Chamfering Blades: A Complete Guide to Bevel Cutting Woodworking Tools

An Introduction to Chamfering Blades

For woodworkers, chamfering blades are an indispensable tool. Chamfering, also known as canting or beveling, is the process of cutting off the edge or corner of a material at a 45 degree angle. This creates a beveled edge that serves both decorative and practical purposes. Chamfering blades make quick work of adding elegant beveled edges to wood pieces.

What is a Chamfering Blade?

A chamfering blade is a special type of table saw blade designed specifically for creating chamfered edges. The teeth on the blade are arranged at a 45 degree angle so that when the blade cuts into the edge of a board, it automatically cuts a beveled edge. Chamfering blades have around 40 teeth and produce a smooth beveled surface.

Chamfering blades come in different sizes depending on the maximum depth of cut you need. Common sizes are 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch depth blades. Make sure to select a blade that will allow you to chamfer as deeply as needed for your project.

Advantages of Using a Chamfering Blade

Using a dedicated chamfering blade has several advantages over trying to chamfer edges with a standard table saw blade:

• Clean 45 degree angles - The angled teeth ensure the bevel will be cut true to 45 degrees every time.
• Smooth, even bevels - Chamfering blades leave a smooth, consistent beveled surface, not rough and uneven like standard blades.
• No setup needed - Beveling with a chamfering blade requires no angled fence or other special setup.
• Safety - The blade guard and riving knife can remain on for safety when chamfering.
• Speed - Chamfering can be performed quickly by simply running boards through the blade at the edge.

Types of Chamfering Blades

There are a few different types and styles of chamfering blades:

• Standard chamfering blades - These have a flat top grind with teeth arranged at 45 degrees for uniform chamfering. They can make bevels approximately 1/2-inch deep.
• Deep chamfering blades - For chamfers deeper than 1/2-inch, blades are available with a higher tooth set to allow for 3/4-inch or 1-inch deep chamfers.
• Micro-bevel chamfering blades - These special blades cut a standard 45 degree chamfer along with a smaller 20 degree "micro-bevel" along the edge. This strengthens the edge.
• Double chamfering blades - As the name implies, these blades can cut two chamfers at once by chamfering both the face and the edge of a board in a single pass.

How to Use a Chamfering Blade

Chamfering with a dedicated blade is a quick and easy process:

1. Install the chamfering blade making sure it's set to 45 degrees and the teeth point toward the fence side.
2. Adjust blade height to slightly higher than the thickness of the material you are chamfering.
3. Optionally install a sacrificial fence to prevent damage to the saw fence.
4. Run boards through with the edge against the fence to cut the bevel.
5. Make multiple passes taking only a little material per pass for a smooth chamfer.
6. Use a hold-down to secure boards as you chamfer.
7. Take light passes when approaching the final dimension to sneak up on the chamfer.

Always feed material slowly and safely through the blade. Chamfering along the edges of multiple boards can be done quickly to add decorative beveled edges to projects.

Chamfering Blade Tips

To get the most out of your chamfering blades and achieve high quality chamfered edges, keep these tips in mind:

• Use a slow feed rate so the blade cuts the end grain cleanly without tearing out.
• Take light passes, only removing 1/32-inch or less per pass.
• Joint one edge perfectly straight before chamfering.
• Use a sacrificial fence or chamfering guard for the best results.
• Apply masking tape to the fence where the board contacts it to prevent scratches.
• Shape a piece of MDF or plywood to use as a chamfering sled if needed.
• Be aware the chamfer may not be exactly 45 degrees due to runout - test on scrap first.

Maintenance and Safety

As with all saw blades, proper maintenance and safety practices are crucial when using a chamfering blade:

• Inspect blades for damage and sharpen or replace as needed.
• Use saw guards, splitters, push sticks and other safety equipment.
• Avoid freehand chamfering - use the fence to guide the material.
• Allow the blade to reach full speed before starting cuts.
• Stay focused and never become complacent when using sharp power tools.

With good blade maintenance and safe operating procedures, chamfering blades can deliver excellent results quickly and safely.

Chamfering Blade Uses

Chamfering blades have many great uses around the wood shop. The most common uses include:

Decorative Edges

Adding a beveled edge is a simple way to decorate and enhance the appearance of table tops, shelves, cabinets, and other projects. Consistent 45 degree chamfers look sharp and professional on any woodworking project.

