he jewelers saw blade is probably one of the least understood tools used in making jewelry, and hopefully the following information will help solve the mystery that seems to haunt many. The most critical thing we need to consider is the ratio of the number of saw teeth to the thickness of the material to be cut. I have included a list of saw blade sizes and the minimum thickness of material for which each blade should be utilized. The accompanying sketches should also help clarify any misconceptions regarding the mystery of which saw blade should be used. Many times I have heard, "I always use a number 2 blade" or "I break more blades than anyone I know," and I presume that the person who uses only a number 2 saw blade must always cut metal that is 17 gauge or thicker, and that the person who breaks too many blades would reduce the number of broken saw blades by selecting the proper blade.

Selecting the proper saw blade is merely using a saw blade that is properly matched to the material being cut. The saw blade should have two (2) teeth engaged in the metal at all times during sawing as shown on sketch "A."

I prefer to have a 2-1/2 tooth engagement as shown in sketch "B." Sketch "C" shows a typical problem where the saw blade is too coarse for the material being cut. The probability of breaking the blade is great, and if somehow the blade doesn't break, the accuracy of the cut will surely suffer.

Another problem I have noticed with saw blades is that many times someone will purchase "cheap" saw blades. People who buy them get less than they pay for as these saw blades are usually brittle and break quite easily. Also, I have tried some of the inexpensive saw blades that, even though they were new, were dull and wouldn't cut properly. I prefer to spend my time making jewelry and not continuously changing blades. I'm sure that in the long run I save money by purchasing the higher priced and higher quality saw blades. I know the frustration level certainly is less. The following list shows the coarsest saw blade which should be used with various thicknesses of material. If a compromise must be made because you don't have a certain size blade, use the next finer saw blade. I am sure you will notice that you are not using as many saw blades for your projects.

It is a good idea to keep your saw blades identified by number. I keep mine in separate little envelopes with the saw blade number written on each envelope.