Introduction
Installing luxury vinyl plank is a popular flooring option for modern-day homes, and for good reason! It’s affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. However, cutting luxury vinyl planks to fit your floor can be a tricky task. To accomplish this, you need to have the right tool and a good-quality blade. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at jigsaw blades for luxury vinyl plank, helping you to choose the best one for your flooring project.
Understanding Your Jigsaw Blade
A jigsaw blade has teeth that are set at different angles and distances from one another, creating different levels of aggressiveness and precision, depending on your cutting needs. Choosing the wrong jigsaw blade for your flooring project can lead to splintering, chipping, or uneven cuts.
Blade Material
Jigsaw blades for luxury vinyl plank are made of three different types of material carbide, bi-metal, and high-speed steel (HSS). Carbide blades are the most durable and retain their cutting edge for a long time. For cutting luxury vinyl planks, carbide jigsaw blades are the best recommendation.
Tooth Count and Style
Each jigsaw blade has a different tooth count and style that determines its effectiveness for cutting luxury vinyl plank. The ideal blade for cutting luxury vinyl plank should have a low tooth count and coarse teeth. Coarse teeth will cut the vinyl without melting the edges.
Blade Width
When it comes to blade width, the thinner the blade, the better it is for cutting luxury vinyl plank. A thin blade can make precise and narrow cuts without damaging the material.
Blade Shank
The shank is that part of the jigsaw blade that fits into the jigsaw’s chuck. When choosing a jigsaw blade for luxury vinyl plank, make sure to check that the shank’s size matches your saw's chuck size. Most of the jigsaw blade shanks are T-shank or U-shank.
Blade TPI
The blade TPI (teeth per inch) refers to the number of teeth on the blade. The higher the TPI, the smoother the cut. However, for cutting luxury vinyl plank, a lower TPI is more effective, typically 8-10 TPI.
Blade Cutting Angle
The cutting angle of a jigsaw blade determines how aggressive the blade will cut. A steeper cutting angle will cut faster, but it may be challenging to control, whereas a lower cutting angle may produce a smoother cut.
Blade Add-On Features
Some jigsaw blades come with extra features like guide rollers, which can help you make precise cuts without worrying about the blade wandering or damaging the material.
Blade Price
Jigsaw blades for luxury vinyl plank come in different prices. Always choose a blade that meets your requirements and, at the same time, fits your budget.
Conclusion
Choosing the right jigsaw blade for your luxury vinyl plank will make the installation process more manageable, efficient, and accurate. Remember to pick a blad that is carbide, have coarse teeth, thin, and with low TPI count. With the above guidelines, you can confidently make the correct choice for a perfect cut!
