I am currently working on a chess set for my son, the wood I'm working with is Spalted Maple for one side, not sure yet for the other side. I gotten 6 pieces done so far, but the cutting is hard and slow. Figure part of my problem might be the blades I'm using, I'm getting ready to put an order in since I'm low anyway and I'm looking for suggestions. Currently I used my #7 Ultra Reverse from Flying Dutchman, I went to my local wood store to try out a skip tooth but they were out, so I tried the Olson #7 skip tooth, gave up with that in about 1/2". I can cut them, but have to put a bit of pressure to get through, have to be super careful since it makes it easy to get off of being vertical. Attached a photo of what I've done so far and the piece I just started. Any help or suggestions are much needed.