Must have blades

[Eplfan2011]

So ..... It was bought up in another thread I made. What are your go to blades  and sizes you must have in your collection?

So far I've got a few dozen each FDUR #2.0 through #7 apart from #3#5 which I have a gross each.

Couple of dozen MGT #2.0 through #12

Couple dozen FD spiral #3.0 through #7

So make me a list and if you have a specific use for them please tell

 

 

[kmmcrafts]

Must have blade hmmm. 

My most used blade is probably Pegas MGT #3 and #5 for cutting mostly 1/2" - 3/4" material whether it's hardwoods or stacked up 1/8" plywood.

Next up is FD-NS #2/0 Spiral blades.. typically used for stack cutting up to 1/2" material typically stacks of 4 pieces of 1/8" BB ply. Also used for veining cuts in hardwood when cut was first made with flat blade then followed up with the spiral. I do not like spiral blades any larger than a #1 mostly use the 2/0. 

Now.. other blades I sometimes use in place of the Pegas MGT is sometimes the #3 - #5 UR or the same size in the SR. Depending on my mood and if I happen to be having length issues with the Pegas LOL.. 

All the blades above is my most used have to have on hand blade.. Now I keep probably 30 different brands and styles on hand but rarely use any of them on a regular basis.. and could probably do without them.. once gone they may not ever be ordered again.

[OCtoolguy]

1 hour ago, Eplfan2011 said:

So ..... It was bought up in another thread I made. What are your go to blades  and sizes you must have in your collection?

So far I've got a few dozen each FDUR #2.0 through #7 apart from #3#5 which I have a gross each.

Couple of dozen MGT #2.0 through #12

Couple dozen FD spiral #3.0 through #7

So make me a list and if you have a specific use for them please tell

 

 

I don't have any blades above 7 and I've never had a need for them. Pegas 5 mgt are my go-to blades. I don't do much fretwork.

Edited October 29, 2022 by OCtoolguy

[Denny Knappen]

For years I used FD UR and Polar blades.  Now that we are a Pegas dealer. I use mostly MGT in sizes #1 through #5.  I do use #7 MGT for compound cutting.

[crupiea]

I pretty much only use 

FDSR- 1,3,5

Jewelers blades- 2/0

I have a lot of others but use only those.  My go to cuts are on 1/8" baltic birch, maybe 2 sheets together at times.

[Sycamore67]

I think you have more than enough blades.  Your go to blades are related to what you cut, your saw and personal preference.   What I like probably is not what you would like.  You need to cut things and decide what you like.

[Eplfan2011]

54 minutes ago, Sycamore67 said:

I think you have more than enough blades.  Your go to blades are related to what you cut, your saw and personal preference.   What I like probably is not what you would like.  You need to cut things and decide what you like.

Agreed!

My go to is FDUR #3 and #5 that's why I have 2 gross of them, and I've found a need for a spiral blade every now and then. My problem is that I have no real idea what else there is or how they perform, also I haven't found my nitch yet and I'm cutting anything from 1/8 to 1 3/4 thick. Plywood, MDF,hardwood and pine. So asking this question helps me look at other blades to try, plus a dozen blades here and there won't break the bank.

Edited October 29, 2022 by Eplfan2011

[Sycamore67]

My suggestion is to pick just a couple of things, styles, and concentrate on them. IMHO.... I think trying everything at once is confusing.

[Ctutor]

#3 and # 5 Modified Geometry Pegus ( now)  for almost everything.  2.0 Mfg for Alex Fox fretwork type patterns where the narrow kerf is needed. 

[scrollingforsanity]

For years I used FD # 5 reverse tooth, still have two or three gross. Have not used one since I started using Pegas MGt # 3 and # 5. Occasionally a # 7. Never hurts to have blades to try on different woods though. I pretty much stack cut 1/8 bb and do some compound cutting. You will find what you like through trial and error. Lots of error for me at first. Your projects look good.  After thinking about that I still have errors.

[Dak0ta52]

I mainly cut wall hangers in 1/4-inch although I usually double stack. My go to blades are the 2/0 to 1 Spirals, 2/0 to 3 MGT and 2/0 to 1 Skip Tooth, all by Pegas. Not only do I find them to be great blades, the service you get from artcraftersonline.com can't be beat. With the customer loyalty program Denny has, the cost of blades are less expensive than other places I've shopped.

[John B]

For intricate fretwork I use FDUR #1 and #3 I also have few dozen of the larger sizes. The #5 and #7 cut through the 30mm to 50 mm pine Ok and leave a nice surface.
For the thicker timbers I prefer the Olson PGt blades. They cut quicker than the FDUR and still leave a nice surface, however for a blade that lasts and cuts like a hot knife through butter, I don't believe you could go past the Olson Mach blades. The #7 outlasts the FDUR by heaps and even cuts a lot more than a PGT blade, however the finish is not as smooth.
As for spiral blades, I like the Flying Dutchman New Spirals, they seem easier to control than other brands.

