I hate spiral blades but....

[NC Scroller]

I have a Charles Dearing horse pattern I am working on that really needs to be cut with spirals.  I have tried on a DeWalt 788 and a Hawk VS226.  I can maneuver with spirals and cut as I pretty much want.   While I am making progress I am breaking blades, bending blades at the end and or they pop out of the blade holders.  I have NO issues with flat blades of any type, brand or style.  I am bound and determined to get this done.  For those who work with spirals on a regular basis any tips or pointers?

 

BTW, I have FD # 1 and #3 spirals as well as some FD New Spirals in the same size.

[Scrappile]

Some people use a little hammer or something to flatten the ends.  I do not do that but some do.  I use the 3/0 size which is the smallest and have experienced bending of the ends occasionally and figure it is the nature of the beast.  I think it happens when tightening on the edge of the blade.  You can feel it happening and if I can I loosen and re-position the blade up or down a little. Helps sometimes.

Edited September 25, 2015 by Scrappile

[GrampaJim]

I agree with Scrappile.  I use the 3/0 baldes the most.  That size breaks more often than any other blade size I use, but that is the nature of that beast. Make sure you are drilling holes as large as the pattern will allow. 

Edited September 26, 2015 by GrampaJim

[Falcon]

My experience is cutting slowwwwerrr with spirals let them do the work. I have a tendency to rush it and do what you do. Good luck. once you get the hang of it it is pretty nice on some cuttings.

[butch1008]

hi scott what part of the blade breaks. the ends I flatten with pliers I use mainly Dutchman 2/0 and olson 2/0 I like to cut at faster speed than most but i don't  push. and they dont break often.

Edited September 25, 2015 by butch1008

[Scrolling Steve]

Some people use a little hammer or something to flatten the ends.  I do not do that but some do.  I use the 3/0 size which is the smallest and have experienced bending of the ends occasionally and figure it is the nature of the beast.  I think it happens when tightening on the edge of the blade.  You can feel it happening and if I can I loosen and re-position the blade up or down a little. Helps sometimes.

What Paul said is also my experience, I am cutting a Dearing right now using the FDNS 3/0 and after 24 or so blades have only broken one.....I have found that when a blade starts to dull and i have to push is when i get in trouble...I am using more blades but the project goes smoother......Good Luck !!

[ike]

The only Time that I see using spirals is when the job is too large for my DW 788 I have not came across that pattern yet and if I do I will skip it. I don't like spiral blades and I am too olk to learn.

[NC Scroller]

Thanks Guys for the help.  I tried a few of your suggestions (flatten the ends and slowing the feed rate) and it seems to be helping.  Scrolling Steve I think that is also part of my problem.  I am pushing too hard when the blades dull and that is when I have breakage. 

 

I also found I have some FD NS 2/0 blades.  I will also try using a smaller blade when I get back in the shop.

[amazingkevin]

I have a Charles Dearing horse pattern I am working on that really needs to be cut with spirals.  I have tried on a DeWalt 788 and a Hawk VS226.  I can maneuver with spirals and cut as I pretty much want.   While I am making progress I am breaking blades, bending blades at the end and or they pop out of the blade holders.  I have NO issues with flat blades of any type, brand or style.  I am bound and determined to get this done.  For those who work with spirals on a regular basis any tips or pointers?

 

BTW, I have FD # 1 and #3 spirals as well as some FD New Spirals in the same size.

Keep the spirals extra tight, check often,push 3 times as slow as a straight blade and you be a master in no time

!

[Phantom Scroller]

Help! I hate spirals.

[Lucky2]

I hate them also Roly, I've never had much luck with them. I scroll for enjoyment, not to get frustrated, and that's what spiral blades do to me.

Len

[TripleJScroller]

I work with spirals a lot and prefer to use the smallest blade possible (usually 3/0).  I tend to break a lot of them if I'm stack cutting, and sometimes have to give in and go with a larger blade like a 1 or 3.  Like others have said though with spirals you want to use as little force as possible when feeding the wood to the blade, a good blade should do the work for you.  I also agree with Kevin, make sure your blade tension is good and tight.

[Sparkey]

I only use the new FD 3/0 spirals. I don't do anything to the ends. I am running a DeWalt 788. I make sure the blade clamps are good and tight and tight tension. I also run the speed on 4 or a little under half speed. Gentle push on the wood, let the blade do the cutting.

[Messman]

Almost all the blades I use are spirals. Yea I know I am an odd ball    But yes use a slower feed rate and make sure they have a nice tight tension on them.

[heppnerguy]

there you go. You have now heard from some of the experts with spiral blades. I too do not like spiral blades for several reasons but i do go to them from time to time, and I am getting more success as I do. I can not imagine ever using them as my ' go to blades", but who knows? I find myself doing new things all the time with scrolling..

       Good luck with your spirals..One thing I learned on this thread is, it is not wise to push your spiral blade life time, change them often

 

 

Dick

heppnerguy

[LarryEA]

I don't hate spirals and I sometimes would like to be proficient with them.

But not enough to buy a supply.

[NC Scroller]

This is not the best pic but here is the results.  I am very proud and happy to report it was cut totally with spiral blades.  A first for me. Like I said I have used spirals on some patterns before but on only limited cuts.  Will I throw away my flat blades, HELL NO.  But I will be more comfortable in using spirals when I need to in the future. 

 

In case you missed it the designer is Charles Dearing.

 

 

[Sparkey]

Very nice Scott. My problem is that I learned on spiral blades. I can't cut tight turns with a straight blade and can even cut a straight line better with a spiral so they are all I use for fretwork.

[spoth28]

I use FD #1 & #3 pretty much exclusively. The thing with them is that even after you tighten that bugger till you have to use pliers it still will pop with wear and tear after a while. Patience is key

[redwine]

Scott, you should be proud of yourself, that is a beautiful job on the cut!! I have only been scrolling for 10 years and had to learn on my own, but I started with the spiral blades, not knowing any better, and like the idea that you could cut large portraits that would fit on a 16 inch table without spinning the project! With that said, all of the comments made are true and the only thing I can add is to use all sides of the blade. By that I mean when you detect that the blade is dulling, don't just replace it, simple orientate your cut so that you will be using a different section of the blade. You will notice the difference as if it was a new blade. It works for me anyway!

Erv