Starrett is a leading brand recognized for producing high-quality, precision saw blades, that are perfect for professional use. Each Starrett cutting blade can smoothly cut through the toughest materials - including wood and metal. However, there are some best practices that you can keep in mind, such as ensuring the right Starrett cutting blade sizes, to guarantee optimal efficiency and safety while cutting.

Here are some tips to remember if you work with Starrett blades or plan on using one for your construction projects.

1. Choosing the Right Blade

Starrett offers a wide range of cutting blades, designed for different materials and purposes. The first step in ensuring clean cuts is using the correct blade for your project. Here are some features you should pay attention to when choosing a Starrett cutting blade:

• Blade Teeth

The number of blade teeth affects how smoothly it can cut through different materials. Generally, the more teeth the blade has, the smoother it will cut through materials with a cleaner finish.

The number of teeth will also differ according to the Starrett cutting blade sizes. Additionally, if you are working with a finer material then opt for a blade with more teeth and while cutting through a thicker material - choose one with a comparatively lower number of teeth.

• Blade Material

Starrett cutting blades are made of different materials based on their use. Bi-metal or HSS blades are perfect for cutting through both ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Carbide tip blades are perfect for heavy-duty, abrasive cutting.

The Woodpecker range from Starrett is made specifically to cut through the various types of grains and densities of wood.

2. Identifying the Correct Blade Speed

It is crucial to match the speed of the blade to the material it is cutting. If the blade is working at a higher speed than required, it might be at risk of overheating and getting damaged. If the blade is cutting at a slower speed then it might not cut as efficiently.

Depending on whether you are cutting metal or wood, the speed of each Starrett cutting blade will change accordingly, to ensure you get a smoother, more efficient cut.

3. Secure & Tighten the Blade

Always choose the right Starrett cutting blade sizes based on the machine, to ensure it fits well. Properly align the blade and secure the blade into the machine to reduce vibration. If the blade is not secured tight enough, the cutting efficiency will reduce and you might end up with rough edges, a broken blade or worse - an injury.

Similarly, don’t over-tighten the blade or it will cause uneven cuts and the blade might bend.

4. Maintain Correct Feed Rate

The feed rate in construction refers to how quickly you push the blade into the material. Let the blade cut through the material and avoid forcing the material through the blade with unnecessary force. It might lead to sloppy work and rough edges and you will not be able to achieve clean results this way.

If the blade is unable to cut through a material, it might not be the right blade for it. Only use the blade meant for the material because using the wrong types of blade or the wrong Starrett cutting blade sizes can lead to the blade getting damaged or breaking.

5. Regular Blade Maintenence

To increase the longevity of Starrett blades, it is important to follow through with some daily maintenance rituals according to the blades. Here are some common maintenance tips you can follow:

• Clean it regularly: Wipe the blades after every use to remove debris. It helps to increase the durability of the blade. 
• Ensure proper storage: Place the blade in a cool and dry place to avoid corrosion. Use blade covers when not in use to avoid accidents and injury.
• Sharpen for longevity: Lubricate and sharpen the blade periodically to increase its efficiency and durability.
• Inspect before use: Closely inspect the blades before starting work. Look for chips and damage and replace them if necessary to avoid injuries.

Good tool maintenance practice helps you in the long run since you are able to catch minor damages early, which could have affected the efficiency of the blade. Moreover, it will also help you keep an eye on any issues that might arise in the future.

Conclusion

Starrett is well-known as one of the leading designers of cutting blades. Each blade’s full potential can only be realised if you use it while keeping some best practices in mind. Following these tips will help you ensure good cutting efficiency and increase the longevity of each blade by minimising damage.

If you are looking to buy Starrett cutting blades, visit your nearest FK Tools store, so our guides can help you choose the ones that accurately fit your needs. From selecting the right Starrett cutting blade sizes to choosing the right material, we will ensure you have the correct Starrett blades at your disposal.