Choosing a saw blade

• What type of saw are you using? Circular saw, table saw, mitre saw, or radial saw?
• What type of material are you cutting? Wood, plywood, metal, pressed wood, or MDF?
• What type of cut are you making? Lengthwise (rip) or across the grain (crosscut)?
• What is more important? Quality of finish or cutting speed?

Tooth Count

• The higher the tooth count, the finer the cut.
• The lower the tooth count, the faster the cut.
• The thicker the wood, the fewer the number of teeth required.
• Rule of thumb: when the blade is embedded in the wood, two to four of the teeth should be "hidden."
• A higher tooth count is necessary for cutting plastic and metal.

Hook Angle

• Hook angle is positive if the tooth tip leans towards (crosses) the perpendicular line: max. +30°.
• Hook angle is zero if the tooth face lies along the imaginary line: 0°.
• Hook angle is negative if the tooth tip leans away from (does not touch) the imaginary line: max. -7°.
• A steep hook angle (e.g. +22°) is more aggressive and will pull the wood. This type of angle is usually found on table saw blades.
• A low to negative hook angle (e.g. -6°) reduces the blade's pull on the material. This is the type of angle found on blades for mitre saws, radial-arm saws, and circular saws.
• Negative hook angles are essential for cutting metal and recommended for plastic and wood moulding.

Tooth Shape and Configuration

1. FTG: Flat Top Grind

• Flat-faced teeth which cut across the whole width of the saw line (the "kerf").
• Cuts fast (each tooth cuts 100% of the width of the notch) but also leaves a rougher finish.
• Ideal for cutting efficiently along the wood grain and through non-ferrous metals.
• Ideal for demolition work
• Configuration often found on circular saw blades
• Generally durable and economical

2. ATB: Alternate Top Bevel

• Alternating bevel pattern which cuts the wood fibres on one side, then on the other (each tooth cuts on one side only, i.e. 50% of the kerf).
• Does not cut as fast as a flat top grind but provides a better finish.
• Cuts effectively both across and along the grain.
• For cutting wood floor planks, plywood, pine studs and oriented strand board (OSB).
• Typically found on crosscut blades and all-purpose blades.
• Especially effective when used on mitre saws and circular saws.
• Less durable than FTG blades (tend to chip more easily).
• Hi-ATB: High Alternate Top Bevel
• Ultra-clean cut, without splintering.
• For hardwood, plywood, melamine and composites.
• Used mainly with table saws.

3. ATBR: Alternate Top Bevel with Raker

• Groupings of teeth separated by a gullet to facilitate chip removal.
• Each series of teeth usually comprises four alternate top-bevelled teeth and one flat-faced tooth.
• For crosscutting and ripping.
• Smooth cut.
• Good results on all types of wood and wood-based materials.
• Versatile configuration, efficient on all types of saws but especially effective with table saws.

4. TCG: Triple Chip Grind

• Composed of two different-shaped teeth.
• One of the teeth is slightly higher than the other and is bevelled at 45° on both corners, to carve into the material down the centre of the kerf.
• The other tooth has a flat top, which cleans out the material that the bevelled tooth has not removed.
• Keeps overheating to a minimum, which extends the life of the blade.
• Recommended for cutting heat-sensitive materials.
• Cuts smoothly and cleanly through hard materials such as kitchen counters, melamine, hardwood and MDF.
• Can be used to cut aluminum.
• Cuts more slowly than the other configurations.

• Blade diameter: must match the recommended diameter for your saw.
• Arbor diameter: must match the arbor size on your saw.
• Hook angle: follow the recommendations given previously regarding saw types and materials.
• Maximum rotation speed (RPM): must be equal to or higher than the speed specified by the saw manufacturer.
• Number of teeth: the higher the tooth count, the finer the cut, but the slower the cut.
• Tooth configuration: if no information is provided, simply look at the teeth to see how they are shaped.

• What a blade does best is determined by its tooth count, hook angle and configuration.
• Information such as the number of teeth and the recommended use is often indicated on the blade itself or the packaging.
• The higher the tooth count, the finer the cut, but the slower the cut.
• Double-check that the blade can be used with your saw.