Flying Dutchman Suggestions

[rayzir]

I'm looking into getting some Flying Dutchman blades from Mike's Workshop. But looking at the selection makes my head swim. I don't even know where to begin.

I'm looking at getting a half gross with 3 or 4 blade types/sizes. I defiantly want to get the Puzzle blades as I want to try my hand at puzzles thanks to the last issue of SSWC. I also would like something that would cut BB Ply for portraits. I'd like to try the wall basket and Paul Bunyan puzzle, so something that would cut hardwoods from 1/4" to 3/4". I'd like clean cuts where I don't have to spend all my time sanding, so the reverse tooth looks appealing.

What would you suggest for a newby with only 3 projects under his belt? How many of each should I start with? Thanks for any help you can provide!

[Greenfield_Bob]

Travis, email Mike, he will help you.

Bob

[William Young]

Seeing as you are starting a blade topic for a blade distributor , wouldn't it make more sense to contact that distributor and ask him in person ? ? ? ?
He is the one that is most familiar with his particular line up of blades and is best qualified to answer your question.
Many of us could start topics for other makes of blades we like better but it only turns into more repetitious blade discussions which you can find many of by searching the archives..
W.Y.

[Gill]

Originally Posted by William Young

Seeing as you are starting a blade topic for a blade distributor , wouldn't it make more sense to contact that distributor and ask him in person ? ? ? ?
He is the one that is most familiar with his particular line up of blades and is best qualified to answer your question.
Many of us could start topics for other makes of blades we like better but it only turns into more repetitious blade discussions which you can find many of by searching the archives..
W.Y.

There's nothing like an outbreak of peace!



Gill

[Dragon]

I was going to say, phone Mike. He is great. Has helped me a couple of times and recommended size and type according to what I wanted to do. He was very helpful.
Diane

[Minnesota scroller]

Definitely call Mike. If you are sold on his brand, then only he can give you the answers you are looking for.

[rayzir]

I'll shoot Mike an email and see what he has to say. I know he'll point me in the right direction. I just wanted a wider variety of opinion rather from just one person. I like to hear other people's experiences to help me weigh my options better. I'm kinda anal like that.

[BobD]

Travis,
Blade choice is kind of like choosing a car...some people love Chevys, other like Fords...and everyone has a strong opinion about why they like the one they like.

It has caused some hard feelings in the past...so our standard answer tends to be "check out the old threads..."

Bob

[Jediscroller]

Some good info already given here Travis but I'll just throw out what I use for your info. I can't comment much on the puzzles as I don't do many. For hardwoods from 1/4" up to 3/8" I typically use a #1 FD-SR. 1/2" - 3/4" either a #5 or #7 FD-SR. For my BB portraits, I typically cut them in stacks of 4 (1/8" thickness) and use a #3 FD-SR. If a custom order and I'm only cutting 1 or 2, I use a #2/0 FD-SR. These are general rules of thumb for myself, I've used #5 blades for 1"+ thickness of Sycamore, Cypress and Cedar and have used #9 blades for 3/4" ash. Mike started me out with #3's, 5's and 7's many moons ago and these still are by far my most used blade sizes.

[rayzir]

Thanks all. Mike suggested I go with the assortment pack that has his best selling blades. That way I can try out a few kinds and see what I like. The package came with a dozen of each: FD-SR #3 & #5. TC #5. PSR #5. Polar #5.

He suggested I don't get the puzzle blades as a newbee. He said they are very thin and takes a bit of getting use to. So I'll start with the basics and next order, I'll order the puzzle blades. Hopefully this will get me started and I can chuck the blades I got from Sears!

Now for some quality wood....hrmmmm.