Straight blades

[Sparkey]

Well I used straight blades for the first time in 2 or 3 years. I made a design in poly draw for a bowl and cut it out today. All I can say is thank God for my spindle sander. I will post pictures tomorrow.

[Lucky2]

lol A bit rough was it?

Len

[New Guy]

Looking forward to the picture.

[Sparkey]

Let's just say my spiral blades aren't going anywhere.

[amazingkevin]

Let's just say my spiral blades aren't going anywhere.

tell us all you know ,found out an where you plan to stick with in blades

[WayneMahler]

I switch between flat and spiral depending on the job at hand. Looking forward to the photos. I have confidence they will be great

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Nothing but flat blades here. I tried spirals and could never get the hang of it. I use to test run blades for Mike Moorloch and had to tell him any of those puzzle blades or spiral blades he would have to find someone else to test. Never could get the hang of them. 

[lawson56]

Same here I tried Spiral,No Go.Haven't given up.But I Love Flat Blades.

[Scrolling Steve]

I try to use both ...sometimes I can even use both on the same project.....looking forward to seeing the bowl !

[Sparkey]

I guess my problem is that I learned on spiral blades. I have only used flat blades one time before and it has been a few years. Here are the pictures.

[Sparkey]

I just used a piece of cheap pine because I knew I would need to practice with the flat blades before I use any expensive wood. I used Sonoma Red stain and I will shoot it with a clear.

[LarryEA]

I use only flat,,,, bowl looks great. I've made those.

[Bill WIlson]

Being proficient with both spiral and straight blades really opens up the entire spectrum of scrolling projects.  Spirals are ideal for some projects and straight blades best suited for others.  It took us all a little time to learn the specific characteristics and quirks of our blade of choice.  It just takes a little more time to learn about the other types.

[Rockytime]

WOW! Very nice.

[SCROLLSAW703]

Excellent job, sparkey!!! Personally, I dont use spirals for much but widening, cuttin' around tight places where I'm not able to get a flat blade into, leaf veins, etc. They definitely take hours of practice to use them efficiently. keep up the good work!!

[WayneMahler]

I guess my problem is that I learned on spiral blades. I have only used flat blades one time before and it has been a few years. Here are the pictures.

Nice looking work. Keep it up

[meflick]

I guess my problem is that I learned on spiral blades. I have only used flat blades one time before and it has been a few years. Here are the pictures.

In  general, I think that most people with most things (like software programs), blades, etc. tend to like what we "learned on".  Kudos to you for trying to learn a different way.  I don't know that there is a right or wrong - it is usually what we find that works best for us.  However, being willing to try new things/new ways new tools keeps us learning and sometimes we will in fact find something we like better then what we are using/doing.  Other times, it simply offers us a new way to approach or do something.  Win-win in that case.  I still need to learn to master the blades I started with - flat - but those are probably best for Intarsia work anyway.  One day I will attempt some spiral blades if for no other reason then to see the difference in how they work. 

[GPscroller]

I am the same as LarryEA, nothing but flat blades and I have also made those same bowls lol. Nice job.  Thanks for the pics.

 

Jeff

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

In  general, I think that most people with most things (like software programs), blades, etc. tend to like what we "learned on".  Kudos to you for trying to learn a different way.  I don't know that there is a right or wrong - it is usually what we find that works best for us.  However, being willing to try new things/new ways new tools keeps us learning and sometimes we will in fact find something we like better then what we are using/doing.  Other times, it simply offers us a new way to approach or do something.  Win-win in that case.  I still need to learn to master the blades I started with - flat - but those are probably best for Intarsia work anyway.  One day I will attempt some spiral blades if for no other reason then to see the difference in how they work. 

 

 

It is all in how you maneuver your blades. There is no spinning the wood with spirals like you do with flats. You have to be conscious that blade cuts in every direction. Not easy to do when you learn with flats.  But good luck when you do try it. Do it on a project that is not too involved. 

[meflick]

Thanks John - yes its the "spinning" that I am having difficulty mastering and figured was one of the appeals to the spirals.  However, the learning curve is no doubt in understanding that it is cut in all directions and learning how to work with that.  Don't worry, I promise that anything I tried would definitely not be too involved.   My patience level would not allow that!