You can get the most out of your circular saw if you choose a high-quality blade. A particularly 6 1/2-inch circular saw blade is suitable for cutting a wide range of materials, including wood and metal. Cuts are clean and precise with the right blade. A decent circle blade, for example, can cut wood, laminates, metals, plastic and other materials. There are a few key characteristics of the best 6 1/2 circular saw blade to consider before making your selection.
The blades appear to be identical at first glance. Every blade, on the other hand, differs greatly in terms of its characteristics, materials, and functioning. Circular saw blades can be used for a variety of different purposes.
We’ve selected and reviewed the best 6 1 2 circular saw blades so you don’t have to sort through a slew of options to find what you’re looking for. Each of these saw blades has a distinct purpose. Here’s a fast table to help you select the one you need right away.
What is a 6 1/2 Circular Saw Blade?
A 6 1/2 Circular Saw Blade is a circular saw blade with a diameter of 6.5 inches. It’s either a replacement or compatible saw blade for corded and cordless circular saws.
How to install a circular saw blade?
Changing a circular saw blade is no rocket science but it could be daunting, especially if this is your very first time. You can follow the steps we’ve summarized below:
Step 1: First of all, unplug your saw from the wall socket or extension cord it’s connected to. If your saw is cordless, unplug the battery.
Step 2: Rotate the blade to release the locking by pressing down the arbor-lock button.
Step 3: To remove the blade, use the wrench to detach the arbor nut. Turn the wrench to loosen the nut.
Step 4: You can now remove the old saw blade by retracting the upper blade guard of the saw.
Step 5: As you put the new blade on, make sure the blade teeth are pointing in the direction you want the saw to rotate in. Make sure to look at the blade guard arrows if you have any doubts.
Step 6: To tighten the arbor nut, you can use the blade wrench, however, not to overtighten the nut, or it will be locked in the next blade replacement.
Step 7: Remove the diamond insert from a diamond-shaped arbor saw blade by placing the blade on two wood blocks and tapping it out with a hammer.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality 6-½ Inch Circular Saw Blade
Whether it’s a corded or cordless circular saw, investing in a quality 6 1 2 circular saw blade provides you with various benefits. This is certainly more beneficial than keeping changing your saw blades with poor saw blades.
Improve Cutting Efficiency
Tungsten carbide saw blades have a longer life expectancy and a faster cutting speed. Because of their high wear and heat endurance, carbide-tipped saw blades are typically sharper and able to keep their edge for a longer period of time than their steel-tipped counterparts. With greater feed rates, the sharper tip prevents materials from excessively breaking and/or chipping. You’ll save time and money by not having to replace your blade as frequently.
Low Vibration and Friction
Circular saw blades often cause less vibration which will lessen the friction level leading into smoother and finer cutting results than poor-quality saw blades do.
Enhance Cutting Productivity
Circular saw blades are definitely worth the investment if you’re weary of squandering money on those saw blades that don’t last very long. For the most part, their sharpness lasts longer. Reducing the frequency of blade changes, allowing you to focus on other critical duties while the saw continues to operate.
Smooth and clean cuts
The edges of the blade can stay sharp for a long period because of its strength and durability. Those clean and smooth cuts can only be made with sharp blades. Because carbide-built tips may stay sharp for a long period, you can use them in a variety of cutting applications. A circular blade’s accuracy cut reduces kerf tear-out, resulting in a smoother, more precise cut. In addition to saving time and money, you also reduce your material waste.
More Durable
The circular saw blades can actually be used thousands of times before they need to be replaced. When it comes to cutting times, you’ll have an advantage over your competition because you won’t have to change your blade as frequently. Keep being productive while your competitors change their saw blades again and again.
Types of circular saw blades
There are various types of circular blade saws that refer to their functions for cutting different materials. We’ve found at least ten different types of circular saw blades currently available in the market. These include:
- Crosscutting Blade
- Ripping Blades
- Laminate/Plywood Blade
- Combination/General Purpose Blades
- Finishing Blade
- Thin Kerf Blade
- Dado Blade
- Treated Wood Blades
- Masonry Blades
- Plastic Cutting Blade
- Metal Cutting Blades
- Non-Ferrous Cutting Blades
5 Best 6 1/2 Circular Saw Blade Reviews
1. DEWALT DWA161240
DEWALT has a diverse range of circular saw blades but when it comes to 6 1/2 blades, DEWALT DWA161240 should be in the list. It’s a complete package of circular saw blades either for replacement or improvement. While it’s designed for DEWALT saws, DEWALT DWA161240 can also be installed on compatible saws.
Materials and Construction
Because of its high strength, resistance to wear, and extended life, Tungsten Carbide is the material of choice for the production of these blades. By adding a durable layer, the anti-stick coating reduces the amount of friction and gumming that occurs. You can expect a solid and safe construction from this 6 1/2 blade.
