What size blade?

[ben2008]

I'm going to try and make 3 of these for family members. One of my daughters saw this pattern and asked  if I could make 3  for her. I have not done many scroll saw fretwork patterns using BB. I will use 3 1/8" BB stacked plywood panels. What blade would you suggest for this? I'm thinking of a FD ultra reverse. Just can't decide which size. I'll be using my 21" EXCALIBUR.  All suggestions appreciated. Please don't suggest a spiral blade. I just cannot get used to those blades. Actually gave up on them a while ago.

Thanks in advance

Ben

Edited December 14, 2020 by ben2008

[kmmcrafts]

I'd use a spiral blade number 2/0  

BUT, since you hate the spirals a #1 or #3 Ultra reverse might work too,  Just take it easy on the fragile areas.. Not a huge fan of a reverse tooth ( especially UR ) with fine detail fretwork.. Those reverse teeth can get grabby and bust a portion out.. I've used them on work more fragile than this.. and running the EX is smooth so you should be fine with them..

[dgman]

I definitely would use FD UR blades. A size 1 for all the fret work and a size 3 for the letters. I use these all the time for this type of work.

Edited December 14, 2020 by dgman

[Bill WIlson]

I agree with Dan, FD UR #1's will work well for this.  I just finished cutting 1/2" stacks of BB ply for a boat load of ornaments and used the FD UR #1.  It's pretty much my go-to blade for fine fretwork in all but the thickest/hardest material.  The #3 will work a little better on the letters, as there are a lot more straight lines and the #3 will offer a little better control, but the #1 would work fine for those as well.

[ike]

I prefer #3 ;match olson's blades

IKE

[trackman]

Before I switched to Pegas blades I used FD. If I were still using them I would use #3 an #5 UR. It would have to be very small frets for me to feel I need use a #1. Number 3s an #5s are my go to blades for 90% of the time. 

[Dan]

#3

[FrankEV]

That is a really outststanding cut.   

Other than the work WELCOME the panel screames use a spiral blade.  I'd be using mostly a #1 Pegas spiral to cut it.

Probably a #3 Pegas mgt R for the Font. 

For only three layers of 1/8" BB ply, almost any blade you like will work  A #1 and/or #3 is probably you best bet although I would not hesitate to use a #2/0 for some of the smaller detail areas.

Just remember, when the panel gets thicker...push slower and let the blade do the work!

Edited December 15, 2020 by FrankEV

[Foxfold]

Personally, I'd cut this as a 'fretwork' piece and put a backer on it.  I'd use a #3 blade as it's my go to blade and I can cut most things with it..

It looks awfully 'fragile' to have as a 'cut out' piece to me. JMHO 

[stoney]

To bad you don't like spiral blades as that is a project that would be prefect for them other than the word welcome.   That being said, most any blade you are comfortable with will get the job done.  I would probably use a #3

[daveww1]

good luck on the project

[ben2008]

Thanks everyone for the comments, suggestion, tips etc. Looks like I'll use a #3 FD UR as my 1st choice for most of it and switch to a #1 for the smaller areas. I should be starting this later this week or early next week. Still finishing a few other projects for now.

What a great and friendly forum this is. Glad I joined not long ago.

Thanks again

Ben

Edited December 15, 2020 by ben2008