Frustrated scroller!!

[nrscroller]

Hi all, 

I started to make some  more of those nativity crosses like I posted here that I did. I went to menards and got some ash boards because I thought they might be easier than my 1/4 inch bb ply, but they aren't wide enough. I looked around the shop and found some 1/2 inch oak and so I started doing one. Well, I can't seem to get my blade to co-operate enough to cut some of the straight lines and now I have a headache also. HMMMMM, must be that last minute Christmas stuff I need to get done.  I decided a bowl of chicken noodle soup for lunch was a better idea right now. I think I like working with my 1/8 inch bb plywood a lot better than anything else.

Bill in Wisconsin

[Ron Johnson]

Hi Lee

 

That's unfortunate. Don't know what type of blade your using but I've cut a lot of items in oak 1/2" and thicker with a #7 Olsen blade and have never had any problem. Your Nativity crosses are beautiful and would great done in 1/2" oak. Sometimes it's best to walk away, give some thought to the problem. Don't give up, I'm sure you'll solve the problem.

[Ron Johnson]

Hi Lee

That's unfortunate. Don't know what type of blade your using but I've cut a lot of items in oak 1/2" and thicker with a #7 Olsen blade and have never had any problem. Your Nativity crosses are beautiful and would great done in 1/2" oak. Sometimes it's best to walk away, give some thought to the problem. Don't give up, I'm sure you'll solve the problem.[/quote

 

Sorry for calling you Lee, Bill.

[Phantom Scroller]

Bill I always use 5 reverse tooth blade on my oak never had any issues yet.

 

Roly

[heppnerguy]

This type of problem usually comes about because one is using too small of a blade or one that is not agressive enough or   not enough tention on the blade or the blade may be dull. On harder wood, like oak, a new sharp blade is required in order to not have the blade wonder. 1/2 hour of usage should be a good standard/

 

 this is just my thoughts on this, others may disagree. I guess we will see

[Travis]

I think part of it is the oak, too.  Oak has a grain that will sometimes take control of your blade.  I found it is pretty easy to "wander" with solid oak.

[amazingkevin]

I wanted to use oak for a job that was 1'' thick .Boy was that slow cutting .After cutting 6'' I decided to switch to something else or pull my hair out.I tried lots of blades but this may have been the hardest wood I ever cut. Might have been ash not sure ,but I threw it all away what I had so I don't make that mistake again . Oh yeah now I remember it was wood from a chair ,solid wood no cushion.I saved a lot of chair seats too!

[amazingkevin]

the forum said it was saving my post and I see it's not?opp's there it is,wonder why it took so long 7 minutes

Edited December 14, 2013 by amazingkevin

[sawdust1]

Use clear packing tape over pattern and it will cut a lot easier.

 

Bob

[Jim Finn]

When cutting wood other than plywood your blade can follow the grain somewhat.  Sharp blades, slow feed rate and highest tension on the blade are what is required.  I know that some saws (DeWalt and others) will not tension the blade as much as do Hegners and older Jet saws.  What brand of saw are you using?

[smitty0312]

I cut 5/8 - 7/8" white or red oak all the time,,,,,I use a FD #5 reverse tooth all time for my "go to" blade.....no problems.

[LarryEA]

Yea, Dan...me too

I've cut 3/4 Hickory, Oak and Hard Maple with FD #5

and for finner cuts, I've used #2's and 3's (It took a couple but they did cut where I wanted them to).

You have to experiment. If it's not cutting right try a different blade.

And not necessarily a bigger blade.