Table of Contents
Introduction
DeWalt chop saws are the best overall type of chop saws used and specifically designed for cutting metals. Normally used on the ground or from a tabletop, a DeWalt chop saw is portable and easily moved from site to site. It can be used to cut metals (ferrous metals too), be it steel studs, angle iron, threaded iron, and more.
A chop saw is simply an electric motorized power tool that allows for cutting repetitive cuts accurately, aided by the circular wheel’s up and down movement attached to a pivot arm. It can only make one type of cut and is used for specialized work. Using a chop saw blade requires the utmost safety and precautions that can lead to injury and wheel breakage if not taken.
A popular confusion is trying to differentiate between a chop saw and a miter saw. Though they are a bit similar in appearance, operate on circular blades. The fact that they are both used on tabletops, the main difference is a chop saw blade can only move up and down, not back and forth, while miter saws (a type of chop saw) are a bit more flexible, as they can be adjusted to cut at various degrees of angles.
A chop saw should also not be mistaken for a circular saw. They both share exact similarities, but the major standing difference is that even though they possess circular blades, they don’t undergo the same movement while in use. The material to be cut can be brought to the circular saw machine, which differs from a chop saw as the blade can only be brought to the material.
DeWalt chop saw makes use of circular blades. The number of teeth on a chop saw edge is indicative of how the machine performs. Usually, blades with more teeth offer a smoother cut, while blades with a smaller number of teeth removed material foster. The number of teeth in a DeWalt chop saw blade is mostly between 14-120 teeth. The blade tooth configuration of the DeWalt chop saw blade is the Triple Chip Grind (TCG) configuration, that alternates between a flat “raking” tooth and an elevated “trapeze” tooth. It has a high positive angle of 20 degrees.
Some Types of DeWalt Chop Saw Blades
Dewalt chop saw blades are built to last and power aluminum and metals. Heavy-duty tungsten carbide tips maintain sharp edges for long life, and an anti-stick rim reduces friction and gum-up.
Dewalt 5-3/8-Inch Circular Saw Blade
The number of teeth is 16. It has an ultra-thin kerf blade that enables cutting. It is made of carbide and has an anti-stick rim that prevents friction.
DeWalt DW35878B0 7-1/4-Inch
It has a tougher tungsten carbide covering and is 24 toothed. It has ribbed heat vents to allow the blade to run cooler, thereby reducing binding. All blades feature a 5/8 Harbor with a diamond knock-out.
DeWalt DW3591B10 Series 20 7-1/4 Inch
It has a total of 18 teeth. Features rock carbide teeth, flush ground teeth, and reinforced shoulder that provides maximum resistance for enhanced durability
DeWalt DW3571 7-1/4 Inch
All blades feature a 5/8inch arbor system with diamond-knock out, are 16 toothed, do not require any battery usage, and have a thin kerf for fast and smooth cutting action. It has the feature of a tougher tungsten carbide too.
DeWalt DW3592B10 7-1/4-Inch
Weighs 108 grams and has a total number of 18 teeth. It is made of tungsten carbide material.
DeWalt Flexvolt DWAFV760 7-1/4-Inch Circular Blade
Designed to give an ultra-fine finish, this blade has a sum of 60 teeth, weighs 0.55 pounds. It measures 8.4 by 0.45 by 9.7 inches. It has a patented body slot design for smooth cuts.
DeWalt FlexVolt DWAFV37243 7-1/4-Inch Circular Blade
The blade has submicron grade carbide teeth for long life, a thin kerf to enable smooth, efficient cuts. For more information on types of blades suitable for chop saws, checkout (Types of Circular Saw Blades)
Key Features
- The blade is engraved with a protective layer of laser
- Extra-hard carbide that ensures that cutting edges stay sharp
- The laser cuts efficiently minimize noises and vibrations for superb surface finish
How to Change DeWalt Chop Saw Blades
Consider the following steps before changing a Dewalt chop saw blade
- Conduct a visual inspection: Remove the blade from the chop saw and visually inspect to see if there’s an accumulation of pitch on the sides of the teeth. Most times, poor cutting performance is a result of an unclean blade. Inspect the blade’s edges for any disfunction or change in the chop saw blade’s appearance; while conducting a visual inspection, be on the watch for obvious signs of damage or wear like broken teeth or chipped carbide tips.
- Using a bright light and magnifying glass, observe the carbide edges’ wear line to know if it has begun to dull. If so, it is due for a change.
- Compare the saw blade against another that you know is sharp and in perfect condition. By this, one knows when the present blade in the chop saw is getting dull.
There is a need to change blades when they become dull or when seeking a finer cut. The timely changing of knives is essential to ensure that it cuts properly without damaging the piece to be machined. Excessive burning, chipping, binding, slow push-through, and increased tear-outs are common signs that indicate a chop saw blade needs to be changed.
Step 1
Do not take the risk of leaving on any electric connection(s) to the chop saw. Even if the machine does not function, always put off the power source because it can lead to a dangerous situation at any point in time if it is connected.
Step 2
In all DeWalt chop saws models, a blade guard keeps it safe from having contact with the fingers while at work. To change the blade, you need to move the blade guard by finding the screws that hold secure the blade guard. Use a wrench to drive the screw and loosen it. Once it is loosened enough, you can move the blade guard upwards to access the blade.
Step 3
Locate the spindle lock in the machine. It is usually found on the right side of the machine. Please find it and push it gently down.
Step 4
After doing all the steps above, now remove the bolt cover from the blade. The bolt cover is what holds the blade securely in operation. Rotate the guard, and you will find a screw called the Phillips-head. Release the blade guard alongside the Philips screwdriver, releasing the bold cover for easy release of the blade changed from the chop saw. Hold the blade and pull the blade carefully until it is removed from the chop saw.
Step 5
On successfully removing the old blade, the new one can be put in place by adjusting it carefully in the right position. On doing this, the blade lockup pin will popup. Using the bolt cover, place it back to its original position, use the screwdriver to secure it. Having followed all these steps, the chop saw is ready for use.
Conclusion
Changing a DeWalt chop saw blade is easy and can be done with little or no supervision at all. Remember to adhere to safety precautions like; wearing safety goggles while applying small force where necessary, having your gloves on when holding, and moving the blade. Always remember to disconnect the chop saw from electricity before changing the blades.
