Blades - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Crispy77 · 10-05-2009, 09:51 PM

Hello everyone! I am new to these boards but had a question about blade size for jigsaw puzzles. I have a Dewalt DW 788 that I had in the box for the past 3 years and only got around to taking it out last week. I love this thing and want to make puzzles. I bought some blades. They are Univ. #2 skip tooth. Thickness is .012" and width is .029. 20 teeth per inch. Are these good for jigsaw puzzles. I know it is a vague question I know nothing about blades for this saw. So any help would be great. thanks

Mike

skeeter · 10-05-2009, 11:10 PM

Check out Mike's Workshop English featuring: my life story, a cancer survivor, scrollsawing samples and tips, community service, list of favorite sites and Flying Dutchman fretsaw blades for sale. he has flying dutchman puzzle blades, they work great

iohonnes · 10-05-2009, 11:16 PM

Mike,

The simple answer is yes, but. The "yes" is that you can make jigsaw puzzles with just about any size blade, and the "but" is the larger the blade the looser the fit of the pieces. Most of the puzzle makers here use the Flying Dutchman SP (Special Puzzle) blade for puzzles made from 1/4" plywood. You can get those blades from Mike's Workshop. They are very fine with a small kerf that yields a good puzzle fit.

But don't be afraid to try the blades you have. The puzzle will be looser, but it's still a puzzle and you'll get a feel for making one.

If you are cutting "standup" puzzles out of 3/4" stock, a #3-#5 blade is good (I even use #7 for some hardwood). The thickness of the wood requires a sturdier blade.

Good luck!

JohnB · 10-06-2009, 12:09 AM

G'day Mike,
I'm running catch up on John on the puzzle board

I agree with all he said and do things pretty much he same.

A lot depends on who the puzzle is aimed at when it comes to selecting blades.

I just cut 4 tray puzzles with 8 - 24 pieces, and used an FD UR#3. I think the pieces are bit tight for nippers. I usually use a #5 on kids puzzles.

iohonnes · 10-06-2009, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnB

I'm running catch up on John on the puzzle board

That's funny, I thought Australia was normally 12-14 hours ahead of the US. Or maybe it's that international date line; that always confuses me.

Crispy77 · 10-06-2009, 12:57 AM

Thanks for all the advice. I want to make some really tight puzzles. Really have no interest in stand up or childrens puzzles. Just some good. tight, difficult jigsaw puzzles. I have to learn how to cut freehand and I just want to use the right blades for what I want to do. Thanks again

3_M · 10-06-2009, 02:26 AM

Here is a tutorial from Cater Johnson. New Page 1

10-05-2009, 09:51 PM	#1
Crispy77 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 4	Blades Hello everyone! I am new to these boards but had a question about blade size for jigsaw puzzles. I have a Dewalt DW 788 that I had in the box for the past 3 years and only got around to taking it out last week. I love this thing and want to make puzzles. I bought some blades. They are Univ. #2 skip tooth. Thickness is .012" and width is .029. 20 teeth per inch. Are these good for jigsaw puzzles. I know it is a vague question I know nothing about blades for this saw. So any help would be great. thanks Mike

10-06-2009, 12:09 AM	#4
JohnB 1 Tin Soldier Rides Away Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia Posts: 4,859	G'day Mike, I'm running catch up on John on the puzzle board I agree with all he said and do things pretty much he same. A lot depends on who the puzzle is aimed at when it comes to selecting blades. I just cut 4 tray puzzles with 8 - 24 pieces, and used an FD UR#3. I think the pieces are bit tight for nippers. I usually use a #5 on kids puzzles. __________________ Regards John "The Golden Mile" I got holes in both of my shoes Well I'm a walking case of the blues Saw a dollar yesterday But the wind blew it away Some of my Stuff Retired Medically Unfit WA Police Officers

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10-05-2009, 11:10 PM	#2
skeeter Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Avon MN. Posts: 249	Check out Mike's Workshop English featuring: my life story, a cancer survivor, scrollsawing samples and tips, community service, list of favorite sites and Flying Dutchman fretsaw blades for sale. he has flying dutchman puzzle blades, they work great __________________ "The Scrollin Skeeter"

10-05-2009, 11:16 PM	#3
iohonnes Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 166	Mike, The simple answer is yes, but. The "yes" is that you can make jigsaw puzzles with just about any size blade, and the "but" is the larger the blade the looser the fit of the pieces. Most of the puzzle makers here use the Flying Dutchman SP (Special Puzzle) blade for puzzles made from 1/4" plywood. You can get those blades from Mike's Workshop. They are very fine with a small kerf that yields a good puzzle fit. But don't be afraid to try the blades you have. The puzzle will be looser, but it's still a puzzle and you'll get a feel for making one. If you are cutting "standup" puzzles out of 3/4" stock, a #3-#5 blade is good (I even use #7 for some hardwood). The thickness of the wood requires a sturdier blade. Good luck! __________________ http://www.puzzlesdelmeeple.com

10-06-2009, 12:57 AM	#6
Crispy77 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 4	Thanks for all the advice. I want to make some really tight puzzles. Really have no interest in stand up or childrens puzzles. Just some good. tight, difficult jigsaw puzzles. I have to learn how to cut freehand and I just want to use the right blades for what I want to do. Thanks again

10-06-2009, 02:26 AM	#7
3_M Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Brandon, SD Posts: 628	Here is a tutorial from Cater Johnson. New Page 1 __________________ Home of the FD Blades Last edited by 3_M; 10-06-2009 at 02:32 AM.