Applications
The blade has a strengthened shoulder, which increases its resistance to impact. You can cut nailed wood with this blade with no problems. However, it doesn’t mean you can cut solid metals with DEWALT DWA161240. Corded and cordless operations are supported by the ergonomic design of this circular saw. It’s best for crosscutting.
Performance and Cutting Results
DEWALT created the blade’s design with a narrow kerf to make the cutting process simpler. As expected, this blade does a great job in cross-cutting wooden materials. However, the overall performance also comes from the precision and calibration of your power saws.
Pros
- Durable
- Wide compatibility
- Versatile
- High cutting performance
- Nice results
- Great value for money
Cons
- A little bit fragile
2. Freud Diablo D0641
Diablo series are special products from Freud since it offers ultimate performance and durability. With 40 teeth on board made from high-density material, Makita B 57342 can cut wood like a hot knife through butter and last way longer than any comparable blade. If you’re looking for a performance 6 1/2 circular saw blade, this is your answer.
Materials and Construction
The Tico Hi-Density carbide that Freud produces has exceptional durability and a cutting life that is up to four times longer than that of standard carbide. Tri-Metal Shock Resistant Brazing is offered for use if the joint needs to endure extremely high impact. Freud Diablo D0641 has an ultra kerf for quick and easy cuts.
Applications
Freud Diablo D0641’s designed for finish and plywood applications while it can extend the use to something around. It can be installed firmly to 5/8 arbor but you can twist out the arbor area to widen the compatibility for the larger arbor. You can use it for handling circular saws, table saws, and other compatible saws.
Performance and Cutting Results
The cutting results of Freud Diablo D0641 are quick and easy to make. The Laser-Cut Stabilizer vents make for quieter, cleaner, and less vibrational cuts. Generally speaking, you can expect a high-performance cutting with less friction and more convenience. However, the performance is also determined by the power saws you’re using with the blade.
Pros
- Durable and reliable
- Cut like a butter
- Efficient, less waste
- Optimizing the saws
- Fine results
Cons
- Need arbor twisting for more compatibility
3. Makita B 57342
Makita B 57342 is a 56T carbide-tipped cordless plunge saw blade that offers high performance and maximum efficiency. It can take up to 9250 RPM but works ideal for a cordless plunge saw. If you have that particular power saw and looking for replacement or improvement, you should consider Makita B 57342 saw blade.
Materials and Construction
Makita B 57342 blade is carbide tipped so it has sturdier and more reliable construction to do the cutting job. On the other hand, the use of fluorine coating results in less pitch buildup, which in turn leads to cleaner cuts. Generally speaking, Makita B 57342 is the best 6 1 2 circular saw blade for plywood that has balanced materials and constructions.
Applications
You can cut wood, MDF, and laminates with this blade on your Makita cordless 6-1/2″ plunge circular saw or other compatible saws. So, as for functionality, it would work perfectly for woodworking and wood-crafting. You can use Makita B 57342 on corded or cordless saws with the compatible blade and arbor size.
Performance and Cutting Results
The slots produced by a laser cutter generate significantly less noise and vibration when you’re cutting workpieces. This definitely provides more cuts per charge, up to a maximum of 140% more than our standard corded plunge saw blade. There’s no doubt that carbide tips ensure consistent performance over time.
Pros
- Woodworking superior
- Gently versatile
- Sharp
- Convenient to operate
- Great value for Makita cordless plunge saw
Cons
- Less compatibility
4. Norske NCSBP210
Norske NCSBP210 is an alloy steel metal cutting saw blade for mild steel, sheet metal, and thin stock. If you’re looking for a saw blade for roofing or siding, Norske NCSBP210 could be the answer. It comes with diamond knockouts that improve the cutting performance of these metal materials.
Materials and Construction
Norske NCSBP210 is six and a half inches in length with 48 teeth which is quite unique right? It’s because the whole construction is designed for cutting, mostly, metal materials. It’s made from alloy steel that can also cut alloy steel material. At this point, don’t worry if you don’t find any laser-cut caves on this body.
Applications
Norske NCSBP210 is undoubtedly manufactured for metal cutting instead of woodworking. Steel roofing, metal siding, steel pipe, and steel studs, as well as other steel building materials, can be cut with high precision with this particular blade. They’re certainly compatible with circular saws, table saws, or even smaller miter saws.
Performance and Cutting Results
Norske NCSBP210 is certainly a high-performance metal cutting circular saw blade. C6 Micro-grain Carbide tips can be cut more readily with the MTCG (modified triple chip grind). Overfeeding, jamming, tooth breakage, and kickback are all prevented by a 0-degree hook angle on the body. If you consistently cut metal materials in your workshop, it’s the very blade you want to invest.
