Table Saw Tooth Geometry Explained: ATB vs FT vs TCG

Table Saw Tooth Geometry Explained: ATB vs FT vs TCG

Why do some blades leave glass‑smooth crosscuts while others chew through lumber like a chainsaw? Tooth geometry is the secret. In this guide you’ll learn how Alternate‑Top‑Bevel (ATB), Flat‑Top (FT) and Triple‑Chip‑Grind (TCG) teeth work—and which one saves you money on sanding and blade changes.

Table of Contents

  1. Understanding Tooth Anatomy
  2. ATB – Alternate‑Top‑Bevel
  3. FT – Flat‑Top Ripping Teeth
  4. TCG – Triple‑Chip for Hard Materials
  5. Combination & Hi‑ATB Blades
  6. Why Kerf Width Matters
  7. Choosing the Right Blade for Your Shop
  8. FAQ

1. Understanding Tooth Anatomy

 

Every tooth has three critical angles:

Angle

What it does

Typical range

Hook (rake)

Aggressiveness of the cut

‑5° (negative) to +20°

Top Bevel

Shears fibers for a cleaner edge

0° (FT) to 40° (Hi‑ATB)

Clearance

Prevents tooth heel rubbing

10°–15°

2. ATB – Alternate‑Top‑Bevel

Trim Cut Saw Blade ATB 10 in. x 80 Tooth image 0

In ATB blades each tooth is ground with a bevel that swings left then right. The slicing action shears wood fibers like a pair of scissors, giving you crisp crosscuts and plywood edges.

Best for: Finished crosscuts, plywood, veneered panels.

Watch‑out: ATB points are thin—avoid ripping thick hardwood to keep them sharp.

 

3. FT – Flat‑Top Ripping Teeth

Flat Top Ripping Saw Blade 10 in. x 24 Tooth image 0

Flat‑Top (FT) teeth are square across the top, built to eject big chips fast. The positive hook angle pulls the blade into the cut, reducing motor strain on long rips.

Best for: Fast ripping in solid wood, especially thick stock.

Pro tip: Pair an FT rip blade with a Thin‑Kerf blade when using under‑powered contractor saws.

4. TCG – Triple‑Chip Grind

TCG Laminate Saw Blade 10 in. x 80 Tooth image 0

In a TCG pattern a flat raker tooth alternates with trapezoid teeth that chamfer the cut. This resists abrasion in composites and non‑ferrous metals.

Best for: Melamine, laminate flooring, solid surface, aluminum extrusions.

Why it rocks: The raker tooth follows behind the chamfer, cleaning up the groove and extending blade life.

 

5. Combination & Hi‑ATB Blades

  • Combination (ATB‑FT): Groups of 4 ATB teeth + 1 FT raker. A decent one‑blade compromise for small shops.
  • Hi‑ATB (30°‑40° bevel): Creates silky plywood cuts but dulls faster—keep it for finish passes only.

6. Why Kerf Width Matters

Thin Kerf Saw Blade 10 in. x 60 Tooth image 0

A thin‑kerf blade (< 3/32 in.) removes less material, meaning:

  • Up to 30 % less motor load—perfect for 1.75 HP saws.
  • Less waste on pricey hardwood.
  • Slightly more vibration; use a stabilizer washer when possible.

Shop the collection: Thin‑Kerf Saw Blades 

 

7. Choosing the Right Blade for Your Shop

 

Material

Operation

Best tooth type

4/4 oak

Rip

FT, 20° hook

Baltic birch plywood

Crosscut

30‑tooth ATB

Melamine cabinets

Cut‑to‑size

80‑tooth TCG

Mixed shop use

All‑purpose

40‑tooth Combination

8. FAQ

- What’s the downside of a negative-hook ATB blade? 

Negative hook decreases feed speed and motor load—great for sliding table
saws but slow on a cabinet saw. Finish remains superb though.

- Will a TCG blade rip hardwood cleanly?

Yes, but slower. The chamfer teeth are less aggressive than FT teeth, so expect
light burn marks in thick maple.

- How often should I resharpen my blades?

Every 3,000-5,000 linear feet for carbide. ATB tips wear fastest; TCG lasts
longest in abrasive panels.

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