For jewellers, the piercing saw is one of the most important and versatile tools on the bench. From cutting intricate patterns in sheet metal to trimming ring shanks or making clean cuts in tubing, the quality of your cut depends heavily on one simple factor: the saw blade you choose. With so many blade sizes and types available, it can feel confusing, but once you understand the basics, selecting the right blade becomes straightforward. In this guide, we’ll cover how to match saw blades to different jobs, how to get the best from them, and which tools to pair them with.
Understanding Saw Blade Sizes
Jeweller’s saw blades are sized using a numbering system that ranges from very fine to coarse:
- Finest blades: 8/0 (pronounced “eight aught”), 7/0, 6/0.
- Medium blades: 3/0, 2/0, 1/0, 0.
- Coarser blades: 1, 2, 3, up to 8.
The higher the “/0” number, the finer the blade. The higher the plain number, the coarser the blade.
Rule of thumb: Always choose a blade that engages at least 2–3 teeth in the metal’s thickness. This prevents snagging and blade breakage.
Matching Blades to Materials
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Thin sheet (0.3–0.8 mm): Use very fine blades (6/0–4/0) for precision and to avoid tearing.
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Medium sheet (1–2 mm): Blades 2/0 to 1 are ideal, giving balance between control and cutting speed.
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Thicker sheet or tubing: Choose coarser blades (2–4) for efficient cutting.
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Hard metals (brass, silver, nickel silver): Slightly coarser blades work best to avoid clogging.
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Delicate patterns in silver or gold: Very fine blades (6/0–2/0) are needed for detail work.
Saw Frames and Tension
The saw frame is just as important as the blade itself. Frames such as those from Knew Concepts provide adjustable tension and ergonomic comfort. Proper tension is essential:
- The blade should “ping” when plucked, like a high guitar string.
- Under-tensioned blades flex and break easily.
- Over-tensioned blades can snap before cutting begins.
Troubleshooting Sawing Problems
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Blades snapping constantly: Check tension, ensure correct blade size, and avoid twisting the blade mid-cut.
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Rough edges: Switch to a finer blade or slow down the cut.
- Wandering lines: Keep your eyes on the drawn line ahead of the cut, not directly on the teeth.
