Saw blade choices

[woodchux]

This "newbee" is getting more involved with the facets of scrollsawing. Discovered availability/use of scroll saw blades was more than just "one standard" blade. Wide range of styles/sizes from many suppliers with various prices. What are the best blades for the $, from which manufacturer do you use? Your info is appreciated. Be safe. 

[Jim Finn]

Blade selection depends on what you are cutting and personal preference.  I cut only 3/4" to 2" thick wood and like a #5 blade.  I have used blades from Flying Dutchman and Olsen's

.  Both work well for me.

     Fretwork will require different blades I guess.  I do not do fretwork....yet

Edited June 29, 2016 by Jim Finn

[Clayton717]

I use Flying Dutchman blades many sizes depending on thickness of material. the most 2 sizes I use the most are #5 and #7. I use scroll reverse blades.

[Sycamore67]

I use Flying Duthcman blades but there are other good blades. You will need to try out the different blades and see what works best for you.

 

It would be good to get pictures of the different tooth patterns and develop an understanding of the differences. Also, some members here post what blade they use on a project.

 

I do not worry about the cost of blades. Using a blade after it has started to dull causes poor cutting and hard cutting. And it is a bit of a shock when they break.

[Scrolling Steve]

Like many others in the Village I use Flying Dutchman blades from Mike's workshop......I use a lot of FD ultra reverse #3 and #5 as well as 2/0 and 3/0 new spiral blades . Good luck and I am sure you will settle in with a couple or three favorites that you will use most of the time.

[amazingkevin]

I've used scroll reverse blades for years as it leaves the top and bottom of the projects with little or no sanding needed.My sizes used most are #5,#7,#9.I also get them from Mikes.I cut years and years with the big box store blades and had a ball .Blades are about .30 = or-

[Bill WIlson]

You'll probably find that most scrollers will use either Flying Dutchman or Olson brand blades.  There are other brands out there and I imagine each have their proponents, but I have no personal experience with any of them, except a little with PS Wood blades.

 

That said, I prefer certain blades from FD and others from Olson, so which blades you select won't necessarily all be from the same brand.  It takes a little time and patience, but it pays to try different blades from different manufacturers for different applications.  For example, I like FD spirals more than Olson.  For really fine detailed fretwork, I prefer Olson 2/0 reverse over an FD equivalent.  For routine fretwork, I've long preferred the Olson MS blades, but am now trying some FDUR sizes and so far I like them.  Even after 20+ years of scrolling, I'm still trying and learning about different blades.

[WayneMahler]

I'm a flying dutchman cutter. I use blades of different sizes depending on the project at hand. I do like the Ultra Reverse blades. I have also heard some good things about Olsen and Pegasus blades. You will find that the more your play the more you learn and grow. This will lead to finding a blade that is good for you. Olsen put out a blade selection chart that is available and free on their site. Good information and a guideline to help learning by. 

[Denny Knappen]

Choice of blades as stated is a matter of preference.  Try different blades and different manufacturers.  You will soon find somethin you are comfortable with.  One suggestion, do not by blades from a big box store.

[vykus]

Here is the olson chart. I personally use #3 ultra reverse for fretwork and #7 UR for thicker projects. I know a lot of people like the spirals but I have never gotten them to work for me. I mostly use Olson but I am using #3 Flying Dutchman right now and they work well, although they may cut a little to fast on 1/8 BB.  

[ike]

I use mostly olsons but some FD blades. I like FD #7 skip tooth better than olsons .for 3/4 and upp I use a # 7R blsde but on the fret work I use Olson s #3,5,

i don't use big box store blades most are a inferior grade blade, Menards handle Olson's and that is where I get them. FD blades are alittle more agressive than Olson's

IKE

Edited June 29, 2016 by ike

[LarryEA]

Here's a survey taken on this subject.

 http://www.scrollsawvillage.com/topic/17188-scroll-saw-blade-survey/?hl=%2Bblade+%2Bsurvey                                

 

 

 http://www.scrollsawvillage.com/topic/17503-results-of-blade-usage/?hl=%2Bblade+%2Bsurvey

Edited June 30, 2016 by LarryEA

[orangeman]

I used Flying Dutchman blades for 10 years and I am convinced they have deteriorated in quality. I recently switched to PEGAS Modified Geometry blades (#3-7) for cutting puzzles from hardwoods. I find the Pegas blades superior to the FD blades for that purpose. The PEGAS MG blade in more aggressive and cuts through cherry, locust, padauk, and purpleheart with ease.

 

I still use the FD puzzle blade for Christmas Cards out of 1/4" Baltic Birch.

 

bb

[Lucky2]

Chuck, this same question gets brought up about every month, Have you checked the archives to see what might be in there for info? To properly answer your question, we need to know what you plan to cut, and what materials you plan to cut also. Personally, I use Flying Dutchman blades, but, I do that partially out of loyalty. And also because they are such a nice cutting blade. I used to sell Flying Dutchman blades, plus, I've never found a replacement blade that cuts better. The thing about blades, is that one might work for me, but, you might not get the same results from that blade as I do. I like for people to try many brands of blades, I did, and that's how I settled on FD blades. With you just starting out, I think you should do some trial and error cutting to find which blade best suits your needs. It may be FD, but, it could be one of the other  popular brands also. They all cut well, it's just a matter of preference.

Len