Edge Profiles

By chamfering the long edges and ends of boards, different edge profiles can be created. A common profile is a "lamb's tongue" where the ends are beveled but the long edges are square.

Smooth Corners

Chamfering hard square corners and edges smooths them out and prevents splintering. Leaving exposed plywood edges square can lead to splintering as the veneer layers separate.

Joinery

Cutting chamfers on the ends of boards allows for tighter joinery when assembling projects. This can reduce the appearance of gaps as the bevels nest together.

Transition Pieces

Chamfering blades excels at creating hardwood transition pieces from solid wood flooring to other types of flooring. The beveled edge provides a subtle, elegant transition.

Door Edge Beveling

Chamfering the long edges of doors prevents binding against jambs while still allowing a tight fit. This is easier than trying to hand plane a consistent bevel along the edge.

Tips for Successful Chamfering

Follow these tips when chamfering with a dedicated blade for best results:

Joint One Edge First

Before beveling the edges, joint one edge perfectly straight. This ensures the chamfer will be uniform when guided by the fence.

Work With Long Boards

Use longer boards whenever possible as they chamfer more safely and evenly than short boards. Use extenders or roller stands for long boards.

Watch Out for Snipe

Hold-downs can cause snipe or gouges at board ends as they chamfer. Use scrap wood "feeder boards" against the fence to prevent this.

Use a Sacrificial Fence

Clamping a sacrificial board to the fence prevents the workpiece from scratching it and also reduces tearout.

Take Light Cuts

Set the blade just high enough to start removing material and make very light passes about 1/32" deep. This ensures a smooth chamfer.

Sneak Up on Final Size

Take your last 1-2 passes very lightly to precisely approach the bevel size you want without cutting too deep.

Sand Before Assembly

Sand chamfered edges smooth before joining together or you won't be able to sand them properly once assembled.

How to Buy a Chamfering Blade

When buying a chamfering blade, consider these factors:

Teeth and Tooth Count

Look for a triple chip grind blade with small teeth. Blades have between 40 and 80 teeth usually. More teeth provide a smoother chamfer.

Diameter

Standard 10 or 12 inch diameter blades are commonly used. Smaller 6-8 inch diameters work for light chamfering.

Arbor Size

Make sure the blade arbor matches your saw arbor. Most chamfering blades have a 5/8" or 1" arbor hole.

Maximum Depth of Cut

Choose a blade that can make a chamfer slightly deeper than you need for your project.

Materials Used With

Make sure the blade is rated to cut the types of material you plan to chamfer such as hardwood, softwood, plywood.

Price

Blades range from $20 for basic types up to $100 or more for premium brands. Generally $40-60 gets a very good quality chamfering blade.

Best Practices

• Always use proper safety gear like eye and ear protection.
• Check your saw setup carefully before chamfering. Ensure the blade is set square and fences are aligned.
• Work slowly, never rush cuts, and give the blade time to come to full speed before starting.
• Keep the inside of the cut path free of sawdust buildup to reduce burning.
• Sharpen your chamfering blades regularly for optimal performance.
• Listen for changes in cutting sound that may indicate a dulling blade.
• Consider applying paste wax to blades and table surfaces to reduce friction.

Chamfering blades can deliver beautiful, consistent beveled edges with just a little practice. Follow these tips to master the art of chamfering and take your woodworking projects to the next level!

FAQs

What is the best blade for chamfering wood?

The best blades for chamfering and creating beveled edges on wood are specific chamfering blades. These have teeth arranged at 45 degrees to cut perfect angles every time. Look for a triple chip grind blade with 40-80 teeth.

Can I use a dado blade to chamfer wood?

You can chamfer wood with a dado blade stack by angling the arbor and setting up an angled auxiliary fence. However, this is a much more complicated and less precise method compared to using a dedicated chamfering blade.

What angle is a chamfer cut?

A chamfer cut is typically made at an angle of 45 degrees. This creates the most common standard chamfer. However, chamfers can technically be cut at any angle depending on the look you want.

Is it better to chamfer before or after assembly?

It is best to chamfer all your wood pieces before assembly. Trying to chamfer after assembly is extremely difficult and dangerous without special equipment. Chamfering before allows you to sand properly too.

Can you chamfer plywood?

Yes, plywood can be chamfered just like solid wood using a chamfering blade. Take it slow to avoid splintering the plywood veneer. Use masking tape on the fence and a sacrificial fence board for best results.