Make proper Tooth Selection
For maximum cutting efficiency and lowest cost per cut, it is important to select the blade with the right umber of teeth per inch (TPI) for the material being cut. The material size and shape dictate tooth selection.
You need to consider:
The width of the cut. That is, the distance in the cut that each tooth must travel from the point it enters the workpiece until it leave the workpiece, and
1. The shape of the workpiece.
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Squares, Rectangles, Flats ( symbol: › )
locate the width of cut on the chart. (inches on the outer circle and millimeters on the inner circle.) Select the tooth pitch on the ring marked with the square shape which aligns with the width of cut.
EXAMPLE: 6" (150mm) square, use a 2/3 Vari-Tooth
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Round Solids ( Symbol: « )
Locate the diameter of your workpiece on the chart. Select the tooth pitch on the ring marked with the round shape which aligns with the size of stock you are cutting.
EXAMPLE 4" (100mm) round, use a 3/4 Vari-Tooth
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Tubing, Pipe, Structurals ( Symbol: —¯ Η Λ )
Determine the average width of cut by dividing the area of the workpiece by the distance the saw blade must travel to finish the cut. Locate the average width of cut on the chart. Select the tooth pitch on the ring marked with the tubing and structural shape which aligns with the average width you are cutting.
Example: 4" (100mm) outside diameter, 3" (75mm) inside diameter tubing.
4" (100mm)OD = 12.5 sq.in. (79cm2)
-3" ( 75mm )ID = 7.0sq.in. (44cm2)
Area = 5.5 sq.in. (35cm2)
5.5 sq.in. (35cm2) = 1.38 (35mm) average width
4" (100mm) distance
1.38" (35mm), use a 4/6 Vari-Tooth
NOTE: the band speed and cutting rate recommendations presented on this chart are approximations and are to be used as a starting point for most applications. For exact sawing parameters consult your saw blade supplier.
