Can You Put a Carbide Blade on an Abrasive Saw

Published on: June 2, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by David Rowan

Abrasive saws, also known as cut-off saws or chop saws, are circular saws used to cut hard materials like metals. Cutting stainless steel with an abrasive cut-off saw is also a breeze. An abrasive disc, which looks like a narrow grinding wheel, performs the cutting action.

It may not be the best idea to use a carbide blade on an abrasive saw for cutting wood or other soft materials like plastic, copper, or aluminum, but it is possible. On steel or iron, the blade would not survive long, but it would cut some since carbide is considerably tougher than mild steel.

Can I Use a Carbide Blade on a Dewalt Chop Saw?

Only carbide-toothed blades are compatible with the Dewalt chop saw. The dirt and grit created by an abrasive blade or diamond wheel are particularly harmful to Dewalt chop saws and will cause the engine to fail prematurely. When used with the right carbide tooth blade, Dewalt chop saws can cut wood, plastic, and non-ferrous metals like aluminum and bronze.

Can You Put a Metal Blade on a Chop Saw?

Yes, if you have the proper blade. It’s best to use a carbide “steel cutting” blade. It’s a high-grade carbide that’s significantly tougher than standard wood-cutting carbide.

Although we advocate using a diamond blade designated as a ferrous-metal-cutting blade, many professionals have had success with a conventional masonry diamond blade.

The best steel cutting blade for a chop saw is a ferrous metal circular saw blade. You should not use a standard wood-cutting blade since it will rapidly corrode. When you use a ferrous metal blade, you know you’re getting the best blade for the task.

Can a Circular Saw Blade Be Used on a Chop Saw?

Yes, you may use the metal chop saw to cut wood or other soft materials, such as plastic, copper, or aluminum. The blade would not survive long on steel or iron, but it would cut some since carbide is considerably sterner than mild steel. 

Types of circular saw blades for cutting various metals:

Non-ferrous Material

Non-ferrous blades with a carbide tip are perfect for cutting aluminum and other softer metals such as lead, brass, and bronze. If you’re going to use this sort of blade, be sure it has an anti-kickback design.

Ferrous Metal

If you have a work or a project that needs you to use your circular saw on steel, I strongly advise you to invest in an abrasive blade. For cutting steel and tougher materials, these are the finest options.

You risk ruining your circular saw if you use the wrong saw blade.

Can You Put a Toothed Blade on a Chop Saw?

You’ll probably be satisfied with a top-grade 40-tooth all-purpose blade for crosscutting timber and most plywood. If you can afford it, leverage a good 80-tooth chop saw blade and switch it to your table saw when you need to do the best crosscuts or panel cutting.

What Tpi Is Ideal for Metal Cutting?

Thinner metals, such as sheet metal, necessitate a finer cut. Use bi-metal blades with a TPI of 18-24. Use 14–18 TPI bi-metal blades for thicker metals like steel pipe, angle irons, or tubing. A blade with an 8–10 TPI is ideal for aluminum.

Can You Cut Steel With a Carbide Blade?

Carbide metal cutting blades come in various diameters and profiles to cut ferrous and non-ferrous metals. All forms of metal construction items, such as steel siding, roofing, steel studs, and other construction steel, may be cut using ferrous metal blades.

Tungsten carbide, often known as “carbide” in the construction industry, is three times tougher than steel and cuts steel cleanly when used on circular saw blades, reciprocating saw blades, and grinder discs.

Wrap Up

Only carbide-toothed blades are compatible with the Dewalt chop saw. It may not be the best idea to use a carbide blade on an abrasive saw for cutting wood. The best steel cutting blade for a chop saw is a ferrous metal circular saw blade. It would help if you did not use a standard wood-cutting blade since it will rapidly corrode. A top-grade 40-tooth all-purpose blade is ideal for cross cutting timber and most plywood.

Use 14–18 TPI bi-metal blades for thicker metals like steel pipe, angle irons, or tubing. Carbide metal cutting blades come in various diameters and profiles to cut ferrous and non-ferrous metals. All forms of metal construction items, such as steel siding, roofing, steel studs, and other construction items, may be cut using ferrous metal blades.