Do you want to install engineered wood flooring in your home? But are you worried about making the wrong cuts using the wrong saw blade? Don’t worry!
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right saw blade for cutting engineered wood flooring easily and accurately.
Engineered wood flooring is a durable and attractive material for many home installations. It provides the look of real hardwood with enhanced strength, stability, and resistance to humidity, temperature fluctuations and wear.
When it comes time to cut engineered wood flooring, it’s important to consider the saw type and the type of blade you will need to ensure an accurate, smooth and safe cut. This guide will provide an overview of cutting engineered wood flooring methods and which saw blades are best suited for the job. We’ll also touch on other essential considerations when selecting a blade such as safety, speed and cost. By following these simple steps you can ensure your cuts are precise and result in a flawless looking engineered wood floor.
Types of Saw Blades
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a professional contractor, the saw blade you choose to use for cutting engineered wood flooring plays an essential role in the success of your project. There are two main types of saw blades to consider when making your selection — carbide-tipped and diamond-tipped. It is important to note that diamond blades are significantly more expensive than carbide blades, so they typically appeal to more serious flooring jobs and professional contractors.
Carbide-Tipped Blades: Carbide-tipped blades are ideal for making smaller parts and cuts due to their smaller tooth size. These blades work best on softwoods, such as pine or spruce. They can also be used on laminates and thin plywood products.
Diamond Blades: Diamond blades offer a faster cutting speed with considerably less dust compared to carbide-tipped blades due to the shape and angle of the teeth on the blade edge. They can handle any material, including bamboo, hardwood, thin concrete layers, and other composite materials. The wide range of materials makes them a preferred choice for professionals and serious DIYers alike; however, their high cost limits most consumers’ ability to purchase them for occasional use or small projects.
Circular Saw Blades
Circular saw blades are one of the most commonly used for cutting engineered wood flooring. These saw blades are designed to cut various types of wood at different thicknesses, and should be chosen with the correct teeth pattern according to the width and thickness of your flooring, as well as its material. In general, there are three main types of saw blade that you may wish to consider:
-Crosscut plywood blades: These circular saw blades feature alternating “top and bottom bevel” teeth which provide slightly less clean cuts than a strictly crosscut blade, but create less tear-out when cutting engineered floors. The number of teeth on a crosscut plywood blade is typically between 80 and 120.
-Fine tooth circulatory blades: Fine tooth circular saws offer extremely accurate cuts with only minor tearout when working with thin veneers or bent laminates, as well as providing smoother finished surfaces. Due to their smaller count of teeth (typically between 50 and 80), these blades tend to cause vibrations that lead to inaccuracies if used on thicker boards or planks.
-Combo or combination blade: A combo blade is designed with a combination of flat top grind rakers (for ripping) and alternate top grind oblique angles (for crosscutting). They are a great choice for thicker boards and planks, such as 5/4″ thick hardwood flooring. Typically there are between 60-90 combination teeth on these type of blades which can make them an ideal choice for multi purpose use if you do not already have a dedicated rip or crosscut saw in your arsenal.
Jigsaw Blades
Jigsaw blades are designed for cutting curves, as well as making detailed cuts on engineered wood flooring or laminate flooring. Generally, jigsaw blades are made with a 4-inch length. They feature small teeth and a wide kerf (the width of the cut). Jigsaw blades are best used when cutting short, intricate cuts or curves on your flooring. It is important to choose the right type of jigsaw blade for your needs, including the:
-Fine cut: These are used for making very precise cuts. The blade has between 10 and 24 teeth per inch (TPI).
-Universal cut: These blades offer a medium finish that’s suitable for general purpose cutting. They typically have 4 to 8 TPI.
-Coarse cut: Useful for fast cutting where accuracy is not necessarily paramount, these blades have fewer than 4 TPI and tend to leave a relatively rough finish on the surface of your engineered wood flooring or laminate flooring.
Table Saw Blades
Table saw blades come in different sizes and tooth configurations. They are designed to cut through different materials, so it’s important to choose the right blade for cutting engineered wood flooring.Table saw blades generally range between 7 1/4″ and 12″ in diameter. The larger the blade, the more easily you can make smooth long cuts. Smaller blades will work better if you need to make more intricate cuts, like curves or circles.
Table saw blades come in a variety of different tooth configurations, from rip blades to crosscut blades. Rip blades have larger teeth that are designed for tearing through wood fibers quickly and efficiently. Crosscut blades have finer teeth that are designed for making cleaner cuts through the edges of engineered wood flooring planks or tiles. You may also find combo or multi-purpose blades that are good for general use but not ideal for either type of cut specifically. For example, a multi-purpose blade may be good at ripping while still providing some stability while crosscutting, but it won’t be as sharp as a dedicated rip or crosscut blade when making these types of cuts on engineered wood flooring.
Choosing the Right Saw Blade for Engineered Wood Flooring
When selecting saw blades for cutting engineered wood flooring, it is important to consider the type of saw blade you will use, the size and quality of the blade, as well as the speed at which you will cut. It is also essential to pick a saw that reduces vibration to make sure that your cuts are straight and clean. Here are few tips when selecting a saw blade for cutting engineered wood flooring:
- Choose a blade with fewer teeth – Blades with fewer teeth will reduce vibration during cuts, helping to ensure cleaner and more accurate results. This is especially true if your saw has limited power and speed.
