What is the purpose of the gullet on a saw blade?

The gullet on a saw blade is designed to allow for material ejection during cutting operations. When a saw blade cuts through material, it generates chips and debris. The gullet, which is the space or groove between the teeth of the blade, provides a path for these chips to escape from the cutting area. This is crucial for maintaining cutting efficiency, as accumulated chips can hinder the cutting action, cause overheating, and lead to premature wear of the blade. Efficient material ejection helps in providing a cleaner cut and extends the life of the blade by reducing friction and heat buildup that can occur when debris is trapped between the blade and the material being cut.

The other options do not accurately reflect the function of the gullet. For example, the gullet does not hold the blade in place, adjust the saw speed, or control the cutting depth, as those functionalities pertain to different aspects of saw design and operation.