🔧 Slitting Saws & Arbors

Precision Slotting Solutions for Engineers & Manufacturers

Slitting saws are designed for cutting narrow slots, grooves, and parting-off operations with high precision and efficiency. Combined with the correct arbor, they provide a rigid, accurate setup for machining a wide range of materials.

At Protool, we supply a complete range of slitting saws and arbors to suit everything from general-purpose machining to high-performance production environments.

🧠 How to Choose the Right Slitting Saw

Choosing the right slitting saw comes down to material, finish, and cutting speed:

✔ For General Purpose Work

• HSS Slitting Saws
  
• Cost-effective and easy to re-sharpen
  
• Ideal for softer materials and low-speed machining
  

✔ For High Performance & Hard Materials

• Carbide Slitting Saws
  
• Higher cutting speeds and durability
  
• Best for steel, stainless steel, and production work
  

👉 Quick rule:

• Light work → HSS
  
• Heavy / high-speed work → Carbide
  

⚙️ Coarse vs Fine Pitch – Which Do You Need?

Coarse Pitch (Fewer Teeth)

• Faster material removal
  
• Better chip clearance
  
• Ideal for aluminium, plastics, softer materials
  

Fine Pitch (More Teeth)

• Smoother finish
  
• Higher accuracy
  
• Ideal for steel, stainless steel, and precision work
  

👉 Simple guide:

• Roughing → Coarse pitch
  
• Finishing → Fine pitch
  

🔩 Choosing the Right Slitting Saw Arbor (IMPORTANT)

The arbor is just as important as the saw itself.

Key things to check:

1. Bore Size Compatibility

• Must match the slitting saw bore exactly
  
• Common sizes: 8mm, 10mm, 16mm, 22mm
  

2. Shank Size

• Must suit your machine spindle or holder
  
• Impacts rigidity and stability
  

3. Reach / Overhang

• Shorter = more rigid
  
• Longer = better access but less stability
  

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong bore size → causes runout
  
• Too much overhang → vibration + poor finish
  
• Poor clamping → blade slip or breakage
  

👉 Tip: Always keep the setup as rigid as possible.

⚖️ HSS vs Carbide Slitting Saws

HSS

• Lower cost
  
• Easy to sharpen
  
• Best for general use
  

Carbide

• Longer tool life
  
• Higher speeds
  
• Better for tough materials
  

👉 Carbide wins on performance, HSS wins on cost.

🏭 Applications

• Slot cutting
  
• Keyways
  
• Parting-off operations
  
• Thin wall machining
  
• Precision components
  

Used across:

• Automotive
  
• Aerospace
  
• General engineering
  

🚀 Why Buy from Protool?

• Wide range of slitting saws and arbors in stock
  
• Options for every application and budget
  
• Reliable tooling for engineers and manufacturers
  
• Expert support when selecting tooling
  

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is a slitting saw used for?

Slitting saws are used to cut narrow slots, grooves, and perform parting-off operations with high precision.

What is the difference between HSS and carbide slitting saws?

HSS is more affordable and versatile, while carbide offers higher performance, longer life, and faster cutting speeds.

How do I choose the right arbor?

Match the bore size, ensure correct shank size for your machine, and minimise overhang for maximum rigidity.

What pitch should I use?

• Coarse pitch → faster cutting
  
• Fine pitch → better finish
  

Can I use slitting saws on CNC machines?

Yes, they are commonly used on both CNC and manual milling machines.

🔗 Explore the Range

Browse our full selection of:

• HSS slitting saws
  
• Carbide slitting saws
  
• Slitting saw arbors
  
• Indexable slitting systems
  

👉 Get the right setup for your machining application today.