Saw Blade Types Guide — TPI, Teeth, and Materials Explained
Understanding saw blade types is essential for getting clean, efficient cuts. The three key factors that determine a blade’s performance are the tooth count (TPI), tooth geometry, and blade material. This guide explains each factor across all saw types — jigsaw, circular, reciprocating, and mitre — so you can choose the right blade for any cutting task.
Quick Rule of Thumb
Fewer teeth = faster, rougher cut. More teeth = slower, cleaner cut. For wood, use fewer teeth and larger gullets. For metal, use more teeth and finer pitch. For demolition and mixed materials, use bi-metal blades with variable pitch.
Blade Materials
| Material | Abbreviation | Best For | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Carbon Steel | HCS | Softwood, plywood, plastic | Good for wood, dulls on metal |
| High Speed Steel | HSS | Thin metal, aluminium | Better heat resistance than HCS |
| Bi-Metal | BIM | Wood with nails, mixed materials, metal | Excellent — flexible body + hard teeth |
| Tungsten Carbide Tipped | TCT | Hardwood, MDF, laminate, cement board | Very long-lasting, stays sharp |
| Tungsten Carbide Grit | TCG | Ceramic tile, fibreglass, cement | Abrasive cutting — no teeth |
| Diamond | — | Glass, porcelain, stone, tile | Hardest and most durable |
Recommended Circular Saw Blades
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Check fitment & current price on Amazon.
TPI (Teeth Per Inch) Guide
TPI is primarily used for jigsaw and reciprocating saw blades. Higher TPI means finer cuts but slower speed; lower TPI means faster but rougher cuts.
| TPI Range | Cut Speed | Cut Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-8 TPI | Very fast | Rough | Thick wood, tree pruning, demolition |
| 8-12 TPI | Fast | Moderate | General wood cutting, softwood |
| 12-18 TPI | Moderate | Clean | Hardwood, plywood, thin metal |
| 18-24 TPI | Slow | Very clean | Sheet metal, pipes, aluminium |
| 24+ TPI | Very slow | Extra fine | Thin sheet metal, stainless steel |
Key rule: At least 3 teeth should be in contact with the material at all times. This is why thin sheet metal needs a high TPI blade — with a low TPI blade, the teeth straddle the metal and catch, causing vibration and a ragged cut.
Circular Saw Blade Tooth Count
For circular and mitre saw blades, tooth count (not TPI) is used since blade diameters vary. The principle is the same: more teeth = cleaner but slower cut.
| Tooth Count (165mm blade) | Use | Cut Quality |
|---|---|---|
| 16-24T | Ripping along the grain | Fast, rough |
| 36-48T | General purpose crosscutting | Good all-round |
| 60-80T | Fine crosscutting, laminate, plywood | Very clean |
Tooth Geometry
The shape of the teeth also affects performance. The most common configurations on circular saw blades are:
- ATB (Alternate Top Bevel) — The most common. Teeth alternate left-right bevel. Great for crosscutting wood and sheet materials.
- FTG (Flat Top Grind) — Flat-topped teeth for fast ripping cuts along the grain. Not suitable for crosscutting.
- TCG (Triple Chip Grind) — Alternating chamfered and flat teeth. Best for hard materials: MDF, melamine, laminates, aluminium.
- Combination — Groups of ATB teeth followed by a flat raker tooth. Designed for both ripping and crosscutting.
Related guides: Saw Blade Compatibility Guide | T-Shank vs U-Shank | Compatibility Chart
Recommended Products
How we compile this guide
We cross-reference compatibility details against manufacturer specifications where available, official tool manuals, and the physical standards that govern fitment (bore sizes, arbor diameters, voltage platforms, connector types). We prioritise primary sources over retailer listings, flag anything we can’t confirm, and re-verify the data on a regular cycle. Where we give a buying recommendation, we tell you the reasoning — not just the link. More on our method →