It does not matter if you are a homeowner making your house repairs or just someone that enjoys weekend building projects. Sooner or later almost every project will require cutting and sizing materials to meet your exact needs. Regardless of using a power circular saw or a table saw, having the proper blade is essential.

There are endless brands available, with only one common feature. That is a round steel plate or circular blade full of sharp teeth that tear through the wood. Every blade has unique features regarding the number of teeth and geometry of the sharpening. Each manufacturer has its own configuration and design ideas.

Some view circular saws as more ideal for rough carpentry than for fine woodworking. That is not true at all. In the right hands, circular saws cut straight, clean lines. But a lot depends on the blade you use.

The difference between blades is their teeth design. Ripping blades have fewer evenly spaced teeth, while crosscut blades have more teeth and specific geometry ground onto each tooth. Combination blades have 50 teeth and 10 deep gullets to handle ripping as well as cross-cutting requirements. They generally have a heavier blade body for maximum stability. If budget is an issue, it is best to invest in a premium combination blade to get started.