So, I thought I'd post this to see what the conventional wisdom is on scroll saw blades. Next month I plan to get a Dewalt DW788 Variable Speed scroll saw. It takes 5" pinless blades. I plan to use it primarily for two purposes: (1) to make patterns for router work, and (2) to make thin veneer parts for inlay work in the Arts and Crafts style. Here's an example-not by me-of the kind of inlay work I'd like to do someday.
It is possible that some of the materials will be soft metal like copper and pewter, though I expect initially to work with wood veneers. For now, I don't expect scroll sawing to comprise more than 5% of my project work, though that could change of course.
So a few questions:
(1) Olsen or Flying Dutchman blades?
(2) What is a useful assortment of blades to use for the purposes above?
I 've been scrolling a while and I prefer Flying Dutchman blades. Nothing really against other brands I just like Flying dutchman better. I get them from Mikes Workshop. Mike has an assortment pack of blades that will get you started.
He also has other things that you may want after you get started, like wire size drill bits and a chuck to hold them with. (My drill press won't hold less than 1/16)
I feel that to give a blade a real tryout it takes more than a few, (different woods, thicknesses, speeds).
The other piece of advice I would give is to join a club in your area. For me, I learn fastest when I'm shown something.
There are also many websites with help and patterns.
I haven't been through many scroll saw blades yet, but have been quite happy with the Bosch blades. I can honestly say I don't really know any better though..
I have used several different brands and they all seem to work well. I have used the Olson Precision ground tooth PGT blades. They cut nice and seem to last a little longer, but are a little pricey. I use regular blades as well and haven't had any complaints. Reverse tooth blades are nice because they eliminate alot of the burrs on the bottom of your work. I usually buy a gross because the price is a little better. Some places will let you mix sizes to get the gross price.
I don't scroll too often, mostly at Christmas. I use the Olson blades which have been fine. I don't have anything to compare them with, but they are better than the blades that came with my saw. I use No. 3R and 5R (reverse tooth) mostly which minimizes tear-out and some regular No. 7 for quick cutting (templates). I have some spiral and No. 2R that I hardly use. I bought the 12-blade packs and they've lasted me, but how many you buy depends on what wood you use and how often you scroll. I have the DeWalt 788 your looking at and it's been great. The one thing I added was to zip tie a stay-put hose underneath for dust collection. I may also get a foot switch in the near future.
You might also want to check out http://www.seyco.com/blades.html. Ray Seymore, president and owner, has been very helpful answering any and all questions I have had recently. He handles a large selection of Olson and ON-Line blades, offering a variety of beginners packs for the various models.
I have tried several manufacturers and they all seem to work great.. All of you old timers and veterans are gonna cringe & disown me for saying this LOL ….But I use sears blades,relatively cheap, but the best part is I can go pick up some blades in about 10 minutes versus ordering & waiting for 7-10 days….They have a good variety of different types of blades and it works for me…..thats my story and …well you know the rest of it LOL
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