Grizzly G0640X owner manual Tooth Style, Tooth Set, Tooth Pitch

Tooth Style

When selecting blades, another option to con- sider is the shape, gullet size, teeth set and teeth angle—otherwise known as “Tooth Style." Many blade manufacturers offer variations of the four basic styles shown in Figure 37.

�������������������

��������������������

��������������

�������������������

Figure 37. Bandsaw blade tooth types.

Standard: This style is considered to be the standard because the tooth size and shape are the same as the tooth gullet. The teeth on these blades usually are very numerous, have no angle, and produce cuts by scraping the material; these characteristics result in very smooth cuts, but do not cut fast and generate more heat than other types while cutting.

Skip: This style is similar to a raker blade that is missing every other tooth. Because of the design, skip toothed blades have a much larger gullet than raker blades, and therefore, cut faster and generate less heat. However, these blades also leave a rougher cut than raker blades.

Hook: The teeth on this style have a positive angle (downward) which makes them dig into the material, and the gullets are usually rounded for easier waste removal. These blades are excellent for the tough demands of resawing and ripping thick material.

Variable Pitch: These blades typically feature combinations of tooth styles that provide qualities of both.

Tooth Set

Three of the most common tooth sets are alter- nate, wavy, and raker (see Figure 38).

Alternate Wavy Raker

Figure 38. Bandsaw tooth sets.

Alternate: An all-purpose arrangement of bend- ing the teeth evenly left and right of the blade. Generally used when exceptionally smooth, pre- cise cuts are needed for cutting wood or mild steel.

Wavy: Generally three or more teeth in a group that are bent one way with a non-set tooth before the next group bent the other way. Typically used for straight cuts in thin metals or thin-wall tubing. Generally not used in woodworking.

Raker: There are three teeth in a recurring group—one bent left, next one bent right, and then a non-set tooth. The raker set is ideal for clearing chips on thick stock. It is often also used with contour, profile, and long cuts. This type of set leaves rough cut marks.

Tooth Pitch

Usually measured as TPI (teeth per inch), tooth pitch determines the size/number of the teeth. More teeth per inch (fine pitch) will cut slower, but smoother; while fewer teeth per inch (coarse pitch) will cut rougher, but faster. As a general rule, choose blades that will have at least three teeth in the material at all times. Use fine pitched blades on harder woods and metals and coarse pitched blades on softer woods and metals.

-28- G0640X 17" Wood/Metal Bandsaw