What Are Thin Kerf Saw Blades?

What does thin kerf mean?

Kerf is defined as the width of material that is removed by the cutting/sawing process. A thick or full kerf circular saw blade will create a wider slot in the wood you are sawing, therefore, removing more material and creating more dust. Conversely, a thin kerf circular saw blade creates a narrower slot and removes less material.

Why does blade kerf matter?

There are several reasons why the kerf of the blade matters. 

The width (thickness) of the cut affects power consumption. The more material that is removed, the greater the level of resistance and friction leading to an increase in power drain. A thin kerf blade will remove less material, creating less resistance and friction, increasing efficiency and reducing power drain, which is especially important when using a cordless saw. 

The thickness of the cut also changes the amount of wood lost during the cutting process. This is considered important, especially when cutting expensive wood where the user is keen to preserve as much of the material as possible.

The kerf of the blade also affects the amount of dust created. A thick or full kerf blade will create more dust. This is a key factor to consider if you are not in a well-ventilated workspace or you don’t have the right dust extraction. Whilst wood dust is not as harmful as silica dust, it does pose a certain risk to health; inhaling the dust into the lungs for prolonged periods can cause breathing problems and lead to lung diseases.

How do I know if my blade is thin kerf? 

Typically, a thin kerf blade would be between 1.0mm – 2.16mm. However, this depends slightly on the brand and the size of the blade. However, most professional blades will mark the kerf on the blade if the print/etching has worn off. 

If there are no markings on your blade, you can measure the width of the teeth. 

AT DART, all the blades are clearly marked with the kerf and if it is a thin kerf (link) it will tell you, helping you to make the right buying decision every time!

Does the quality matter?

Yes. When considering what blade to buy, especially a thin kerf blade, it is essential to make sure the quality of the blade is high. 

A thin kerf blade means that the body of the blade will also be thinner. If the blade is not made of high-quality steel and not hardened and tempered correctly, it can waiver and cause a poor-quality cut. 

At DART we have invested into our thin kerf range of circular saw blades, and as a manufacturer of accessories for the construction industry professional, we pride ourselves in making sure the body of the blades are hardened and tempered correctly to maintain precision and trueness in the cut. 

Are thin kerf blades better?

Yes, if you are using a cordless saw or are cutting expensive wood and want to preserve as much of the wood as possible. 

However, thin kerf saw blades are not necessarily better. In fact, there are times when you will want to avoid using a thin kerf saw blade. Especially if you are using a powerful corded saw and want a very straight, accurate cut. This is when you would want to use a full/thick kerf blade. A full kerf blade will not waiver at all. 

When should I use a thin kerf saw blade?

Usually, it is best to stick to the blade size and thickness that is recommended for the saw. Good quality saws will tell you this. 

However, if you are using a cordless circular saw then you will want to use a thin kerf blade in order to preserve the battery life of the saw.

Also, a lot of professional joiners who are cutting through expensive wood may prefer to stick to a thin kerf saw blade however I would make sure that the saw I was using was suitable for a thin kerf blade. 

Should I always use a thin kerf blade on my cordless machine?

You are best to stick to a thin kerf for your cordless machine in most situations. Most manufacturers will in fact, recommend a thin kerf blade for best compatibility and machine run-time & efficiency. If you can reduce the friction when sawing, you will reduce the drain on the battery and make the battery last longer – it is as simple as that!

We love to see our DART products in action! Be sure to tag DART Tool Group on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to share your experiences of the DART circular saw blades! Alternatively, find your nearest DART stockist online and get our premium thin kerf saw blades delivered direct to your door.

Gemma Cowley | DART Tool Group