Final answer:
A higher TPI saw blade makes smoother cuts, ideal for materials where a fine finish is desired. The TPI affects the cut finish quality, with higher TPI for precision work.
Step-by-step explanation:
A higher TPI (teeth per inch) saw blade makes smoother cuts. The TPI of a saw blade is a key factor in determining the finish quality of the cut. Blades with a higher TPI create finer, cleaner cuts and are typically used for cutting materials like metal or hardwood where a smooth finish is desired. Conversely, lower TPI blades are designed for faster, rougher cuts in materials such as softwoods.
Referring to the provided information, while a three-blade design is mentioned as the most efficient in terms of safety and efficiency, it is important to note that this context is different from TPI. The efficiency of a blade in terms of the number of blades may influence safety and cutting speed, but TPI specifically refers to the smoothness of the cut made by the saw.