What is the term for the bending of band saw teeth to widen the cut and prevent pinching?

The term for the bending of band saw teeth to widen the cut and prevent pinching is known as tooth set. This technique involves altering the alignment of the teeth, giving each tooth a slight outward angle away from the blade's centerline. This modification is crucial as it creates a wider kerf (the width of the cut), allowing the blade to pass smoothly through the material without becoming lodged or pinched by the workpiece.

Tooth set ensures that there is enough space for chips and debris produced during the cutting process to escape, enhancing sawing efficiency and prolonging blade life. Without proper tooth set, the saw blade could bind, leading to increased wear or even damage to the blade and the machine.

While tooth pitch refers to the distance between the teeth on the blade, tooth clearance pertains to the space or gap that allows the blade to move freely, and tooth adjustment does not specifically refer to the bending of teeth for cutting efficiency, these terms describe different aspects of band saw design and function rather than the specific action of bending teeth to prevent pinching.