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Blade Size Guide

TCT Saw Blade OD, Bore and Kerf Guide: How to Match Blade Size to the Machine and Workpiece

Industrial guide to TCT saw blade OD, bore, kerf and plate thickness, with real specification examples and practical checks for metal cutting machines.

Practical takeaway:

OD, bore and kerf are the first three specifications to check because they decide whether the blade fits the saw, whether it runs safely and how much material and force the cut will consume.

OD, bore and kerf are not just dimensions

Many TCT saw blade inquiries start with a short size such as 355 x 25.4 x 90T. That usually means a 355 mm outside diameter, 25.4 mm bore and 90 teeth. But a complete size check should also include kerf, plate thickness, pinholes if any and maximum RPM.

In metal cutting, size specifications affect safety and cutting economics. OD changes surface speed. Bore controls mounting accuracy. Kerf changes cutting force and material loss. Plate thickness affects stiffness and clearance.

OD, bore and kerf definitions

TermIndustrial definitionWhat to check before buying
ODOutside diameter of the blade.Machine guard clearance, cutting capacity, speed range and replacement blade size.
BoreCenter hole that sits on the arbor or spindle.Exact arbor diameter, reducer ring policy, pinholes and flange support.
KerfWidth of the cut created by the carbide tips.Material loss, chip volume, machine power, feed stability and finish target.
Plate thicknessSteel body thickness behind the tips.Blade stiffness, side clearance and whether the body rubs after the tooth passes.
PinholesDrive holes or locating holes used on some machines.Pitch circle diameter, hole diameter and number of pinholes.

Real size examples from public catalogs

ExamplePublished specification patternWhat it teaches
Evolution thin steel blade355 mm diameter, 25.4 mm bore, 90 teeth and narrow kerf.Portable and chop-saw blades often put diameter, bore and tooth count directly in the product name.
DRYTECH metal cutting rangeExamples include 305 mm, 355 mm, 405 mm, 455 mm, 560 mm and 630 mm blades with different bore, kerf and tooth counts.As diameter grows, bore and kerf often change with machine class and blade stiffness requirements.
Iwasaw metal TCT blade tableThe table uses columns for kerf, bore and teeth.Industrial buyers expect blade size data in a structured specification table, not only in product photos.
Do not force a wrong bore

A saw blade with the wrong bore can run off-center, create runout, damage the tips and become unsafe. If a reducer ring is used, it must be appropriate for the machine and blade design.

How kerf changes the cutting process

Kerf directionPossible benefitPossible risk
Thinner kerfLower material loss, lower cutting force and easier entry on some machines.May have less stiffness and can be more sensitive to vibration or poor clamping.
Wider kerfMore clearance and potentially stronger tooth/body support.More material removed, higher load and more chip volume to evacuate.
Wrong kerf for riving knife or guideNone.Can cause binding, rubbing or safety problems on machines that require matching accessories.

Blade size checklist for RFQ

  1. Send the existing blade marking and a photo of the blade label.
  2. Confirm OD in mm or inches.
  3. Confirm bore and any reducer ring requirement.
  4. Measure or provide kerf and plate thickness.
  5. Confirm pinholes, keyways or special mounting pattern.
  6. Confirm saw brand, model, RPM and cutting capacity.
  7. Add material grade, workpiece shape and wall thickness so the size can be matched to the application.

Need a replacement blade size checked?

Send your current blade marking, machine model and workpiece details. Ciswerk can help check OD, bore, kerf, tooth count and application match before quotation.

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Sources Used

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