Understanding Table Saw Blade Teeth: ATB, FTG, and TCG Explained

Looking closely at a table saw blade, you’ll notice the teeth aren’t all shaped the same. The specific geometry of a tooth is called its “grind,” and it dictates exactly what material the blade is meant to cut.

1. Flat Top Grind (FTG)

These teeth are perfectly flat across the top. They act like tiny chisels, scooping out wood quickly. They are ideal for ripping along the grain and are the only choice for cutting flat-bottomed grooves (like a dado).

2. Alternate Top Bevel (ATB)

The teeth alternate between an angled bevel on the left and then on the right. This creates a slicing action that cleanly shears wood fibers, making it perfect for crosscutting and plywood to prevent tear-out.

3. Triple Chip Grind (TCG)

A specialized grind where a flat-topped tooth is followed by a chamfered (angled corners) tooth. This design is highly durable and is used for cutting hard, brittle materials like melamine, MDF, and plastics.

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