one last help query..

[stevebuk]

sorry guys, but i value your input so much i just wanted to ask one last question, hopefully my new scrolling hobby will go down the intarsia, compound and fretwork route, i have been to mikes website but not sure just what blades to order, given that the above will be my only form of scrollsaw work, what would you guys send for, if you were me.
TIA..

[wwalker47]

When I first started I had the same questions about blades and which one to use when and on what kind of cut. (sometimes I still do ). E-mail Mike and ask his option and he will help you chose the correct blade for the correct cutting. He is an expert on blades. As for me I use a reverse for fretwork and a polar for compound, but I do not do intarsia.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

-Bill

[kerry_nf]

I contacted Mike about blades one time and he sent me a free sampler of all the ones he had to determine which ones I would like to order.

[PuzzledMoose]

I can't comment on the intarsia, Steve but I'd use polar for the compound cutting too - and for fretwork definitely the scroll reverse blades - very little sanding afterwards needed with them. I use #s 1 3 and 5 mostly - depending on wood/thickness. I like #7 SRs for cutting 3/4 to 1 inch wooden puzzles, though I know some people use polars for puzzles too. For jigsaw puzzles there are the ones called superior jigsaw blades.

[ChuckD]

Mike is most certainly the one to ask for help. He won't try to get you to buy blades you don't need and will give great advice on how to use the ones you have. Most people try to get you to buy there product by badmouthing the competition, something which he has never done with me.

[lucky788scroller]

Follow what Ian said. Get yourself some #1 #3 and #5 blades with either reverse teeth, or the FD-TC (two way cut), that will cover pretty much any fretwork you do. And go with some #5 and #7 Polar blades for heavy, thick, or hard stock, and they also are great for cutting acrylics. Dale

[workin for wood]

I haven't found reverse teeth to make much of any difference personally. I still find them to tear out on plywood. I find a new skip tooth makes as good or better cut through plywoods...but that could be just me and the way I cut. I'd get an assortment of skips, 3 through 9 ..just get an assorted back with a dozen of each and give them all a try.

[PuzzledMoose]

Originally Posted by workin for wood

I haven't found reverse teeth to make much of any difference personally. I still find them to tear out on plywood.

I'd agree with you there, Jeff. Most of what I cut is 1/2 inch hardwood though and the SR blades definitely give a smoother cut on that.

[earlinjax]

I don't have the talent the rest of you have and I like the double skip blades. For me they aren't quite as aggressive and I can cut better. Probably the best is what you get used to.

Earl

[SharonW0111]

I have to throw a rock in the road here and say I use 2 way on most all of my scrolling except for portrates- with the exception of portrates and there I use spirals. I am so use to using spirals that I use them as much as I can on most of my work except for intarsia. there I use a 2 way
Sharon