An oscillating saw, multi-tool, or oscillating multi-tool is a power tool available in both cordless and corded versions. It operates by oscillating the blade from side to side, rather than rotating or reciprocating. The blades come in various shapes and serve different purposes. You can accomplish various tasks by replacing them or their accessories.
This post primarily explores the different types of oscillating saw blades from three aspects: material, application, and purpose. After understanding them, you can choose the right one for your tasks and requirements.
Type by Material
Bi-Metal
The bi-metal (BIM) oscillating tool blades are made from two metals, typically high-speed steel and a softer steel. Therefore, they combine durability and flexibility. It is highly effective for cutting wood with nails, metal, steel, or plastic pipes. Additionally, it is used for cutting fiberglass, non-ferrous metals, and drywall.
Carbide-Tipped
The carbide-tipped oscillating saw blades feature excellent durability and wear-assistance, suitable for cutting wood, metal, and plastic. Even when cutting hard materials, they maintain long-lasting sharpness. Therefore, they are widely used in construction sites, large workshops, and other environments demanding high precision and strength.
Dimond Grit
The diamond grit multi-tool blades are harder than the carbide blades, ideal for cutting the hardest materials, including ceramic tiles, granite, and concrete. They don’t have blade teeth but are coated with a layer of diamond particles. These blades are expensive due to their exceptional hardness and durability. If you are a construction professional, investing in them is worth it.
Type by Application
Generally, the applicable uses are displayed on the oscillating saw blades, including wood, metal, general purpose (for both wood & metal), wood/plastic, drywall, and more. The following are the most common workpieces to be cut.
Wood: The multi-tool blades for wood always have a deep gullet to minimize tearing. The bi-metal and carbide blades are used for wood cutting, especially hardwoods.
Metal: The blades for metal are designed to cut nails, screws, and metal pipes. The carbide-tipped blades are recommended because of their hardness.
Plastic: The oscillating saw blades for plastic cutting always feature finer teeth to minimize excessive friction and prevent the plastic from melting during cutting. Carbide and bi-metal blades are suitable for it.
Type by Purpose
A wide variety of oscillating saw blades and accessories are available on the market, making the tool versatile. And those blades have 5 key purposes and uses: cutting, sanding, scraping, polishing, and removing grout, tile, and masonry.
a) Cutting
The cutting blades are the most basic type, suitable for cutting various materials. The cutting multi-tool blades have two different shapes: straight and semi-circular.
b) Sanding
The multi-tool for sanding is equipped with a sanding pad, which is used for smoothing surfaces and removing materials. You can choose sandpaper with different grits depending on your sanding needs.
c) Scraping
The scraping blades are good at removing old paint, glue, adhesives, and other materials without damaging the underlying surface. They are perfect for renovation and restoration projects.
d) Polishing
You can do polishing with polishing pad attachments, which are typically made of soft, resilient materials like felt or wool. The polishing blades are often used after sanding to provide a shiny and smooth surface. They are commonly used in woodworking and metalworking.
e) Tile, Grout, And Masonry Removal
The oscillating multi-tool is a good machine to remove tile, grout, and masonry without effort. You can choose carbide-tipped and diamond grit blades, as they are highly effective for processing hard and abrasive materials.
Choose the Right Multi-Tool Blade for You
After reading the content above, you should know that the oscillating saw is a versatile tool. By changing its blade and accessory, you can finish a wide range of tasks, including cutting, sanding, scraping, polishing, and removing materials. It’s time to select the right blade.
FindBuyTool offers 10 different kinds of blades to satisfy your multiple projects for workshops, households, etc. They are all affordable, durable, and sturdy. Whether you are a professional or a DIYer, they won’t let you down.
If you still have any problems with the oscillating multi-tool blade or our product, please leave a comment below with a valid email address, and we will reply to you ASAP.
FAQ About Oscillating Saw Blade Types
#1. What are the different types of oscillating tool blades?
The types of oscillating saw blades can be divided into three groups: material, application, and purpose. By material, there are bi-metal, carbide-tipped, and diamond grit. By application, they can cut wood, metal, plastic, tile, and concrete. By purpose, the oscillating tool blades are designed for cutting, sanding, scraping, polishing, and removing tile, grout, and masonry.
#2. Are all oscillating blades the same?
No, oscillating saw blades are not the same. They come in different applications, materials, shapes, sizes, and uses. And the compatibility of the blades and accessories with the oscillating tool is also essential.
