Blades!!!

[munkytows]

Hello to you all, I haven't been able to get onto the forum too much lately...life!!!
Anyways, I am making a Scarlet Tanager for my husband. I got a picture off of the internet, then made it into a pattern. I practiced a couple of times, not quite there yet but each attempt is getting better...this is my very first ANYTHING that I am making on my scroll saw. (The Ryobi has been set aside b/c my hubby got me the Dewalt 788 I wanted for my birthday!!!! ) It surprised me that my first practise attempt (using basswood and butternut) actually looked like a bird!!!!! ha ha ha
So I got some bloodwood and have ordered ebony. I use Olson blades, and so far am quite partial to the PGT. I won't saw into either one until I know I am ready. I just don't know which type/size blade, and speed of cut to use on either piece of wood. The bird is lifesize and will be 3/4" thick, so the individual pieces aren't going to be too big.
Thanks for any help, I really do appreciate it. I can't cut it out yet b/c if I can't do it on pine, basswood or butternut perfectly I won't attempt the "good" wood. When I am finished I will post a picture of it!
Happy scrolling to all of you!
munkytows

[lucky788scroller]

For thick, hardwoods like youve chosen, use a blade without reverse teeth, the biger ones like a #7 should be fine, skip tooth would help as wel.Im not familiar with the Olsen line, but Im sure someone here is.I mainly use FD blades. Dale

[Tor]

I would have thought more towards a #5, but I have done only limited cutting of thicker wood. My most used blade size is only sold by a few places because of it's small size.

Tor

[SNAPPER]

Try the Olson Mach Precision Milled #3. I have had good results cutting 3/4" hardwoods.
Dean

[Forester21]

I use a #5 on most everything. When I was cutting 1 1/2 to 2 inch thick wood I did move up to a #9.
T

[f250]

I also use a #5 for almost all of my intarsia cutting.