Achieving the Right Wood Blade Speed

Calculating Surface Feet per Minute (SFPM) and Teeth per Minute (TPM)

When it comes to wood band saw blades, achieving the right blade speed is key to achieving optimal results. The speed of a saw blade is defined as the distance in feet that the blade travels per minute, which is commonly measured in surface feet per minute (SFPM). Calculating the SFPM is crucial to determine the appropriate cutting speed for a specific operation, as using the wrong SFPM can lead to tool failure, poor surface finish, or even safety hazards.

In addition to calculating SFPM, it is also essential to calculate the number of teeth per minute (TPM) of the saw blade. TPM refers to the number of times the blade's teeth engage the material being cut in one minute. Calculating TPM allows the operator to determine the right blade pitch and feed rate to ensure the blade's teeth are not being overloaded or underutilized, which can lead to blade damage or suboptimal cutting performance.

Here we'll show how to calculate both SFPM and TPM for wood band saw blades. After learning these calculations, you'll have a better understanding of how to achieve the optimal blade speed and tooth engagement for your wood cutting needs.

To Calculate Surface Feet per Minute (SFPM)

SFPM = WHEEL RPM X WHEEL DIAMETER (in feet) X 3.14​

To Calculate Teeth per Minute (TPM)

TPM = TEETH per FOOT X BLADE SPEED (sfpm)