Spiral Blades

[stu]

Going to try spiral a friend wants a large piece of 3/4 in white oak need an idea what is the best size blade to use so I can order

thanks stu

 

[stoney]

Well stu it depends what you are cutting in that white oak.   As you are probably already aware white oak is quite a bit denser or  harder of a  material than some of the other hardwoods.   Are you going to use spiral blades for veining or for the main blade?

[stu]

they'll be the main blade there will be no possible way to turn piece around

[Scrolling Steve]

Not knowing how much detail is involved , 3/4 white oak will probably require at least a #3 or #5 to get any life out of them,,,maybe someone else will pipe in will more knowledge than I have as I have only used spirals in 1/2 thickness  at the most.

[stu]

Thanks Steve I use #3 and #5 fdur all the time may as well keep the numbers the same less confusion

Stu

[amazingkevin]

Can we see what your cutting?

[amazingkevin]

Can we see what your cutting?

[Sparkey]

I agree with the 3 or 5. If you have any fine detail then get some smaller just for that.

[stu]

Well Kevin it will be some form of eagle but it will be centered 3/4"x10"x 5ft for a headboard should be fun

[hawkeye10]

Well Kevin it will be some form of eagle but it will be centered 3/4"x10"x 5ft for a headboard should be fun

Stu have you thought about cutting the board down where you could work with it easier. Just cut a section out that you need for your scrolling. That would be two cuts. If you use a good table saw blade so there will be no chip out then you could rejoin it using a spline. When rejoined the grain would match almost perfectly and using a spline would make it strong. If you want more suggestions that you might not get here go to the link below and ask this question. It is the Router Forum and there are a lot of Canadians on that forum as well as some very good wood workers. I am not saying anything bad about the wood workers here but there is just more of them on that forum. 

 

 

http://www.routerforums.com/forum.php

[stu]

Thanks Don will check it out any and all ideas are always welcome

[ike]

That's too much for this old man to handle. let us know how it turns out.

IKE

[Lucky2]

Stu, good luck with the spiral blades.

Len

[heppnerguy]

I would turn down an offer to cut that piece, as I don't handle humiliation very well    .  I would rather router out a 1/2 inch deep rectangle and then cut the eagle on 1/4 inch wood with a 1/4 in black backer board and cut that piece so it fits into the routered part perfectly and glue it place...that would be the only way I would even consider doing that chore.. Then you have an easier cut and no heavy struggles on your scroll saw table..

 

 

Dick (chicken hearted)

heppnerguy

[Birchbark]

An Intarsia eagle on the headboard would also be cool IMO.

 

Russell

[SCROLLSAW703]

personally Stu, I wouldn't attempt to use spiral blades on white oak. Two reasons. White oak is a tight grained wood, being a hardwood, it is also tough cutting. Were it me, I would cut your project with a #3 or even #4 skip tooth, then use your spiral blade in the cuts you want to open up, or make noticeable. 3/4" thick wood is a challenge for any spiral blade. It's alot to chew thru, and will be a slow process. Please don't misunderstand, Sir. I'm not trying to tell you your business, I'm just speaking from experience. Keep makin' sawdust. God bless, & enjoy your day.

[stu]

Thanks Brad know to well how much of a blade killer the white oak is usually use fdur #3 and 5 when making mini clocks out or 3/4 in I think what i'll do is cut 8in circle in center with jig saw and inset with western red cedar, yellow cedar or cherry