(Teeth Per Inch)
As there are so many variables when it comes to using a bandsaw blade, you first need to determine what you’re cutting, then the thickness of the material you’re cutting, then which blade material you need (found here), and then select the Teeth Per Inch appropriate to your work.
The teeth per inch play a pivotal role in determining the blade’s cutting speed, precision, and efficiency across diverse materials. Optimal selection is vital to avoiding potential issues. Firstly, too high a teeth per inch may result in slow cutting rates and excessive heat generation. On the other hand, too low a teeth per inch can yield rough cuts and diminish blade life.
As a general guideline, choosing fewer teeth per inch delivers a rougher cut with accelerated cutting speed. Conversely, opting for more teeth per inch ensures a finer finish cut but at a slower cutting pace.
Moreover, when the tooth size is too large, as seen when cutting thin-walled conduit with a 1mm thickness using a 10 teeth per inch blade, the teeth may snag, snatch, or strip off. In stark contrast, an 18 teeth per inch blade cutting the same conduit provides a smoother finish effortlessly.
Conversely, if the tooth size is too small, premature wear occurs, and the blade rapidly overheats, leading to cutting issues.
Careful selection of the appropriate teeth per inch is essential. It not only optimises performance but also extends blade longevity, ensuring smooth and accurate cuts for diverse tasks and materials. Consequently, the significance of teeth per inch establishes it as a critical factor in achieving the best results with your bandsaw.