From WoodworkersZone WoodWiki
Saw Blade Terminology
General Features
Anti-vibration Slots
Slots cut in the body of the blade, in a starburst pattern, to reduce vibration so the blade runs more smoothly, producing a cleaner cut. (Also called Expansion Slots.)
Arbor Hole
The central hole in the blade plate through which the saw arbor fits. This must be accurately broached or cuts will waver. Common sizes for table saw blades are 5/8" for 10" and smaller blades, 1" for 12" and larger blade.
Brazing
Molten brass-based method of
attaching carbide saw tips to saw body. Extremely strong bond.
Gullet
The area in front of each tooth cut into the saw plate. The gullet allows, and controls, chip removal. Small chips, as in crosscuts, work with smaller gullets, while rip cuts demand bigger teeth and deeper gullets.
Plate
The saw body. Thicknesses vary from 0.063" to 0.087".
Kerf
The width of the slot cut by the blade. Full kerf blades cut a slot about 1/8" wide. Thin kerf blades cut a slot abotu 3/32nd" wide. Thin kerf blades are useful for low powered (1-1/2 HP and down) saws in rip cuts, and for larger blades in crosscuts.
Blade Geometry
Hook Angle
The angle made by the face of the tooth with a line drawn up from the center of the saw. The angle may be as much as 22 degrees, for a very aggressive feed, to as low as -6 degrees to reduce any tendency of either the blade or the work to climb during feed.
Tooth Types
ATB: Alternate Top Bevel
Tooth grind where the bevel alternates from left to right, leaving knife-like edges at each side, on alternating teeth. Useful for general and crosscut work. Angles may range between 10 and 20 degrees.
Flat Top Grind
Chisel like flat grind at tips. No bevel angles. Used in rip blades.
Triple Chip Grind
One flat top tooth is followed by one cut in a trapezoid shape that is a little higher. That higher trapezoid (edges are cut away) tooth precuts material, which helps to reduce chipping in laminates and melamine.
