Custom Reciprocating Saw Blade | What You Need to Know

When creating or choosing a custom reciprocating saw blade, consider the following key factors to ensure it’s perfectly suited to your cutting needs:

1. Material Type and Blade Composition

High-Carbon Steel (HCS): Flexible and inexpensive, best for cutting softer materials like wood or PVC.

High-Speed Steel (HSS): Durable, excellent for harder materials like metal, but less flexible.

Bi-Metal: A combination of HCS and HSS, offering flexibility and durability. Ideal for general-purpose blades.

Carbide-Tipped or Carbide-Grit: Extremely durable and perfect for cutting hard materials like fiberglass, masonry, or cast iron.

2. Tooth Design and TPI (Teeth Per Inch)

Coarse Teeth (5-10 TPI): Suitable for faster cuts in wood and other softer materials.

Medium Teeth (10-14 TPI): Versatile for both wood and metal.

Fine Teeth (14+ TPI): Ideal for precise, smooth cuts in metal and other hard materials.

For custom blades, you might want to specify a tooth design that handles specific materials (such as a variable TPI design that offers both speed and smoothness).

3. Blade Length and Width

Shorter blades (4–6 inches) are useful for more controlled cuts, while longer blades (9–12 inches) are designed for deep cuts and demolition work.

Blade width affects stability: thicker blades minimize bending and are better for demolition.

4. Special Coatings or Features

Coatings such as titanium or cobalt can improve blade wear resistance.

Special features like reinforced teeth or unique blade shapes can enhance performance for demanding applications.