Quote Originally Posted by criswilson10 View Post
Not exactly sure of the "burst velocity" of circular saw blade, but I do have access to a 5 HP 12" table saw that runs fine through just about anything, including nails, at 3500 RPM - that's around 180 ft/sec. As long as you stay below 1000 ft/sec (19500 RPM on a 12") you should be fine. With a bicycle drive, you will probably on get around 1000 RPM.

Why 1000 ft/sec max? Speed of sound is around 1200 ft/sec and the air around rotating parts starts doing freaky things around that speed. Just accept the "freaky things happen" and don't go down that rabbit hole.
Alright, that's it. I can't stand it anymore. What are these "freaky things" you speak of? Got a nutshell example for us??

I tried to heed your advice & stay away from that rabbit hole. But it's sucking me in like a super massive black hole. And my web-fu was no help... are you sure about "1,000 fps"?