Hacksaw blade tooth set: How are the teeth of a standard hacksaw blade typically set to reduce binding and improve chip clearance?

Introduction / Context:
Tooth set on a hacksaw blade provides kerf width greater than blade thickness, reducing friction and preventing binding. Knowing the correct set pattern helps achieve straight cuts and longer blade life.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• General-purpose hand hacksaw blades.
• Cutting a variety of metals with appropriate TPI.
• Goal: maintain kerf clearance and chip evacuation.

Concept / Approach:
Common tooth sets include raker and alternate sets. The raker set alternates right and left teeth, while every third (or sometimes fourth) tooth is left straight. This pattern clears chips, stabilises the cut, and minimises lateral wandering. A simple alternate set without a raker may be used on some blades, but the described raker set is the classic configuration for metal cutting hacksaws.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Ensure kerf width > blade thickness by setting teeth.Adopt raker set: Right, Left, Straight sequence repeating.This provides chip space and balanced side forces in the cut.Therefore, the correct description is the alternating set with every third or fourth tooth straight.

Verification / Alternative check:
Manufacturer data for bi-metal hacksaw blades lists raker set as the standard for fine-tooth blades used on metals.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Only-right or only-left set would deflect the blade and seize in the kerf.

Random bending is unacceptable and dangerous.

Some specialised blades have no set (ground set), but standard hacksaw blades do have set to form kerf.

Common Pitfalls:
Using the wrong TPI for material thickness; excessive feed leading to stripped teeth; ignoring lubrication on difficult materials.

Final Answer:
alternately towards right and left and every third or fourth left straight