Section versus outside size
A thin-wall tube may need a fine pitch even when its outside diameter is large.
Heat and work hardening
Dull teeth and timid feed generate heat. Stainless is especially unforgiving of rubbing.
Burr control
Fine pitch can reduce snagging, but deburring remains part of the operation.
Method for this decision
- Measure the smallest wall or section that each tooth will cross, not only the outside dimension.
- Select a pitch with several teeth in contact and a blade construction rated for the alloy and saw.
- Clamp the work rigidly, set the approved speed, and maintain a feed that forms chips instead of rubbing.
Worked example
Example: a large thin-wall tube can need a finer pitch than a smaller solid bar. If the blade produces dust or blue heat instead of chips, stop and revisit pitch, speed, clamping, and sharpness.
Limits and stop conditions
Metal cutting produces hot chips, burrs, and sometimes sparks. Use the machine’s guarding and PPE requirements, and do not cut a section with unknown stored energy, coating, or contents.