ATB and Hi-ATB
Alternating bevels shear wood fibers. Steeper bevels can improve face quality but leave a more fragile cutting edge.
FTG
Flat-top teeth act like small chisels and provide strong chip clearance for ripping.
TCG
A trapezoid tooth pre-cuts corners and a flat tooth follows, making the pattern durable in laminates and nonferrous metals.
Method for this decision
- Identify whether the cut is a crosscut, rip, coated panel, or nonferrous application.
- Match the tooth geometry named by the blade manufacturer to that application instead of relying on a marketing abbreviation alone.
- Check tooth count, kerf, hook, and machine fit as a combined specification.
Worked example
Example: an ATB-style profile can shear wood fibers in a crosscut, while a TCG-style pattern is often chosen for brittle laminate or nonferrous work. The geometry only helps when the blade is also rated for the saw and material.
Limits and stop conditions
A tooth acronym does not certify a blade for every machine. Wrong hook, RPM, kerf, or guard clearance can create a hazardous setup even when the tooth drawing looks appropriate.