Blade Lubrication

[lawson56]

I know this subject has come up several times.but my memory fails me at times.What do you Fellow Scroller's use to lubricate your blades,until recently I did not have to worry about it,but I am using a smaller blade,and it wants to burn quicker,I am using a # 2 in !/4 plywood.What would be the best thing to make my blades last longer?

[Scrolling Steve]

Bobby, I will also see what the good folks here say because aside from the tape or tapes used to mount the patterns I have never used a lubricant of any kind ........Steve.

[NC Scroller]

I use no lube on my blades. Plywood is actually tougher on blades than many hardwood.

This is due to the glues used. Burning is caused by dull blades. Most of us use blades to long before replacing. 15 - 20 minutes of actual cutting is all a blade is designed for. You might reduce your burning some by slowing your blade speed.

[hawkeye10]

I use no lube on my blades. Plywood is actually tougher on blades than many hardwood.

This is due to the glues used. Burning is caused by dull blades. Most of us use blades to long before replacing. 15 - 20 minutes of actual cutting is all a blade is designed for. You might reduce your burning some by slowing your blade speed.

Scott I didn't know a blades life was so short. I guess I need to change my blade out this mourning. Thanls

[Tommy Johnson]

I don't use any lubricant on any of my blades. I do though use clear packing tape over most of my patterns to help the blade cutting. Try with the tape and then without and you will notice the difference. 

[bronx]

I use no lube on my blades. Plywood is actually tougher on blades than many hardwood.

This is due to the glues used. Burning is caused by dull blades. Most of us use blades to long before replacing. 15 - 20 minutes of actual cutting is all a blade is designed for. You might reduce your burning some by slowing your blade speed.

 

 

I'm making Christmas Tree 4 inch ornaments and stack cutting three 1'4 BB with  #5 Olsen blades. I only can get two ornaments out of a each blade before I get that burned smell. I do use blue tape and wonder why I couldn't get more cuts out of one blade.

 

You helped me so much. Thx.

 

Ciao

Cliff

[ike]

I stack 3 or 4 1/4 pieces or plywood and use no lube . I make 15X12 Christmas trees with a nativity scene in the middle and using Olson's blades I usually use 1 or 2  blades I set my speed on a dw 788 saw at # 5 speed.  in fact I very seldom exceed that speed each tree has 35 holde in them. To me speed is the digest cause of blade failure.IKE

[WayneMahler]

Wrapping with tape is the only lubricant I ever use. Cutting through ply shortens blade life dramatically. The glue between the layers is the culprit.  The smaller the blade size the less ability it has to shed the dust and debris from cutting which clogs it up much faster causing heat and dulling. Slowing the feed rate and blade speed does help a little but figure that blade life will be short. Try to use the largest blade you can get away with.

[lawson56]

Thanks for the Info Guys,It really did help. I did learn a lot today.

[Clayton717]

I don't use tape or any lubricants. When the blade seems to cut harder or burn I change the blade.

[amazingkevin]

I use no lube on my blades. Plywood is actually tougher on blades than many hardwood.

This is due to the glues used. Burning is caused by dull blades. Most of us use blades to long before replacing. 15 - 20 minutes of actual cutting is all a blade is designed for. You might reduce your burning some by slowing your blade speed.

could this be the reason i go thru s0 many scroll saws .I can go 3 hours on a flying dutchman's blade

[Ron Johnson]

I use a blade lubricant available through Stockade.ca. It's a hard wax in a tube. I've used this for years and find it works well for me. Keeping the blade clean with a crepe eraser while cutting also helps. And last, blades are cheap so swipe out for a new one as soon as you notice you're having to exert more force when cutting. Your saw will thank you, all your cuts will be clean and sharp and last everything runs smoothly making what you enjoy (scrolling) more enjoyable.

Edited October 6, 2016 by Ron Johnson

[lawson56]

Ron do you have the Add,for Lee Valley?

[hawkeye10]

Ron do you have the Add,for Lee Valley?

Here is a link to Lee Valley but I can't find the blade lube Ron is talking about. Lee Valley is a great company to buy from.

 

http://www.leevalley.com/US/Wood/Index.aspx

[trailfndr]

Lots of folks say that clear packing tape helps to lubricate your blades.  I use it religiously over the top of the pattern on every piece I cut.  It seems to help and its pretty cheap

[Ron Johnson]

Ron do you have the Add,for Lee Valley?

Sorry Bobby. Try Stockade Supplies (stockade.ca). Type in their search bar 'saw blade lubricant'. It's a 8" x 1" wax stick priced at $12.95. It'll last you for many years.

[hotshot]

You an find the Olsen Blade Lubricant ($7.95) on this page:  http://www.sloanwoodshop.com/scroll_saw_blades.htm

 

I tried it on metal, didn't find it that effective.  Might be better on wood.

 

--------Randy

Edited October 6, 2016 by hotshot

[Lucky2]

Bobby, unfortunately I don't think blade lube will solve the burning issue. Personally, I think you would be better off cutting at a lower speed.

Len

[crupiea]

Hate to say it but buy more blades.  the the one constant in this art form.

[lawson56]

Thanks for all the help Guys.I have been cutting at a slower speed.It has helped a Great deal.I have cked out the places you gave me.I will be getting me some Lubricant in the very near future.Thanks again for all your help.Man I Love his place.    

[JimErn]

I am late as usual, but as a kid my Dad always dragged a wood screw across a bar of soap before using it. I hold the soap bar against the blade and let it move up and down a time or two - not sure if it actually helps, I think it does.

[hawkeye10]

I am late as usual, but as a kid my Dad always dragged a wood screw across a bar of soap before using it. I hold the soap bar against the blade and let it move up and down a time or two - not sure if it actually helps, I think it does.

Sure it works. I still do it at times.

[Rolf]

I never use any lubrication on my blade other than blue tape under my patterns. I use 2/0 Olson reverse blades when I stack cut my Christmas ornaments (6 x 1/16 ply) I toss the blade after 15 min of cutting time. Or as soon as I feel I am pushing to hard.