Gullet Capacity

How it works:

Gullet capacity is another factor that impacts cutting efficiency. The gullet is the space between the tooth tip and the inner surface of the blade. As the tooth scrapes away the material during a cut, the chip curls up into this area.

A blade with the proper clearance for the cut allows the chip to curl up uniformly and fall away from the gullet. If too much material is scraped away, the chip will jam into the gullet area causing increased resistance. This loads down the machine, wastes energy and can cause damage to the blade.

If you see very fine or pulverized chips, this indicates the blade feed rate should be increased.

If you see thick, heavy or blue-colored chips, your blade is being overloaded.

Loosely coiled chips indicates ideal cutting conditions.