5. Oshlun SBNF 065060
Oshlun SBNF 065060 is a 60T aluminum and non-ferrous metal cutting saw blade. Fitting the 5/8 arbor, the saw blade fits the most compatible power saws assigned as a soft metal cutting workstation in your workshop. If you’re consistently working on these metals, Oshlun SBNF 065060 would do a great job for you.
Materials and Construction
Oshlun SBNF 065060 has a strong body construction that would do its job of cutting non-ferrous metals. The 60 teeth is a proportional application for aluminum cutting with a negative hook angle. The material is carbide C-1 micro grain tungsten and it has vents to keep heat low during cutting workpieces.
Applications
While Oshlun SBNF 065060 is ultimately designed for aluminum cutting, it’s also capable of non-ferrous metals. You can also cut brass, bronze, copper, and other non-ferrous metal materials with this blade. Since it’s specified for the cutting job, don’t use it for cutting woods or other materials. If you have an integrated cutting station, this would become one of your ultimate weapons.
Performance and Cutting Results
Oshlun SBNF 065060 does a great job of cutting aluminum and other non-ferrous metals. The cutting operation can be cooler, thanks to the engineered vents on the construction. The negative angle also helps the cutting operation smoother and easier for the miter saw.
Pros
- Wide compatibility
- Non-ferrous metal
- Smooth operation
- Cooler cutting
- Great value for money
Cons
- Some QC issues
What to look at buying a 6 1/2 circular saw blade
Different circular saw blades can be purchased, but we recommend the best suitable one. You can learn a lot about 6 1/2 circular saw blades by reading this buying guide, which includes all the information you need to make an informed decision. Before making a purchase of a 6 1/2 circular saw blade, consider the following factors.
Slot Design
In addition, slot design must be taken into consideration, as well. Using this product can have an impact on the entire cutting process. Vibrations can be reduced to a minimum with the anti-vibration slot enabled. There is also less noise and warping because of the expansion slots. To combine these two slots, you should look for blades with expansion slots(plugged).
Blade Materials
Circular saw blades can be made from different materials. Generally speaking, carbide saw blades are more reliable and durable but they’re generally more expensive than non-carbide products.
Number of teeth
Because they are so large, the 6 1 2 blade products might come with different numbers of teeth. The number of teeth varies depending on the use. Blades with more teeth will likely produce more precise and finer cuts if you need them.
Corded or Cordless Compatibility
The corded and cordless circular saw blade compatibility should be taken into consideration. You may use it with either a corded or a cordless circular saw with ease. Blades for corded and cordless saws must be purchased separately if you don’t already have them in your toolkit.
FAQ
Is there a universal circular saw blade that I can use for all materials?
Circular saw blades come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each one is designed to work with a specific power saw. You should make sure that the blade you use is appropriate for the material you intend to cut and that it is compatible with the saw you are using.
When to replace a circular saw blade?
Circular saw blades with worn-down, broken, chipped or missing carbide tips should be replaced. Inspect carbide edges for dullness by shining a light over the wear line for any worn signs.
What circular saw blade size is best?
In terms of all-around woodworking projects, the 6 1/2-inch and 7 1/4-inch boards are the most frequent and most practical choices. For cutting materials thicker than three inches, these saws are the best bet. They also come with the most blade options for cutting things other than wood.
Can I install a circular saw blade backward?
Saw blades can be run backward and still cut nicely. However, it’s not a good application in the first place. Running the saw blade backwards increases the risk of saw tips coming off and the entire saw blade coming apart, so it’s best to avoid doing it.
How thick can a 6 ½ circular saw cut?
Up to 2.5 inches of material can be cut using a 6 12 circular saw. You can use it to cut tiny pieces of material for modest woodworking projects.
Are more teeth on a saw blade better?
Tooth density affects the quality of the cut as well as the speed at which material is removed. Ripping cut saw blades have a low number of teeth to quickly remove material down the grain of the wood. Cross-cutting saw blades have a higher number of teeth to achieve smoother cuts.
Final Thoughts
The greatest 6 inch circular saw blade products, as we all know, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In addition, different materials, characteristics, and functions go into making each saw blade. As a result, we must pick the most appropriate option. Thus, we’ve selected some of the best-selling products on the market that you can choose from.
Furthermore, we categorize each product based on its best qualities, so you’ll figure out what you’re looking for in order to find what you’re looking for here in a matter of seconds. If you’re looking for the best 6 1/2 circular saw blade for your projects, look no further than this comprehensive buying guide. As a result, think about your personal tastes and pick one of our top picks. Pick your favorite and add a new level of sophistication to frames and cuttings with your selection.