a bit confused about blades

[zimmerstutzen]

I know there are threads per inch, pinned and pinless, spiral, straight, reverse tooth and skip tooth.  and then combinations of the various things.   I got some wood cutting blades, but would like to try cutting an inlay design from sheet brass.  But I cannot figure out which blades are best for which purpose.    I figure there are probably a few different fine tooth counts for metals.  But when a vendor just states Olson No. 7, that means nothing to me.   It doesn't tell me what tooth count, whether it is fit for metal, or nonferrous metal.  It doesn't tell me if another tooth count might be better,   I think you more experienced scrollers may have figured out a system for determining what blades to use.  

 

For a couple years, I worked in a specialty store and all the employees really had to know their stuff.  I can't tell if the clerk is just trying to sell me something or actually knows what he is talking about. I asked about other tooth counts and he said it was the only blades for metal cutting.  

 

Is there a quick reference chart to figure what blades for what purpose?

Edited June 28, 2016 by zimmerstutzen

[don in brooklin on]

Attached is the chart about Olsen Blades. 

 

olsen blade selection.pdf 

 

I am a big fan of Flying Dutchman blades and there is a section on selecting blades there.

 

The link is https://mikes-workshop.myshopify.com/

Edited June 28, 2016 by don in brooklin on

[lawson56]

Great advise up there,That is what I followed until I hit upon the blade I like.

[Old Joe]

Thanks for those guides, Don. I am still getting familiarized with the various blades and sometimes find it overwhelming.

[dgman]

We have a member who has cut sheet silver, I'm sure she will respond latter.

I do know it is best to sandwhich the metal between two layers of plywood such as Baltic birch plywood. This is to help prevent deforming the metal while cutting.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[amazingkevin]

We have a member who has cut sheet silver, I'm sure she will respond latter.

I do know it is best to sandwhich the metal between two layers of plywood such as Baltic birch plywood. This is to help prevent deforming the metal while cutting.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

I've spray lued vey thin metal between two pieces of wood to keep the edges straight and not wrinkled.And then acetone & mineral spirits mix to separate it.

[zimmerstutzen]

Thank you so very much for the information. That table is exactly what I was hoping for. I already made a copy for in my workshop reference book (where I keep all the manuals, etc)

[woodchux]

As a scrollsaw "newbee" I too have been confused about using the right blade, vendor numbers/sizes, tooth count, and blade purpose. Thanks for sharing the info. Be safe.