I think the rule is 1.5 teeth engagement at all time. You can use any tpi that is available for the bandsaw. The problem becomes overloading the motor. The 24 tpi takes a smaller bite than a 11 tpi blade.
Keep it to 3 tpi engagement at BARE MINIMUM. Any coarser than that, and you won't be cutting very fast at all because the rule isn't for the motor overload, it is what keeps the teeth from breaking off.
If you're cutting 16 inches of metal, a tabletop bandsaw is probably the wrong tool for the job. Make parts, not chips.
