What part of a saw blade tooth faces away from the direction of the cut?

The tooth back of a saw blade tooth is the part that faces away from the direction of the cut. Understanding the geometry of the saw blade is crucial for its effective operation and maintenance.

The tooth back is generally the flat or slightly curved surface that supports the tooth structure when cutting through material. As the blade rotates, the tooth face, which is angled to engage the material during cutting, moves into the workpiece. In contrast, the tooth back remains behind the cutting edge. This design allows the blade to efficiently manage cutting forces, maintain stability, and prevent excessive wear on the blade as it cuts through various materials.

Recognizing the role of different parts of the tooth helps in understanding the dynamics of cutting and how to properly maintain and select blades for specific applications, as well as ensuring optimal performance and safety during operation.