- A high-quality carbide-tipped blade – High-quality carbide-tipped blades are much stronger than conventional steel blades, making them ideal for cutting engineered wood flooring without causing splintering or tearout along the edges.
- Look for a sharpened edge – A sharpened edge on the blade helps ensure clean cuts through the laminate layers in engineered wood flooring. Be sure to check whether or not the edge has been hardened or tempered before purchase.
- Select an Anti-Kickback Design – The anti–kickback feature helps prevent kickback and snipe during your cut.
- Know Your Saw – It’s important to understand what type of saw you’re working with before buying a knife blade so you can choose one that provides adequate safety and still offers a precise cut.
Tooth Count
When cutting engineered wood flooring, it is essential to select the right saw blade to get the results you’re looking for. Manufacturers design saw blades for different tasks, and many of these blades can be used on a variety of cutting projects. Understanding blade tooth counts, set patterns and alternate top bevels (ATB) can help you make the best choice for your job.
- Tooth Count – The number of teeth on a saw blade is important because it affects how aggressively the board is cut and how cleanly it is finished. For engineered wood flooring, a blade with 80-100 teeth works well for most projects. This number of teeth will provide plenty of cutting power while still delivering smooth results with minimal splintering or chipping. Experienced woodworkers may opt for a slightly higher tooth count (up to 140 teeth), however this should only be used when slicing through thin materials as too high a tooth count can cause burn marks on thicker woods or deeper cuts into soft materials like MDF (medium density fiberboard).
Tooth Configuration
Tooth configuration is another important consideration when selecting a saw blade to cut engineered wood flooring. The blades typically come in a triple-chip or an ATB grind, but both types should be avoided. Triple-chip blades have small grooves that are ideal for crosscutting hard and soft woods, but the grooves can tear into the laminate surface of engineered wood flooring and create an uneven surface. ATB (alternated top bevel) blades have angled teeth for ripping along the grain but can leave a slight indentation or “shaving” on the surface of the floor.
The best saw blade for engineered wood floors is one with specially designed flat-top teeth that help minimize splintering and tear out while still providing a clean cut. These flat-top tooth blades typically feature 24, 30, 40, or 50 teeth per inch so you can choose one based on how much finish you want your finished project to have. Finer teeth offer more accuracy and smoother cuts with less splintering or tearing at the edges, but require more passes along the cut line than a coarse blade does.
Tips for Cutting Engineered Wood Flooring
Whether you’re a professional or novice carpenter, selecting the right saw blade for a job is an essential part of achieving a successful and professional-looking finish. When it comes to cutting engineered wood flooring, there are certain tips and recommendations you should consider in order to make the job easier and get the best possible results. Let’s take a look at some of those tips now.
Tip #1: Make sure your saw blade has the correct number of teeth. The number of teeth on your saw blade will play an important role in how well it cuts engineered wood flooring. A blade with more teeth will tend to cut more smoothly and slowly while one with fewer teeth will give you a quicker cut but you may end up with ragged edges. A good rule of thumb is to use blades with between 50-80 teeth for most jobs involving softer materials such as laminate or engineered wood flooring.
Tip #2: Select the appropriate type of saw blade for the job. It’s important to select the right type of saw blade for cutting engineered wood flooring; alternating top bevel (ATB) blades are most often recommended as they have curved edges that create less friction while cutting, resulting in cleaner edges and smoother cuts compared to standard flat topped blades that can chip off corners or splinter wood fibers as they cut through them. Similarly, using serrated blades won’t give you accurate cuts since they push down fibers rather than slicing through them like ATB blades do.
Tip #3: Choose an appropriate grade for your saw blade It’s also important to choose an appropriate grade for your saw blade meaning that you should choose either ”premium” or “professional grade” blades depending on how hardwood floors are laid down in your home or building— typically these grades provide longer lasting sharpness compared to standard industrial grade blades which are not suitable for harder materials such as oak or bamboo flooring panels which need a sharper edge like that found on premium quality blades in order give good results when cutting them.
Measuring and Marking
Before you begin cutting engineered wood flooring, measure and mark out the pattern of cuts that you need to make. Working with precise measurements is essential for making sure that each tile fits snugly against its neighbors. Use a tape measure or yardstick to make sure that all lines are straight and accurate. If your measurements are even slightly off, it could affect the outcome of your project.
Mark the lines using a pencil so that they can be easily seen while working with the saw blade. Make sure than any wet areas in your flooring are properly sealed to prevent warping or cracking.
Securing the Board
Securing the board for precise cutting is a critical component of successful engineered wood flooring installation. To ensure precision and accuracy, you should use clamps to keep the boards in place on a flat surface so that they won’t move while using a sawblade. Additionally, adding extra weight to the boards will help hold them in place during sawing operations.