I get my blades from The Wooden Teddy Bear and their gross pricing is pretty good, actually bloody cheap if you compare them to the cost of blades in OZ. They also post quickly and take the time to package the items the least costly way. I also get quite a few other bits and pieces from them at the same time, such as toggle buttons, Clear nylon buffers, picture frame inserts and anything else that catches my eye.
 

Edited October 30, 2022 by John B

[Eplfan2011]

1 hour ago, John B said:

For intricate fretwork I use FDUR #1 and #3 I also have few dozen of the larger sizes. The #5 and #7 cut through the 30mm to 50 mm pine Ok and leave a nice surface.
For the thicker timbers I prefer the Olson PGt blades. They cut quicker than the FDUR and still leave a nice surface, however for a blade that lasts and cuts like a hot knife through butter, I don't believe you could go past the Olson Mach blades. The #7 outlasts the FDUR by heaps and even cuts a lot more than a PGT blade, however the finish is not as smooth.
As for spiral blades, I like the Flying Dutchman New Spirals, they seem easier to control than other brands.

I get my blades from The Wooden Teddy Bear and their gross pricing is pretty good, actually bloody cheap if you compare them to the cost of blades in OZ. They also post quickly and take the time to package the items the least costly way. I also get quite a few other bits and pieces from them at the same time, such as toggle buttons, Clear nylon buffers, picture frame inserts and anything else that catches my eye.
 

Thanks John, as I said in another thread I'll give the Olsen's a try. + 1 on the Wooden Teady Bear that's where I've been getting my FD blades from !

[Eplfan2011]

Thanks for everyone's input here I appreciate it and I'll pick up a few dozen different blades to give them a whirl.

 I'm a little hyper and like to mix things up I can't see myself sicking to one style I like to push myself, so again with all you help I'll have a decent assortment of blades to attack the unknown with !

[Sycamore67]

You should try PS Woods Super Sharps.  In my experience they are the fastest cutting blades especially thicker woods and are the most expensive.  

[TAIrving]

My go to blades are Pegas MGT #1, 3, and 5.  I have many other blades but infrequently use them.

I cut mostly 1/4" to 1/2"  hardwoods, sometimes fretwork, but lately more often patterns. 

I am comfortable with these blades doing everything I like to do on the scrollsaw.  I appreciate that there ae other blades that others of us like but do not see the need to try them.  

[don in brooklin on]

I love post about the favorite blades.  I have come to the conclusion it is the blade you get used to.

I have been a diehard FD-UR and #3 and #1. For compound I have tried everything but my go to is FD polar.

When I teach scrolling 101 I start everyone with UR #3 as they are less aggressive than Pegas MGT blades plus you get cleaner cut. 

Once you get cutting technique down try other blades until you find the one that suits you best.

 

[Norm Fengstad]

lately  I use  blades are the Pegas Mg #3 sometimes 5 I did use a #7 MG to cut 7/8 zebra wood. I also like Niqua #3 ultra reverse they  and #1 I purchase most blades from Sawbird as Garnet Hall lives in the same province as I do. Art Crafters is another supplier and a good source of info for me but Denny is out of country so shipping can be an issue.  

[kmmcrafts]

7 minutes ago, don in brooklin on said:

I love post about the favorite blades.  I have come to the conclusion it is the blade you get used to.

I have been a diehard FD-UR and #3 and #1. For compound I have tried everything but my go to is FD polar.

When I teach scrolling 101 I start everyone with UR #3 as they are less aggressive than Pegas MGT blades plus you get cleaner cut. 

Once you get cutting technique down try other blades until you find the one that suits you best.

 

People do get comfortable with what they learned on and many do not "try" other things because they like what they're used to.. I'm not convinced that this is true though for me.. I started sawing ( 2005) using Olsen reverse tooth blades.. quickly learned about FD-UR blades from online forums.. in around 2007-8.. switch to those until I herd about Pegas MGT blades in 2015-16? and have been using those ever since for the most part.. So for me I have not stuck with what I got used to.. LOL.. 

[kmmcrafts]

9 hours ago, Eplfan2011 said:

Thanks for everyone's input here I appreciate it and I'll pick up a few dozen different blades to give them a whirl.

 I'm a little hyper and like to mix things up I can't see myself sicking to one style I like to push myself, so again with all you help I'll have a decent assortment of blades to attack the unknown with !

Want to mix things up huh? I'm like that too.. sometimes I like the challenge of doing something different.. I've even gone so far as when the blade is dull I've flipped it upside down for a challenge to cut the rest of the project out with blade upside down, LOL.. NOW.. if you use those blades that cut a degree off to one side.. upside down it's off a degree or so on the opposite side.. that's challenging...  

[scrollingforsanity]

Denny at Artcraftersonline, best place by far I have found to buy Pegas blades. Extremely fast service.