Which direction should the teeth on a properly installed bandsaw face?

The teeth on a properly installed bandsaw should face downwards. This orientation is essential for effective cutting. When the teeth are positioned to face down, they engage the material from above and allow the saw to cut through the workpiece as it feeds downwards.

The downward-facing teeth also facilitate the removal of sawdust and debris away from the cut, preventing blockage and maintaining a clean cutting path. This is critical for achieving accuracy and efficiency while minimizing the risk of blade binding or overheating.

Additionally, the downward direction aligns with the operational mechanics of the bandsaw, where the blade moves in a continuous loop, effectively ensuring that the cutting action is directed into the material rather than pulling it against the blade.