🔍 Key Concepts

• Different tooth sets used on hacksaw blades (wave set vs. alternate set) • Properties of hardened vs. flexible blades and what materials they are best suited to cut • Relative hardness of a metal file compared to ordinary steel workpieces

💭 Think About

• Think about which type of blade can successfully cut a workpiece that is harder than normal mild steel, like a file. • Consider which blade types are designed mainly for toughness and flexibility versus those designed for maximum hardness and wear resistance. • Ask yourself: if the workpiece is extremely hard, what must be true about the cutting edge of the blade in relation to the hardness of the workpiece?

✅ Before You Answer

• Compare the hardness of a file to the hardness of common hacksaw blades. • Identify which blade type is specifically intended for cutting very hard materials or tool steel. • Eliminate any blade types that are primarily designed for flexibility or smoother action, not for cutting very hard stock.