saw decision done, now blades

[David Hall]

I'm just getting started in scrolling. After a few days research I've decided on the Craftsman saw. It gets decent reviews, doesn't break the bank and has the required features for a beginner hobbiest.

 

My next question is blades. I'm going to get some spiral and reverse cut to start. The question is is there a guide somewhere that will tell me what number and what tpi is best for a certain type wood? Or, is this something that only comes with trial and error until I earn my scrolling black belt?

[amazingkevin]

What Blade Should I Use

[ike]

I do mostly fret work and I use a #4 most of the time ( 1/4 to 1/2 thick wood  on heavier I use a #5 or #7.

[LarryEA]

That brings to mind, didn't Mike used to sell starter pack?

Anyway, call the people that sell blades and as\k them.

Sloan's Woodshop - " The Scroll Saw Store " www.sloanswoodshop.com/

Else you will get as many different answers as replies of course

[Kepy]

You can order off the Mikes workshop site and it has a sample pack to try.

[Travis]

I'd encourage you to learn to cut with a flat blade first.  Once you're comfortable with that, then try out the spiral blade.  It's easier to start with flat blades then learn spiral.  However, I found if you start with spirals, it's harder to go back to learn flat blades.  Once you know how to use both blades, you can choose the style that best suites the project.  I like to use spiral blades for cutting portrait style projects and flat blades for everything else.

 

The smaller the blade, the tighter the curve, but the more squirrely it can become on thinner materials.  Larger blades cut through thicker material, but harder to turn tight corners.

 

Here's what I use:

• #3 scroll reverse - my go to blade for most things.  Cuts 1/8" (stack cut for better control), 1/4", and 1/2"
• #5 Scroll Reverse - 1/2" and 3/4"
• #9 Scroll Reverse - for 3/4"
• #3 Scroll Reverse Spiral Blade - Portraits
• 2/0 or Puzzle blades for puzzles.

[dgman]

The only thing to add to Travis's post above is the puzzle blades are for jig saw type puzzles, not stand up puzzles using 3/4" and above wood.

[oneleggimp]

That brings to mind, didn't Mike used to sell starter pack?

Anyway, call the people that sell blades and as\k them.

Sloan's Woodshop - " The Scroll Saw Store " www.sloanswoodshop.com/

Else you will get as many different answers as replies of course

Mike's sample pack are ALL no. 5's - just different styles FD-UR-#5, FD-SR-#5, FD-TC-#5, FD-PSR-#5, FD-Polar-#5

[WayneMahler]

I'll back up Travis on this one. I love #3,#5 scroll reverse blades. I also have #1 nd a few #7's as well as a large assortment of others. But the #3 and #5 are the most I go for. Once you get a good feel for the flat blades, try the spirals. They are not for everyone. I use them when I have to, but prefer the flats. Welcome to the addiction, such a great place to be.

[WigWag Workshop]

For everyday projects I use the ones below, from Mike's Workshop.  I also use a dedicated blade for puzzles, and I just ordered some spiral blades.   When I started, I purchased a dozen of just about every type in a #7, #5, and #3 form Mike till I finaly settled on the ones below. 

 

Flying Dutchman - Ultra Reverse - FD-UR No. 5

Flying Dutchman - Ultra Reverse - FD-UR No. 3

Flying Dutchman - Ultra Reverse - FD-UR No. 7

 

-Steven

[DWSUDEKUM]

I also would back up Travis's choices of blades.  I use a #2 and #3 spiral to cut really thick wood for some of my boxes.  Using spirals is an artform and it does take practice to use them successfully.  Keep practicing you will get it.

 

DW

[campasano]

Mike sold his business to The Wooden Teddy Bear, you can call them to order Flying Dutchmen Blades.

 

Mike

[oneleggimp]

You can also call a "Mike's Woodworkng" number (503-760-1614) which is not the same as the wooden teddy bear number(1-888-762-9149) but is, however, dufferent than the original "Mike's Woodworking" number. The fax number is the same for both entities 503-761-2674. I called the "Mike's woodworking" number and asked if I could also order patterns etc from Woodden Teddy Bear. The answer was no. I called wooden teddy bear and asked if I could orderFD Blades at the "Mike's Woodworking" price (espcially the shipping price) and was again told No. Had to make two orders - one to "Mike's Woodworking" for blades and one to Wooden Teddy bear for patterns etc.

[heppnerguy]

You can also call a "Mike's Woodworkng" number (503-760-1614) which is not the same as the wooden teddy bear number(1-888-762-9149) but is, however, dufferent than the original "Mike's Woodworking" number. The fax number is the same for both entities 503-761-2674. I called the "Mike's woodworking" number and asked if I could also order patterns etc from Woodden Teddy Bear. The answer was no. I called wooden teddy bear and asked if I could orderFD Blades at the "Mike's Woodworking" price (espcially the shipping price) and was again told No. Had to make two orders - one to "Mike's Woodworking" for blades and one to Wooden Teddy bear for patterns etc.

 

503 is a Portland area phone number. It is only used in Multnomah County, the location of Portland. Wooden Teddy Bear is also located in the Portland area. I kind of think they may be the same place but perhaps they have policies about combining the two businesses.  Just a thought

 

Dick

heppnerguy