Blade Preferences

[Chase]

Thought I'd start new since the original thread is getting long.

Blades

As some will say, I don’t know much about blades. Can’t argue with that. These are just my personal preferences. They may not work for you, but its what I use and I have experemented a lot with various blades.

Spirals

I use the FD-NS 2/0 mostly. Don’t like their twist at the ends. Prefer the flat end spirals but the NS doesn’t come with flat ends. The FD-RT and FD-RB are best but they aren’t available anymore from Mike (or anywhere for that matter). Have tried the Pegsus 2/0 and they are ok also.

Flat Blades

I keep a Olson Mach Series #5MS in the 788 most of the time for just general cutting and “whacking” off a piece of wood. Don’t use them for any detail work though. They cut pretty straight.

For 1/8” BB (not stacked) I use the Olson Crown Tooth 2/0. Less aggressive.

For ¼” MDF I use FD-PSR 2/0 or #1.

The next two blades I use I found out about from my scrolling pal Dave (Plaquerd). For intarsia hardwoods and stack cutting (4 or 5 thick 1/8 BB) I use FD-Polar #1. Not a type-o---#1. Dave says foks think he’s full of s@#t for using such a blade. He may be full of it, LOL but not for blade selection. Try them. He also turned me on to using FD-PS 2/0 for marquetry.

Disappointments

I bought all six sizes of the platinum “Our best little blade” from JGR. The worst blade (and most expensive) blade I’ve ever used. Probable just me.

Same for the FD-UR. I bought all five sizes and found none better than the old FD-TC of the same design. I just can’t get the FD-UR #1 to turn.

These are just my preferences. Help the guys that sell blades LOL---experiment and report on this forum.

Chase

[BobD]

Great idea, Chase...and great report!

Bob

[minowevie]

I like the way your album is set up. and your work is grand. love the panaramic, and the good old usa. very nice indeed. they all are. thanks for you imput on blades. I have tryed the #1 and dang, I just need to check my saw. for they bend also. sidways when turning I mean. I just have to check my saw, and try differant tentions. and woods. thanks again, your friend Evie

[Chase]

Thanks Evie.

This for all. Do you guys "dress" your blades? Makes a lot of difference.

Chase

[Wood Dog]

Slippers and PJ's or a Tux.........how do you "dress" your blades Chase?

[3_M]

I have a few with a bikini.
I just can't show them. X-rated I was told.
Mike M

[Chase]

Ok, get ready. I'm going to take some pics and do a mini-tutorial on blade dressing.

Chase

[BobD]

Chase posted a great tutorial on dressing the blade. I moved it to it's own thread at the following link.


Dressing the Blade


Bob