Circular Saw Blades Training - Gauteng

Objective: 

To equip participants with the technical knowledge, safety understanding, and application skills needed to confidently select, demonstrate, and sell circular saw blades for various materials and cutting tasks.

Modules:

1. Introduction to Circular Saw Blades:
   • What circular saw blades are and where they are used.
   • Overview of saw types: handheld saws, table saws, mitre saws, plunge saws, radial arm saws.
   • Key performance indicators: cut quality, speed, durability, noise levels, and vibration.
     
2. Blade Anatomy & Terminology:
   Participants learn core blade components and what each part influences:
   • Blade Diameter – must match machine capacity.
   • Arbour/Bore Size – correct fitting for safety and precision.
   • Plate (Body) – steel quality, tensioning, stability.
   • Kerf (Cutting Width) – thin kerf vs. standard kerf applications.
   • Tooth Geometry – ATB, FTG, TCG, etc.
   • Gullet Size – chip removal and cutting aggressiveness.
   • Expansion Slots – noise and heat reduction.
     
3. Types of Saw Blade Teeth & Their Uses: 
   Training includes a breakdown of common tooth forms:
   • ATB (Alternate Top Bevel) – clean crosscuts in wood.
     
   • FTG (Flat Top Grind) – fast ripping.
     
   • TCG (Triple-Chip Grind) – aluminium, plastics, laminate.
4. Material-Based Blade Selection: 
   How to match the right blade to the right job:
   • Wood Cutting
   • Rip vs crosscut differences.
   • Blades for hardwood, softwood, plywood, melamine, MDF.
   • Metal cutting
   •  Aluminium-specific blades (TCG)
   • Non-ferrous vs mild steel considerations.
   • Carbide-tipped vs abrasive blades.
     
   • Plastic & Composite Cutting
     
   • Acrylic, PVC, fibre cement, laminate flooring.
     
   • Specialty Cuts
   • Nail-embedded wood solutions.
     
5. Understanding Tooth Count:
   • Low tooth count = faster cuts, rougher finish (ripping).
     
   • High tooth count = cleaner finish, slower cut (crosscutting & fine woodworking).
     
   • How tooth count affects feed rate, machine load, and heat.
     
6. Blade Materials & Technology: 
   Training includes an overview of manufacturing technologies:
   
   • Carbide-Tipped Blades – durability, edge retention.
   • Diamond-Tipped Blades – abrasive materials.
   • High-Speed Steel (HSS) – speciality applications.
   • Laser-cut bodies & noise-reduction slots – precision and low vibration.
     
7. Safety Training
   
   • Correct blade installation (arbour fit, rotation direction).
     
   • Checking for cracks, missing teeth, and warping.
     
   • Proper PPE and safe cutting practices.
   • Kickback prevention strategies.
   • Machine compatibility and RPM limits.
     
8. Usage Techniques & Best Practices
   
   • How to reduce tear-out in laminated boards.
     
   • Feed rate control for cleaner cuts.
   • Reducing vibration and noise.
   • Blade cleaning and pitch removal.
   • How to know when a blade needs sharpening.
     
9. Troubleshooting Common Problems: 
   Participants learn to diagnose
   • Burning or scorch marks.
     
   • Excessive chipping or rough edges.
   • Blade wobble or vibration.
   • Slow cutting or binding.
   • Tooth wear and carbide failure.
     
10. Sales & Customer Guidance: 
    Training for retail or technical sales teams:
    • Asking the right questions to recommend the correct blade.
      
    • Explaining the differences between premium and standard blades.
      
    • Upselling based on longevity, cut quality, and reduced machine load.
    • Educating customers on maintenance and correct usage.
11. Hands-On Demonstration: 
    • Side-by-side comparison of blade types and tooth profiles.
      
    • Real cutting tests on various materials.
      
    • Proper mounting and safety demonstration.
      
12. Certification: 
    Upon completion, participants may receive a Circular Saw Blade Product Knowledge Certificate, demonstrating:
    • Correct material-blade matching.
      
    • Safety and installation competency.
    • Application and troubleshooting knowledge.
      

Outcome: 

After this training, participants will:

• Understand the full range of circular saw blades and their applications.
• Be able to advise customers or colleagues on blade selection confidently.
• Know how to use, maintain, and troubleshoot circular saw blades safely.
• Improve professional credibility and sales effectiveness.