Ultra reverse blades

[earlinjax]

I am not trying to start another "blade war" but have a question and a couple of pictures. I have a bunch of blades but never seem to have enough of the one I need now. I am making several of the fish ornaments shown in the picture. These were made from 1 1/2" walnut and cut with a #9 PSR blade. I have been using the PSR's (double tooth then skip) for some time and really like them. Cutting that thick walnut is tough and used up the few #9's I had on hand. I thought this would be a good time to try out Mike's new blades. The order came today and I have NOT tried them on an actual project. I made some cuts in scrap and am very impressed. The other picture is the bottom of a piece of 3/4 BB from the scrap pile. The long cut would have been made with a PSR. The short section on the top right was cut with a #9 ultra reverse. Note their are no fuzzies. The cut is smooth as silk and am hoping that this will be the case on actual projects.

Now my question for Mike and you folks who have tried them. How do you know which end is up? Running your finger along the blade is of some help but with all the reverse teeth you would need sensitive fingers to tell the difference. I am sure I figured out the 9's as they are larger and under my glass I think I found the two teeth that point down. On the #3's it is difficult to tell. I tried putting the blade in each way and there was more "hopping" in what I thought was the wrong way but it still cut the same. Once I figure it out I will have to paint or mark the correct end on all the blades.

BTW, I cut some of the scrap walnut. Still slow and tough to cut.

If you haven't tried them, I would recommend you give them a test.

[earlinjax]

I should have added that the pattern is by Steven Zahm. Both of them were supposed to have the hanging ring on top but I broke the one while taking the cutting apart. So I trimmed it down to make a standing ornament.

[Marsha]

Hi Earl, I'm not sure my answer will be the help your looking for. I find on the PSR blades it feels quite smooth most of the way down, then at the bottom of the blade you can feel the roughness of the reverse teeth. When you run your finger down, if you stop before you hit the reverse teeth, and try to run your finger back up, you definitely feel a difference. This is the only way I check the blade to know what is the top. When I cut compound, I only use a Polar blade, and these have one way teeth, no reverse, therefore it is quite easy to know what is the top end. I've never used an ultra reverse blade, so I can't comment on that.
Marsha

[Max]

I just bought some Ultimate Reverse Blades, but haven't been out to the garage yet. Too cold.

Wouldn't it be nice if the blade manufacturers started identifying the top of the blades. Either make an angled cut at the top and a straight cut at the bottom. Or some kind of stamp. I think if they used their own product, they may become inspired to do something.

[3_M]

Marsha, this new blade has two teeth down and one up. They don't have reverse teeth on the bottom.
I have been in contact with the company about this problem what earlinjax is talking about. The numbers 7 and 9 is not that bad but the # 3 and 5 is. Wait till they come with a # 1.
My suggestion to them was to eliminate at least 1/4" amount of teeth from the top. I could then tell people that the longest blank end is the top.
I will let you know what they are going to do.
Mike

[Fremmed]

Can't tell you anything about the UR's, Earl, but the ornaments are gorgeous!

Kevin

[lucky788scroller]

Earl, that was my main concern with that blade when Mike first sent me samples, i did'nt like them for that simple fact.My eyesight is still good, but a combination of the blade color and the configuration made it hard for me, so I can only imagine how hard it would be for anyone with more tired eyes.I use the fd-tc blades, and can easily tell up from down on those.I tried #5's by the way. Dale

[SNAPPER]

Great idea Dan. Earl, those pieces are BEAUTIFUL. I thought the UR blade could be flipped for a new set of teeth, Mike corrected me on that. I was able to cut just fine when I flipped the blade.
Dean

[24 hours? NE!]

Sounds like I'm going to have to give those blades a try. Your ornaments look great!

[earlinjax]

Mike,
I hope the manufacturer listens to you. It should would make it easier for some of us older folks. Those blades are too good to have people reject them for what should be a relatively simple fix.
Thanks.
Earl