How to Store Circular Saw Blades? The Complete Guide

There is no denying that storage is an essential aspect of circular saw blade maintenance. Even the finest blades can get damaged if they are not stored correctly. So, whether you're a carpenter, contractor, or CNC expert, you must pack, handle and store your blades properly.

External factors like extreme cold and moisture pose a threat to saw blades. Hence, to preserve their quality and longevity, you'll have to find an effective way to store them. Depending on your work and the number of blades you use, below are a few things you need to consider while storing your saw blades.

Three Factors to Consider When Storing Circular Saw Blades

1. Convenience

The most convenient place to store your saw blade would be near or around your work area. This way, you will be able to identify and grab the blades you need and store the replaced ones in their place.

2. Level of Protection

As a craftsman, you surely want to maximize the effectiveness and durability of your high-quality blades. As such, the storage space for blades should be dry and moisture-free. The collision of blades also reduces their sharpness. So you would want to avoid that as well.

3. Function

Most experts using a CNC milling machine work with dozens of circular saw blades varying in size. Your job would be much easier if you arranged them according to size and dimension. The storage you choose should be able to fit your entire arsenal, from the smallest to the largest blades.

Clever Ways to Store Your Circular Saw Blades

Being a professional, you must already be familiar with the benefits of keeping your workspace organized. You may DIY some of these with the right circular saw blade. If you're looking for better ways to store your saw blades, below are some tips to inspire you.

Pull-Out Drawer

The best part about pull-out drawers is that they take up no extra space in the work area. You can build the drawer in your worktable and keep all your circular saw blades in them. It's the most effective way of storing saw blades when you have little space.

Slide-Out Box

Another great storage option is a slide-out CD-style box. The idea is similar to our storage system to keep compact disks; This neat way of storing hides your saw blades from display while keeping them easily accessible and organized.

Magazine-Style Storage Racks

You can also build a rectangular wooden frame mounted onto your wall to store your saw blades. The structure should have multiple slots to hold each blade individually, as you see in a magazine storage rack. This idea works well if you have a relatively small collection of saw blades.

Knife Block

Another idea is to create a woodblock setup similar to the one you use to store knives in the kitchen. The woodblock should be strong enough to hold the weight of your heavy blades. This way, you can keep your blades displayed.

French Cleat Blade Storage

French cleat storage walls are common in garages and workshops. They are easy to build, and you can reconfigure them as your tool collection grows. The wall will help you hold everything, from a saw to blades and any other tool you require. It's a great storage system for those who use multiple tools regularly.

Other Considerations When Handling Circular Saw Blades

Ship Saw Blades with Care

Whenever you send blades for sharpening or repair, be sure not to pack them together. Blades, when rubbed together, are likely to get chipped. The tip of the blade will be the most affected. So wrap them individually using bubble wrap or other suitable material.

Match the Blade to the Application

Always use the right blade for the job you are doing. For instance, do not use a blade designed for wood to cut plastic or acrylic. Different blades are designed to cut different materials; you should use them only for that purpose. Cutting the wrong materials can damage the blade even if you make only a tiny cut.

Also, never rest circular saw blades on cement or steel surfaces. Metal, when used on cement, can chip the top grind. Better rest them on plywood or plastic. Further, protect your blades from excess humidity as it may lead to rust or pit.

Store Blades in a Carrying Case

A lot of damage to the blades happens during storage or transit. A good carrying case can be the solution to this problem. Get a high-impact plastic carrying case that can hold multiple blades and secure them firmly in place. Investing in a good carrying case is a cost-effective way of protecting your blades.

Use Saw Blades Safely

Apart from storage, proper use of the saw blades can impact their life and performance. The operator's safety should be paramount while using the blade, either manually or in a CNC vertical mill. Make sure the machine is unplugged before installing the blades. Also, remember to wear gloves and use the saw cautiously.

Once you start using the machine, do not overheat it or keep it too low while cutting wood. It can cause the fragments to fly backward and injure you. Safety glasses can protect your eyes in such circumstances.

Clean Your Blades Regularly

Accumulation of dust, sap, grime, and other materials can dull your blade. It could be one of the reasons why your saw keeps stopping. Hence, it would help if you cleaned it from time to time.

Removing grime will reduce friction and improve your performance. However, cleaning the blades requires significant consideration, or you might damage them. Nylon and brass brushes are excellent at cleaning blades. But refrain from using wire for cleaning as it can damage them.

Wrapping up

Proper handling and storage are the keys to your blade's consistent performance. Follow the above guidelines, and you'll find you're blades lasting longer, becoming more efficient than ever.

About the Author:

Vincent Hua

Vincent Hua is the Marketing Manager at TSINFA. He is passionate about helping people understand high-end and complex manufacturing processes. Besides writing and contributing his insights, Vincent is keen on technological innovation that helps build highly precise and stable CNC Machinery.