Why do similar size saws from various manufacturers, often utilize different width blades?
A wider saw blade generates better quality cuts and holds closer tolerances, and also offers extended blade life over a smaller blade, due to its greater beam strength. However, to be effective these wider blades require greater band tension, which certain saw designs cannot maintain. It requires a very rigid and strong saw to stand up to the blade tension requirements (often as high as 65,000 pounds). A fabricated or lightweight saw simply cannot hold the higher tension requirements of a wider blade, and therefore is forced to use a smaller size blade. (Ex: Utilizing a 1 1/2″ blade in lieu of a 1 1/4″ supplies 117% greater beam strength).
