CUTTING 3/4" ALDER WOOD

[Sam777]

Hi group

I have cut a few pieces in Alder wood. Actually I used this wood to cut Travis's patter of wine glasses holder. This 3/4 wood is so tough to cut I would rather cut 3/4 Oak instead. I can through 2-3 blades in each piece. The fine grain seems to dull the blades quicker than oak. 

Do you experience the same issue. The finished Alder pieces are nice looking but I don't think it is worth the effort.

Your comments please.

Thank you

Sam

[amazingkevin]

Lucky you get to try the good stuff.

[Lucky2]

I've only worked with alder wood a couple of times, I didn't find it hard to work with.

Len

[dgman]

I work with a lot of Alder and find it easy to work with. In fact I find it softer than poplar. The only problem I have with Alder is, because it is soft, the cut edges need a lot of sanding.

You didn't say what blade you used. I would use an FD Ultra Reverse #5 or #7 for 3/4" Alder.

Edited November 15, 2016 by dgman

[hawkeye10]

Are you sure it's Alder you are cutting? I haven't cut Alder on the scroll saw but I have on the table saw and it is pretty soft and easy to work with.

 

PS - I wonder if there is more than one kind of Alder?

[NC Scroller]

I use Alder all the time to cut compound projects. Never had any issues. I suspect you have some other species of wood. Can you post some pics?

[Rockytime]

I'll have to try Alder. I see it is available at my local Lowes. They seem to have a better selection than my local Home Depot. Perhaps each store varies.

[Sam777]

To answer all:

I started with #7 FDUR but half way in the piece I had to change to #5 and then again to #3. The #3 cut that 3/4 wood the best.

I am trying to attach pictures but I haven't been able to figure out how to that. I feel stupid now :(

May be like Scott is saying, may be this wood is not alder. It feels very soft yet is very dense.

If someone can tell me how to post a picture, I will show you some.

Thank you all

[Tommy Johnson]

Don't forget to use packing tape on your pieces. You will notice the difference! 

I have used Alder some and never had a problem cutting it. Have even Chip carved some.

[Bill WIlson]

Starting with a #7 but getting best results from a #3 seems odd.  I would think that it would be the other way around.  Typically one would expect the larger, more aggressive #7 to cut thick, dense wood more easily than a #3.  I've never cut any alder, but it has a Janka scale rating of 590, which is just a little harder than poplar and much softer than cherry.  I wonder if somehow you have some bad blades?

[NC Scroller]

At the bottom right of your screen you should see a button More Reply Options.  Click on it.  It should then pop up another screen to input your comments.  Just below and to the left of the text input box you will see a paper clip and a button to Choose Files.  Click that button and it should allow you to select pictures to upload.

[Sam777]

Thank you Scott,

Here are my pictures.

I hope they show the wood species.

Thank you all

 

[dgman]

Well, it sure looks like Alder.

[dottyblues]

I use Alder a lot and packing tape on both sides help.  If I'm cutting 3/4 I use a #5 or #7 Olson Skip Reverse or #9RG Olson PGT blade.

[SCROLLSAW703]

that looks more like cherry than alder.

[heppnerguy]

I also use a lot of Alder and it is one of my favorite woods. I do not find it to need much sanding as it seems to come out really nice for me. I don't mind using several blades when necessary as a sharp blade equals a nice finished piece. I sometimes use a small blade like O/2 and still find it cuts nicely. I am amazed by your problems

 

Dick

heppnerguy

[SCROLLSAW703]

when cutting soft wood, the smaller blade the better. Not only because there is no need to use to a bigger blade, but, for less blade marks & less blades. Slow speeds are necessary, as well. In soft wood, the faster it's cut, the more it will burn, therefore breaking blades. 

[Rockytime]

I will say this: mighty smooth cutting.

[kywoodmaster]

that looks more like cherry than alder.

I was wondering if it might be cherry sap wood. That would explain the hard cutting.

[Sam777]

I don't know what to say.

I like the look of Alder.

For the folks who suggested using clear tape to lube the blade, these were cut with clear tape on top only.

I appreciate every bodies responses and suggestions.

I will keep watching out when using this wood and I will keep posting about my progress when I use Alder.

Thank again

Sam

[SCROLLSAW703]

that's kinda what i think kywood. As a rule, cherry isn't hard to cut, it burns easy if you try to run to high of a blade speed, or use an extremely fine blade. I use all rough sawn lumber in my projects, so i can plane it to whatever thickness i need. I try to use a # 3 or # 4, sometimes a # 5, it just depends on the detail. A lot of my projects start out at a 1/2". I do use a # 1 if the detail calls for it.

 

I make dream catchers & crosses, & cut my own feathers for the dream catchers. They are right at 3/16". I have a couple crosses that are loaded with detail. I'll use a # 1, or sometimes a # 02. In cherry. 

 

You have to find a thickness you like to work with for starters. Then find a pattern you like to make. Then keep practicing with it until you feel comfortable with it. I tell my students the best thickness to learn blades, feel of the saw, feed rate, & turns is 3/8" - 1/2" thick. It doesn't tear out or crumble like the thin stuff does, & with less frustration. Yes, you'll still have blade size, speed, & feed rate to learn, but you'll learn that a lot faster in a thickness of wood you're comfortable with.

 

You can look at my work on facebook at Sawdust Haven. Keep practicing, & keep reading & learning. Most of all, ask questions when you need to. God bless & enjoy the evening.

[amazingkevin]

Hi group

I have cut a few pieces in Alder wood. Actually I used this wood to cut Travis's patter of wine glasses holder. This 3/4 wood is so tough to cut I would rather cut 3/4 Oak instead. I can through 2-3 blades in each piece. The fine grain seems to dull the blades quicker than oak. 

Do you experience the same issue. The finished Alder pieces are nice looking but I don't think it is worth the effort.

Your comments please.

Thank you

Sam

here ya go!

Edited November 23, 2016 by amazingkevin

[stu]

Just finished making 30 mini bird house ornaments 1 1/2 square alder for grandsons class using fdur #3 and #5 no problems easy cutting biggest problem is drying if no air movement goes moldy

stu