How to choose a blade for a reciprocating saw: decoding the universal marking.
The universal marking of canvases usually has the format: letter + 3 - 4 digits + 1-2 letters. Let's analyze the meaning of each element:
- The first letter. Most often, this is the S designation for a universal shank that is compatible with most saws (both with quick-release and screw fasteners).
- Digital code. Indicates the length and thickness of the canvas. These parameters are duplicated on the packaging or website, so we will not discuss them in detail.
- Final letters (the key parameter!). This is where the type of material that the canvas is designed to work with is encrypted.
Manufacturers often limit themselves to general phrases ("on wood"), but the labeling reveals the details.
Marking of the material
- AF - sheet metal (0.7 - 3 mm).
- BF - carbon and stainless steel (2 - 8 mm), non-ferrous metals.
- D/DF - all types of wood, wood boards, plastics (fast direct cutting).
- EF - thin steel (1.5 - 4 mm).
- VF - metal up to 2.5 mm and wood with metal inclusions (for example, boards with nails).
- XF - thick steel (3-12 mm), stainless steel, non-ferrous metals.
- HM - solid wood, aerated concrete, fiberglass.
- K - wet (not freshly cut) wood.
- L - freshly cut wood.
Important! Knowing these codes, you will be able to accurately select the canvas for a specific task, and not just for the general category of material.
Types of reciprocating saw blades: materials and purpose
Note: There are 5 types of canvases in total. Their labeling directly indicates the material and the scope of application, which helps to choose the best option for a specific task.
- HCS (carbon steel). Designed to work with solid wood (planks, timber), plywood and non-ferrous metals.
- CV (chrome vanadium steel). The most budget-friendly option. It is optimal for soft wood boards: fiberboard, chipboard and similar materials.
- HSS (high-speed steel). Handles hardwood, wood with nails, and mild steel.
- BiM (bimetal). The base of the web is made of soft elastic steel, the teeth are made of HSS. It is suitable for the same tasks as HSS, but it is characterized by increased wear resistance. The bimetallic web does not break when bent, which allows you to make neat "flush" cuts (for example, to cut a pipe sticking out of a wall).
- HM/CT (hard alloy). They are made of tungsten-cobalt alloys (for example, VK8) or analogues ("pobedit"). They are used for cutting abrasive materials: bricks, aerated concrete, foam blocks.
Canvas thickness: how to choose the best option
- Thin canvases (0.8 - 1.6 mm)
- Advantages: material saving, neat cut with minimal chipping.
- Disadvantage: they are not suitable for thick boards and beams - they can bend or break.
- Thick canvases (up to 2 mm)
- Advantages: stability when working with dense materials (brick, concrete), less vibration.
- Disadvantage: a rougher cut with uneven edges.
Advice on choosing:
- For wood (chipboard, plywood, thin boards) - choose canvases 0.8 - 1 mm.
- For bricks, concrete, or thick wooden blanks, use models from 1.6 - 2 mm.
The result: Thickness affects not only durability, but also the cutting quality. The universal option is 1 - 1.6 mm, but for specific tasks, focus on the material and thickness of the workpiece.
Blade teeth: parameters and features
- Tooth pitch (TPI)
Definition: The distance between the vertices of adjacent teeth. It is measured in millimeters or TPI (Teeth Per Inch - the number of teeth per inch).
- The higher the TPI, the smaller the teeth and the neater the cut.
- Low TPI is a rough but fast cut.
- Step types:
- Constant: The same distance between the teeth along the entire length of the web.
- Variable: Different distance to increase speed, remove chips, or work with combined materials (such as wood with nails).
- Tooth size
- The larger the teeth, the faster but rougher the cut.
- Small teeth give a clean cut, but require more time.
- Tooth alignment
- Standard: The teeth are alternately retracted to the right and left.
- Wavy: The teeth are curved by a wave (often used for metal to reduce vibration).
- Manufacturing technology
- Ground teeth: Precise and sharp, suitable for clean cutting.
- Milled teeth: More durable, but less precise (ideal for rough work).
- Special modifications
- Teeth for "blind" cutting: The first tooth has a special shape for starting without pre-drilling (convenient for cutting window openings).
- Carbide brazing: Used in concrete and brick canvases to increase wear resistance.
- Large cutouts: Improve sludge removal when cutting abrasive materials.
How to choose?
- For finishing (metal, laminate) - high TPI (10-14), ground teeth.
- For rough work (wood with nails, concrete) - low TPI (3-6), milled teeth with carbide solders.