Tooth Count
Affiliate link — we may earn a commissionTooth count is the total number of teeth on a circular saw, miter saw, or table saw blade. A 24-tooth blade cuts fast and rough. A 40-tooth blade is a good general-purpose balance. A 60 to 80-tooth blade cuts slowly and cleanly. More teeth means more cutting edges contact the material per revolution, producing a smoother finish but also more friction and slower feed rate. A 24-tooth framing blade rips through 2x lumber and sheathing fast enough for rough framing. A 60-tooth crosscut blade gives you clean, splinter-free ends on hardwood trim. Combination blades (40 to 50 teeth) try to handle both, and do a decent job at neither extreme.
Why It Matters
The wrong tooth count for the job wastes time or produces a bad cut. Don't crosscut oak trim with a 24-tooth framing blade; you'll get tearout and splintering. Don't rip 40 sheets of plywood with a 60-tooth blade; it'll take forever and the blade will overheat. Keep two blades and swap for the task.