Learn the importance of circular saw blade anatomy
Tooth design is the determining factor in deciding which blade is best for any application. Here’s a quick overview of how subtle changes in bevel, gullet and kerf affect cutting performance.
Bevel – Teeth can have a single bevel, two bevels or no bevel at all. Types of bevels can alternate from tooth to tooth on a given blade. The bevel is what gives a blade its specific cutting pattern.
Gullet – This is the space between teeth that clears the work piece of chips after the cut. The deeper the gullet, the more efficiently chips are cleared.
Kerf – This is the face of the tooth, where the actual cutting takes place. The pattern of alternating kerfs, known as the grind, decides what applications a blade is best for.
Circular Saw Blade Anatomy – Tooth Grinds
Flat Top Grind (FTG) – best for ripping
Alternate Top Bevel (ATB) – for cross-cutting, cut-off and trimming
Triple Chip Grind (TCG) – perfect for hard, abrasive materials like non-ferrous metals, hardwoods and plastics
Multi-Purpose Carbide Tipped (MCT) – for ripping and crosscutting, miter
Tri-Grind (TRI) – combination grind
Left Trim Grind (3/1) – good finish, one side only
Right Trim Grind (3/1) – good finish, one side only
Solid Surface Grind (SSG) – for extremely dense man-made materials
High 30 degree ATB (MH) – chip-free cuts on melamine and plywood