Using a level to set the board perpendicular to the saw will also ensure precision cuts. When utilizing a circular saw or chop saw, setting the depth properly for cutting is also important for successful results. Finally, it’s always wise to practice making cuts on scrap pieces of flooring material before committing to actual project cuts.
Maintenance and Care for Saw Blades
After completing your project of cutting engineered wood flooring, it is important to take care of the saw blade used. Regular maintenance and periodic inspections will maintain optimal performance and extend the life of the saw blade. Be sure to properly clean, lubricate, and store the blade after each use to ensure that it will be ready for future projects.
Maintenance tips: -Always clean the saw blade before and after each use by wiping away any dust, dirt or debris with a soft cloth or brush. -Lubricate moving parts with a few drops of oil – this will help keep them from becoming dirty or rusty over time. -Inspect for dullness – if you notice any noticeable wear or chipping on the blades, replace them as soon as possible in order to prevent any uneven cuts or slippage when cutting material. -Store in a cool dry place – if you are not using your saw, it is important to properly store it away from direct sunlight in order to avoid oxidation which can cause rust build up on the blade and become a hazard during operation. -Sharpen blades as needed – sharpening should only be done occasionally as oversharpening can lead to blade failure due to excessive stress on its components. If necessary, always sharpen with a professional service provider equipped with high quality diamond grit files that match your particular saw’s design specifications.
Cleaning
Before attempting to cut engineered wood flooring, it is important to make sure that you have a clean surface. Debris and dust can get lodged between the floor boards and cause unwanted friction or pressure on the blades of saws. To protect your saw blades from potential damage, take the necessary time to sweep or vacuum the flooring in order to remove any existing dirt or debris before making cuts.
It is also important to be alert during cutting, as it’s possible that small particles can travel underneath your workpiece and come into contact with the blade. It’s best practice to keep a dustpan nearby throughout the duration of your project in order to contain any mess created by cutting.
Sharpening
Regular sharpening is key to prolonging the life of blades and saws. Dull blades are inefficient, resulting in imbalanced cuts that can create a hazardous environment for workers and spoil materials. With too much use or strain, a saw blade can become damaged beyond repair and require a replacement. While new blades may be expensive, regular sharpening helps keep them in optimal condition for longer.
The type of saw blade you select should depend on the material on which you’re working. A table saw is best suited for cutting engineered wood flooring as it can provide a clean and precise cut without leaving jagged edges behind. However, when shopping for a table saw knife it is important to remember that not all blades are created equal – there are different grades of steel offered with varying levels of hardness as well as tooth design and thickness, with some made specifically for cutting engineered wood flooring and some made more generally for multiple purposes.
To ensure your cuts are clean and accurate you should ensure your saw blade is in top condition by regularly cleaning it of any residue or dust buildup as well as occasionally sharpening the blade if needed. It is worth contacting an expert or specialist to take this step if you believe your blades need special care that you cannot provide yourself. However where possible it may be more cost-effective to sharpen the blade at home provided you have access to proper tools such as diamond abrasive stones (for sharpening the teeth) or grinding wheels (for sharpening edges).
Conclusion
Now that you know the importance of the right saw blade for cutting engineered wood flooring, it’s time to get the job done. The type of saw used, along with the materials and tooth design of the blade, are vital factors in ensuring a successful cutting experience.
When making your saw blade selection, be sure to double-check that your desired blade is compatible with your chosen saw and follows all safety precautions. Once you’ve found the best option for your project requirements, you have everything you need to start cutting and enjoy beautiful results.
Good luck and happy woodworking!
FAQ’s
What is the best saw blade for cutting hardwood flooring?
A saw blade with carbide-tipped teeth and a high tooth count is best for cutting hardwood flooring.
Which saw cuts are used to produce engineered wood?
Rotary saw cuts and slicing saw cuts are commonly used to produce engineered wood.
What is the best way to cut engineered wood flooring?
A saw blade with a high tooth count and a slow cutting speed is best for cutting engineered wood flooring.
How do I choose a wood saw blade?
Consider the type of wood you will be cutting, the blade diameter, tooth count, tooth shape, and the saw’s RPM when choosing a wood saw blade.
What kind of saw blade do I need to cut flooring?
A saw blade with a high tooth count and a carbide-tipped design is best for cutting flooring.
How many teeth does a saw blade cut hardwood?
A saw blade with 40-80 teeth is ideal for cutting hardwood, but the exact number of teeth required depends on the thickness and density of the wood.
What kind of circular saw blade for hardwood floors?
A circular saw blade with a high tooth count and a carbide-tipped design is best for cutting hardwood floors.
Is more teeth on a circular saw blade better?
In general, a circular saw blade with more teeth provides a smoother and finer cut, but it also means a slower cutting speed.
What are the different types of wood cutting blades?
Different types of wood cutting blades include rip blades, crosscut blades, combination blades, and specialty blades.
What are the different types of wood cuts for flooring?
Different types of wood cuts for flooring include plain sawn, quarter sawn, rift sawn, and live sawn.
See Also:
- Best wet saw blade for porcelain tile
- Best tile saw blade
- Best thin kerf table saw blade
- Best table saw blade for ripping hardwood
- Best table saw blade
