GTX Academy: Wire and nylon brushes – how to choose them
2026-01-28
GTX Academy: Alumina discs – T41, T42, T27
2026-01-30The main characteristics of a blade are determined by its serrations. When a TCT (carbide-tipped blade) is used, it is the geometry - ATB, FWF or TCG - that determines the ability to achieve clean edges, cutting speed or blade life. Below you'll find a practical guide: how to select a serration and cut effectively in wood, board, laminate, plastic and aluminum to achieve a repeatable, professional result.
What the TCT disc is made of and why it matters
- 65Mn body - resilient manganese steel; offers stability under load and temperature (less runout, cleaner cut).
- TCT tips - brazed carbide segments; offer very high resistance to abrasion and temperature.
Tooth geometry - choose the right one for the job
ATB (Alternate Top Bevel) - wood and wood-based panels
Alternating chamfered teeth undercut fibers, minimizing breakouts. They're a great choice for: cross-cutting in solid wood, plywood, veneered MDF/HDF and laminated panels.
When to choose them. When you want the cleanest edge; work a lot in panels and veneers.
FWF (Flat-Top "Wing-Form") - universal applications
Flat grinding with a "wing" chamfer strengthens the edge and increases tolerance to contamination in the material. Usually positive angle of attack - the disc eagerly "bites" into the material.
When to choose them? Ideally, you work "on site" - with OSB, engineered wood, utility laminates, occasionally soft metals/composites.
TCG (Triple Chip Grind) - aluminum, laminates, plastics
Alternately, the trapezoidal tooth "stuffs" the material, while the flat tooth cleans it and widens the cut. Very durable geometry, resistant to chip build-up.
When to choose them? When you work with aluminum and non-ferrous metals, melamine/laminate boards, plastics.
Selection for material and equipment
- Solid wood/veneer panels → ATB, finer serrations; remember zero-clearance insert at table/slide.
- Building materials (OSB, boards, wood with fine inclusions) → FWF as the most versatile.
- Aluminum/laminates/plastics → TCG + use low/negative angle of attack.
Cutting settings and technique
- Feed rate: even and steady; do not "push" on the material.
- Speed: adjust for diameter and material; more difficult materials (aluminum/laminate) - with a slightly lower RPM.
- Support: with plates, use a guide bar and an insert with a narrow gap under the disc (zero-clearance).
- Lubrication: with aluminum, microlubrication/wax is recommended - less burr, lower temperature.
- Safety: well-aligned guard, efficient braking, clean flanges and flanges.
Most common mistakes → quick fix
- Rips in plywood/board → go for ATB with more teeth. Consider a support bar and cutting on two sides.
- Grat and "sliding" in aluminum → TCG with negative/low angle of attack, lower rpm, lubrication; profile rigidly fixed.
- Overheating and dulling accessories → too high peripheral speed/high pressure; clean resin disc, select proper geometry (ATB ↔ TCG) and reduce RPM.
Where to buy
Check out the task-matched TCT blades from NEO TOOLS and GRAPHITE at fixero.com: choose the ATB/FWF/TCG, diameter, number of teeth and bore to match your saw. For more advice and accessory tips, visit our GTX Academy.
FAQ - the most common questions
1ATB or FWF for use at home?
If your interiors are dominated by board/veneer and high maintenance of aesthetics is important - bet on ATB. When you do "a little bit of everything", including OSB and raw wood - FWF will be more useful.
2Is TCG suitable for wood?
It can cut soft wood, but its purpose is aluminum/laminates/plastics; for a clean edge in wood, an ATB would be better.
3Where do the breakouts from underneath come from?
Probably due to lack of support. Use a support bar and painter's tape on the cut line for difficult veneers.
4What about the number of teeth?
More teeth = cleaner effect and slower work; fewer teeth = faster work, but more visible cutting line.
