Hand sawing — preventing the blade body from binding in the kerf When using a hand or power saw, what practice is applied to the teeth so that the blade's body does not jam in the saw cut (kerf) and friction is reduced?

Introduction / Context:
Effective sawing depends on managing kerf width. If the kerf is the same as or smaller than the blade body, friction skyrockets and the blade binds. Toolmakers therefore modify tooth geometry to create a kerf slightly wider than the blade thickness.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sawing of wood or metal with toothed blades (hand hacksaw, bandsaw).
• Goal: avoid binding and reduce heating.
• Tooth set options include alternate, raker, or wavy set depending on blade type.

Concept / Approach:
“Setting” the teeth means bending them alternately to left and right (or in a wavy pattern) so the cutting edges produce a kerf wider than the blade body. Sharpening restores cutting efficiency but does not, by itself, widen the kerf. Strengthening relates to material or heat treatment and is not a direct operational adjustment.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Blade manufacturers specify tooth set values and patterns to match the intended cut and minimize binding.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Sharpened: necessary but insufficient; kerf may still match blade thickness.
• Strengthened: unrelated to kerf width.
• “All of these”: only tooth set directly prevents jamming.
• Staggered gullets alone do not guarantee a wider kerf.

Common Pitfalls:
Using a blade with worn-away set; excessive set causing rough cut; insufficient lubrication on metal cutting.

Final Answer: