Pitch
The size of the teeth. This is usually quoted in teeth per inch [T.P.I.] The larger
the tooth, the faster the cut because the tooth has a large gullet and has a
greater capacity to transport large amounts of sawdust through the job. The
larger the tooth, the courser the cut and the poorer the surface finish of the
cut. The smaller the tooth, the slower the cut as the tooth has a small gullet
and can not transport large amounts of sawdust through the job. The smaller
the tooth, the finer the cut and the better the surface finish of the cut
Material Hardness
When choosing the blade with the proper pitch, one factor you should consider
is the hardness of the material that is being cut: the harder the material, the
finer the pitch that is required. For example, exotic hardwoods such as ebony
and rosewood require blades with a finer pitch than American hardwoods such
as oak or maple. Soft wood such as pine will quickly clog the blade, decreasing
its ability to cut. Having a variety of tooth configurations in the same width will
most likely give you an acceptable choice for a particular job.
There are certain things that indicate if a blade has a proper pitch, too fine a
pitch or too coarse a pitch. Some are listed below:
Proper Pitch
A minimum amount of heat is created when the blade cuts.
Minimum feeding pressure is required.
Minimum horsepower is required.
The blade makes quality cuts for a long period.
Pitch is Too Fine
The blade cuts slowly.· There is excessive heat which causes premature
breakage or rapid dulling.· Unnecessarily high feeding pressure is required.·
Unnecessarily high horsepower is required.· The blade wears excessively.
Pitch that is Too Coarse
The blade has a short cutting life.
The teeth wear excessively.
The bandsaw vibrates.