When cutting 0.045 inch thick sheet metal, what is the best hacksaw blade specification to use?

When cutting through material like 0.045 inch thick sheet metal, the choice of a hacksaw blade with a suitable number of teeth per inch (TPI) is important for achieving a clean and efficient cut. A blade with 32 teeth per inch is optimal for this thickness because it strikes a balance between the need for a fine cut and the ability to effectively remove metal shavings.

Using a higher TPI, such as 36 teeth per inch, may lead to a slower cutting action as more teeth come into contact with the material, potentially causing the blade to bind or overheat. Conversely, a lower TPI, like 18 or 24, could remove material too aggressively or result in a rougher edge, which might not be desirable when clean cuts are needed for metalwork. Thus, the specification of 32 TPI provides better control and efficiency for cutting the specified thickness of sheet metal.