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[John Ryan]

I just bought a RBI hawk 226vs scroll saw for 75 bucks.  I was wondering what type of blades you would recommend for doing intricate cutting?

[DME72]

welcome. my favorite blades are #2 or for really fine work i will use a #2/0. what kind of shape is the hawk saw in? does it have the round barrel clamp on bottom or the ultra style? either way that is a great price! have any pics of the new saw.

 

doug

[Dan]

Welcome to The Village John. I know you'll find the answers you're looking for, unfortunately I don't own a Hawk. What kind d of cutting do you do...fretwork, puzzles? 

[Oldmansbike]

I have the same saw and I use number 2 for anything under 1/2 inch and number 5 for 1/2 to 3/4 inch. I don't cut much over 3/4 inch so can't help you there. Where did you find the saw for 75 dollars? I can never come across any deals like that. Was it in good shape? They are excellent saws. I have had mine for over 20 years and it runs like the day I bought and it has been used a lot.

[orangeman]

Depends entirely on the type of wood you are cutting, the thickness, and the type of pattern.

bb

[WayneMahler]

Welcome to the village. A lot depends on what your cutting and the material your using, This is a great place to get advise and help. I will say at this point, the finer the detail the finer blade you need to use, 

[tuner]

Welcome sounds like you got a great deal. Don't know what experience you have but if your just starting out give yourself a chance to learn b4 you start really fine cutting. For now a # 2/0 and # 5 should handle most work till you learn the saw.

[lawson56]

Welcome to The Village. As you can read your getting a lot of help.I myself use #5 and #2 for finer cutting with thinner wood.I hope you found the answer your looking for.

[scrollin'fool]

dude, you need ALL the blades!
all the blades that olsen makes are for intricate work.  some are for straight intricate cuts,

some are for curves, some get rid of the feathering, and those spiral blades are great for

intricate curves, too, and can gives great results on some kinds of work.

the blades are pretty cheap,too, so if you invest thirty or forty bucks on an array of blades,

you will be prepared for anything you decide to make.

[amazingkevin]

15 hours ago, scrollin'fool said:

dude, you need ALL the blades!
all the blades that olsen makes are for intricate work.  some are for straight intricate cuts,

some are for curves, some get rid of the feathering, and those spiral blades are great for

intricate curves, too, and can gives great results on some kinds of work.

the blades are pretty cheap,too, so if you invest thirty or forty bucks on an array of blades,

you will be prepared for anything you decide to make.

I agree ,the more the merryier in blades ,I used to have lots of different ons and finally settled for Mikeworkshop fd#7blade as my most used scroll reverse blade.Puzzle blades are nice but i all depends on wood thickness and hardness.

[Rolf]

$75 really and it runs! WOW Pictures and a few more details on what vintage the saw is.

[Scrappile]

There are various places that sell a variety pack of blades.  When I purchased two different saws, they came with such packs.  I use the blades to get me familiar with the sizes for different woods.  Then I started purchasing blades in the sizes I used most, but I purchased better blades, like Flying Dutchman, some like Olsen blades more.  I've been scrolling for several year, and I am still trying different sizes and types for different things.  Recently I tried Pegas blades and I really like their double tooth blades. 

I guess the point is, in my opinion, start experimenting.  Purchase a small variety and add to that as you gain experience.  As you get into it you will be purchasing your favorite blades by the gross.