kcortese Posted January 1, 2013 Report Share Posted January 1, 2013 I have used round blades to scroll in all directions. I then need to clean up my work from the feathering. I have been told by several experienced scrollers to use the reverse toothed blades for a clean cut edge. I looked into reverse blades via internet search and have a question to you nice folks here. I noticed that the revers blades are flat, do you have to turn the the entire piece to cut curves and turns? I'm new at scrolling, so please excuse my ignorance. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted January 1, 2013 Report Share Posted January 1, 2013 Yes. The blades are flat and will only cut in one direction. So you'll have to turn your work as you cut. I think you have a lot more control with flat blades. The lines are easier to cut, and your blade has less tendency to drift. Since you started with spiral blades, I expect you'll find it frustrating at first. But I urge you to keep with it. I use spiral blades for portrait-style cutting. It works really well for organic/wavy lines that gives portraits their signature look. But for precise lines, straight lines, sweeping curves, and things that require a sharp corner or edge, I use flat blades. If you order, I like the Flying Dutchman Scroll-Reverse from Mike's Workshop. I use #3, #5, & #7. Avoid the blades from big box stores. They're not very good and very overpriced. Hope this helps. Keep asking questions. That's how we all learn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amazingkevin Posted January 2, 2013 Report Share Posted January 2, 2013 I'm impressed with you karen to have started out with spirals.your probably miles ahead with confidence trying them first.not the averge person will get used to them and your the first one i ran across that started out with them.this is a horse of a differant color.Can't wait to see your gallery!Just don't forget not to turn the wood when you amble back to spirals.i've done it to many times but caught my self before i ruined the project,lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted January 2, 2013 Report Share Posted January 2, 2013 Karen, there are several ways to take care of the feathering. Some people use a torch and sear them off. I do this sometimes, but still don't have the hang of it. Some folks sand, but the delicate pieces can be tricky. I agree with Travis on the straight blades. I use them almost exclusively because there is a lot less clean up after cutting. Give the Flying Dutchman blades a try and see if you like them. BTW, I saw your Etsy store and you do some amazing work with the wood burning. Really like the Black Bear clock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heppnerguy Posted January 2, 2013 Report Share Posted January 2, 2013 Karen, I have to say that I have to admire you for starting with spiral blades and still be interested in scrolling. I wanted to try some spiral blades because I thought it would save me some time scrolling my projects but as soon as I started to use them, I found out they were unsatisfactory for me because I was unable to achieve the accuracy and finish in my work that I desired. I ended up throwing out my remaining spiral blades. For me, I would rather have to make extra cuts then to be unhappy with the 'tearing' look I got from the blades. So, if you can get them to work for you,,,I have to say again, " I admire you."...Do try some of the blades that Travis has suggested, then decide for yourself...everyone does things a little differently..that is what makes Scroll Saw Village such an interesting place to hang out. We all learn something from each other..Oh, and Happy New Year...no go saw it away.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charise2012 Posted January 2, 2013 Report Share Posted January 2, 2013 I started out with spiral blades as that was (gasp) recommended to me by the store my mom bought her saw from that I started on. I found it difficult to get precise cuts, and after some research moved to flat blade and would never go back! You can get all sorts of blades to change how fine/rough of a cut you need to make. As for the feathering, I start off with a very small hand finishing sander (one that goes side to side) then if I need to I use a nail file - the cheap very thin/flat kind, and have cut them to different widths for cuts. As well, I also do a final "sand" with a piece of brown paper just before I stain/paint my pieces to get the last little bits off. Hope that helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sullyscroller Posted January 2, 2013 Report Share Posted January 2, 2013 Karen, You are not alone in your dislike of spirals. Mike sells the best blades there are and the ultra reverse are the best of all, almost no fuzzies to clean up and the blades last forever. I use #1 ,#5 myself. sully Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcortese Posted January 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 I want to thank each and every one of you for the information. I had no idea that the spiral blades were the most difficult to use. I can handle them easily by adjusting the tension of the blade. I break blades when I start rushing or push the wood too fast. I sand the feathering from the round blades with sandpaper and my dremel tool. A real pain in the butt! I purchased blades from Slones Wood shop, and will look into Mike's Wood shop for the reverse cut blades. I want to get more involed with scroll sawing. This morning, I got an idea in my crazy artist head to make a black bear shelf. Went to the shed, got some ruff cut wood and started designing it. Looks like I'll have my husband help me carry my scroll saw into the house after I finish the design. I have an old Delta scroll saw model # 40-560, 16", 2 speed, with blade chuck screws that need an allen wrench. I find that extremely irritating (I use cuss words out loud) because the blade chuck screw corners round out. I is very difficult to locate replacement screws for my model scroll saw. I have been looking for a newer scroll saw that does not require an allen wrench to open the blade chuck. Any suggestions on an affordable scroll saw that allows blade changing quick and easy? I'm glad I joined this forum because of all the helpfull advise to people like me, who are just starting out. Thank all of you very, very, much. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcortese Posted January 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2013 OK, decided NOT to use the ruff cut wood for the shelf. Far too heavy. Will be going to a local lumber company, Forest County Wood Products, to dig through the scrap pile where I find some really nice plained smooth pieces of wood. The best thing is, "It's free!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sullyscroller Posted January 4, 2013 Report Share Posted January 4, 2013 Karen as far as the saw goes I would highly recomend the Dewalt DW-788 if you can afford it. It has all up front controls and thumb screws for tightening the blades. Also the upper arm lifts up to make blade accses much easier. sully Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DWSUDEKUM Posted January 4, 2013 Report Share Posted January 4, 2013 Karen if you look at the website Ereplacementparts.com they have a breakdown of your saw and you can order the parts you need. Here is the link to your model http://www.ereplacementparts.com/delta-40560-type-1634-scroll-saw-parts-c-3275_3505_14017.html I have used them in the past and they give good, fast service and the prices are decent. You may wish to look for the new reverse spirals that Mike carries. I use them from time to time. \\ DW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcortese Posted January 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2013 (edited) Today I went into Mikes Work Shop and saw the spiral Reverse Blades there. When I order I will get some of those, plus I will be ordereing the flat reverse cut blades. And, hopefully, in the spring, I'll be able to purchase a Dewalt Scroll Saw. DW, I bookmarked the link for replacement parts. Thank you very much. I have the owners manual for my Delta Scroll Saw, there is also the breakdown drawing listing the parts and part numbers. Karen Edited January 5, 2013 by kcortese Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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