Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of circular saw blades to explore the different types and their specific purposes. We’ll uncover the secrets of these essential tools and determine just how much those teeth matter.

Types of Saw Blade Teeth

FTG (Flat Top Grind)
The FTG blade is your go-to for ripping with the grain. Designed to make faster and cleaner cuts, it’s like slicing through wood with a hot knife through butter. Whether you’re working on hardwood or softwood, the FTG blade is your best friend for quick and efficient ripping tasks.

Product ImageSku #Product NameProduct Price
FEST-205562Festool 52-Tooth Laminate/HPL Saw Blade For TSC 55 K Track Saw$95.00
FEST-205563Festool 52-Tooth Aluminum/Plastics Saw Blade For TSC 55 K Track Saw$95.00
48-40-0670Milwaukee 6-1/2″ 4T Fiber Cement Track Saw Blade$89.97

ATB (Alternate Top Bevel)
Featuring angled tops that form points on either side, the ATB blade is perfect for crosscuts and grain-crossing maneuvers. It’s engineered to provide smooth, clean cuts across the grain, making it ideal for detailed woodworking projects and precision tasks.

Product ImageSku #Product NameProduct Price
FRD0641XFreud Diablo 6-1/2″ X 40 Tooth Finish/Plywood Trim Saw Blade$19.09
48-41-0726Milwaukee 7-1/4″ 40 Tooth Fine Finish Circular Saw Blade$17.19
48-40-4205Milwaukee 5-3/8″ 30 Tooth 5/8″ Arbor Circular Saw Metal & Stainless Cutting Blade$39.97
48-40-0627Milwaukee 6-1/2″ 48T Fine Finish Track Saw Blade$44.97
48-40-1020Milwaukee 10″ 24 Tooth Ripping Circular Saw Blade$29.97
48-40-4240Milwaukee 7-1/4″ 70 Tooth 5/8″ Arbor Circular Saw Thin Metal Cutting Blade$51.69
SAWBTS-R-40ATBSawStop 10″ 40-Tooth Titanium Series Woodworking Table Saw Blade$89.00

ATBR (Alternate Top Bevel + Raker)
Similar to the ATB but with a twist—every 5th tooth is ground flat. Known as combo blades, they handle both ripping and cross-cutting with ease, making them incredibly versatile for various woodworking needs.

Product ImageSku #Product NameProduct Price
48-40-4515Milwaukee 8″ 42 Tooth Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blade$44.97
48-40-4510Milwaukee 14″ 90 Tooth 1″ Arbor Circular Saw Thin Metal Cutting Blade$167.97

TCG (Triple Chip Grind)
In the TCG blade, all teeth are ground flat, with every other tooth having its corners knocked off. This design makes it suitable for dense materials like melamine, plastics, brass, and aluminum.

Product ImageSku #Product NameProduct Price
FRD12120NFreud Diablo 12 in. x 120 Tooth Thin Aluminum Cutting Saw Blade$84.97
FRD0648CFAFreud Diablo 6-1/2 in. x 48 Tooth Steel Demon Cermet II Saw Blade for Metals and Stainless Steel$33.79
FRD10100NFreud Diablo 10 in. x 100 Tooth Thin Aluminum Cutting Saw Blade$69.97
FRD1490CFFreud Diablo 14 in. x 90 Tooth Steel Demon Cermet II Saw Blade for Metals and Stainless Steel $109.97
FRLM75R010Freud Diablo 10″ 30 Tooth Industrial Thin Kerf Glue Line Ripping Blade$69.97

The Versatile 40-50T Combo/General Purpose Blade
Meet the ultimate multitasker in the workshop—the 40-50T Combo/General Purpose blade. This blade is the jack-of-all-trades, delivering finish-quality rip cuts, leaving behind clean, polished edges with minimal sanding required. For everyday crosscutting, this blade handles everything from basic frames to intricate structures with ease.

Product ImageSku #Product NameProduct Price
FRD1244XFreud Diablo 12 in. x 44 Tooth General Purpose Wood Saw Blade$34.97
SAWCNS-07-148SawStop 10″ 40-Tooth Combination Table Saw Blade$49.00

The Precision 60-80T ATB Blade
When it comes to flawless crosscuts and plywood projects, the 60-80T ATB blade is your precision tool. Its high tooth count and alternating top bevel design are tailored for intricate work, ensuring clean and accurate cuts. From delicate plywood to demanding precision crosscuts, this blade delivers impeccable results with minimal touch-ups needed.

Product ImageSku #Product NameProduct Price
SAWCB104 184SawStop 10″ 60-Tooth Combination Table Saw Blade$59.00
FRD1260XFreud Diablo 12″ 60 Tooth Combination Circular Saw Blade$44.97

Understanding Hook Angles

Positive Hook Angle
With its forward-slanting tooth, it’s all about that aggressive cut, slicing through wood with the precision.

Negative Hook Angle
Its backward-slanting tooth offers a more relaxed approach to cutting, perfect for moments where control is key. Found on radial arm saws and sliding compound miter saws, it ensures the blade doesn’t get ahead of itself.

So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to the world of circular saw blades! Each type of blade—from the robust FTG to the versatile Combo/General Purpose, and the precision-focused ATB—has its unique strengths tailored for specific tasks. Whether you’re ripping through thick wood, making detailed crosscuts, or tackling dense materials, selecting the right blade can make all the difference.

Don’t hesitate to reach out at cs@ohiopowertool.com or 614-481-2111 with any questions, comments, or concerns, and be sure to follow us on all your favorite social media channels to stay in the know on all the latest announcements, deals, news, and more!