One of the most common questions we hear is: “What tooth pitch should I use for my material?” Tooth Per Inch — often referred to as TPI or pitch — plays a critical role in surface finish, cut speed, chip load, and overall blade performance.
Thinner materials require a blade with more teeth per inch for a smooth, controlled cut. Thicker stock, on the other hand, performs best with a lower TPI blade, which allows chips to clear efficiently and increases cutting speed. Choosing the correct configuration determines whether your cut will be clean, aggressive, or somewhere in between.
The video below — created by Sawblade.com — explains how to match TPI to material thickness to optimize cut quality, reduce heat, and improve blade life.
How to Select the Right TPI
1) Thin Material → Higher TPI
More teeth engage the material at once, producing a cleaner, smoother finish. High TPI blades often require a slower feed rate to prevent burning or clogging.
2) Thick Material → Lower TPI
Fewer teeth provide larger gullets, allowing chips to clear correctly. This increases cutting efficiency and generally results in a faster cut.
3) General Rule of Thumb
Always aim for at least 3–6 teeth in the material at all times. Too few teeth cause tooth breakage, while too many increase friction and heat.
4) Resawing & Deep Cuts
Resaw blades typically use a very low TPI setup. This allows aggressive tooth penetration and efficient chip evacuation in tall wood or thick metal sections.
5) Match Blade to the Job
A fine-pitch blade may produce a beautiful finish, but cut slowly. A coarse-pitch blade cuts quickly but may leave a more aggressive surface. Selecting the correct TPI balances the result you need with the time you want to spend cutting.
This video guide will walk you through the TPI selection step-by-step, helping you choose the correct tooth pitch for your next cut with confidence.
If you would like assistance selecting the right TPI for your bandsaw blade, call Sawblade.com at 800-754-6920. Our experienced team is always ready to help match you with the best blade for your material, machine, and cut type.
