Cutting Problem

[Terry Murphy]

I have been using the FD Puzzle blades, and am having a problem.
They start out cutting straight, but after a couple of pieces, they start cutting to the right, at about 45 degree angle.
So far I am just using them on 1/4 inch BB.
I am not following any pattern, just freehand.
Any ideas?

[woodgeek]

It sounds like your tension is too loose or perhaps your blade is slipping in one of the clamps and loosening. I personally prefer my blades to be too tight than too loose.

[Carter-Johnson]

Terry, I use Mike's blades as well. After I've cut 3 - 4 pieces, the saw's noise tells me that tension has slipped (really, the blade has slipped a little). I stop and tighten the blades (takes about five seconds). and then start in again. This may have to be done one more time after another ten pieces or so but then it's good for 100+.

During these period, when tension loosens, the blade will wander if I'm also pushing the wood too hard.

Hope this helps....You're on the right track......have phun... Carter

[iohonnes]

Ohh, this brings back the memories . . . all the way back to my very first post. I can remember it like it was yesterday . . . Issue using thinner blades (for puzzles)

Back then I was new to scroll sawing in general and thin blades in particular. After more then a year at the saw, I still see a pretty large offset angle with the SP blades so I don't think it's the tensioning or feed rate or anything like that. It's just a function of the blades, how they dull, and the material. I've gotten used to it and compensate by how I position myself in front of the saw.

John

[Scrolling Days]

I agree with the above sentiment that tension is likely the culprit. All blades skew a bit to the right, and that just takes getting used to. I had a lot of wander problems when I first started out, but once I learned to tighten that blade up (I currently set it at 4 on the DeWalt, which is about 85% maximum, I believe) I had a lot more control on my cuts.

Everyone learns differently, but when I first decided to make puzzles, I went to Home Depot and bought a ton of cheap plywood. I then just cut puzzle piece after puzzle piece (bare wood, no image), with no final result in mind, other than getting familiar with the saw. I later got myself a fine magic marker and drew outlines of lots of little shapes (trees, houses, etc) on the wood and practiced "staying on line."

Of course the tips regarding technique, wood, blades etc I received from Carter and other experienced cutters on the board was (and continues to be) priceless.