until you go to your next step.
» Step three: Using the diamond filer:
The next step sounds simple, but it is enough to test your patience. Start from the marked point. Start filling each tooth separately. Start from the edges. Move along the inside edge towards the base and out.
About four to five filer strokes will be enough to sharpen it. However, if you still spot any grit, then you can file a bit more. But don’t overdo. Treat all the teeth patiently. Once done, your blade will be as sharp as the new one!
If you are not interested in using a hand tool. You can quickly switch to the mechanical option. A lot of sharpening filers are available. You simply have to plug in the filer. It starts with a grrrr grrrr.
So, should you. Manually place each tooth in front of the filer. You just need 2-3 strokes. Once all your teeth are done, you can proceed to test it.
» Final step: Testing your efforts:
Once you are done, move the blade back to its position in the machine. Lock it to secure its fixation. Plugin and cut some pieces. Wow! The results are fantastic! Just like a new blade.
Conclusion.
If the saw blade loses its razor effects, clean it and file it manually or mechanically. That is all that is needed to get fast and furious results. So, sit back no sorry stand upright and enjoy the sharp flawless cuts of the sharpened circular saw blade!
You have to be careful in handling the blade. And don’t overdo the filling; it can leave adverse effects on your blade edge. Another important thing is you can do it 2-3 times before your blade is ready to be replaced by a new one!
