#3 FD ultra reverse blades brake easily! - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

oldjohnevans · 08-31-2008, 10:56 AM

I just received an order of #3, #5, #7 FD ultra reverse blades.

Right away I ran into a problem. I installed a #3 blade into my DeWalt scroll saw and cranked up the tension to 5.5. The blade snapped. This is the tension that I always use. After three more tries I finally managed to keep a blade from breaking at tension 3. I have been scroll sawing for about 9 months and used #1 and #3 blades and never run into this problem before. When I switched to a #5 blade I had no problem. They worked very well and I had no problem following a line on tight curls, like I had with other blades.

Has anyone else had this problem? Any other feedback on the FD ultra reverse blades would be appreciated.

handibunny · 08-31-2008, 11:14 AM

I've had no problem with the ultra reverse blades, ever since I discovered that there is an up and a down side to them! I use the larger ones, #5, #7 and #9 and love the way they handle thick wood. They seem more stable than the regular reverse blades, which i also use. I've found FD blades generally superior to other brands for the kind of work I do. Maybe the blade that broke was just a defective one? For some reason, some blades just seem to last longer than others.

Hope this helps.

Carole

Gaia · 08-31-2008, 12:22 PM

I use the FD UR blades, have never had a blade break...pop out of the holder because I tensioned to tightly, yes... break, no.

Maybe you got a bad batch??

Bobbi

Hawaiilad · 08-31-2008, 09:05 PM

I agree the #3 UR blade is a bit easy to break, so I ordered the #5 & 7 and really like them. Since I am a fast cutter I have no problem keeping up with them. I will be happy when Mike has them painted on one end so I can tell which one to load into the blade clamp the first time.

Fremmed · 08-31-2008, 09:12 PM

I've used UR's 1-7 and haven't had problems with any of them. I use the 3's quite a bit on 1/2 oak, and they hold up very well.
The only ones I have any problem with are the 0/2 SR's breaking at the clamp when I over tighten the clamp and the tension.

Greenfield_Bob · 09-01-2008, 12:54 AM

I've never had a problem with them.

Bob

Ramjet · 09-01-2008, 03:49 PM

I stopped looking at the numbers for tensioning . I turn the lever till it is snug snd press on the side of the blade to see if there is a slight movement . If too much I snug it up a little more . Sometimes the bolt that holds the tensioning lever in place comes loose and the numbers change from what you thought they should be . The top comes off to check . Refer to your manual .
Roger

thumbs · 09-03-2008, 02:08 PM

John. I use both the #3 ultra blade and the dewalt 788. I have never had to go to 5 on the tension handle. I bottom feed and just befor I clamp the top I push down on the blade holder and I might get to #2 before its nice and tight. I've used 1 blade to cut an ornate cross in 1/4 oak. So like some have mentioned you might have a bad batch--talk to Mike at Mike's scroll saw blades. He might have a answer for you. just my humble observation... Richard aka thumbs

08-31-2008, 09:05 PM	#4
Hawaiilad Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Big Island in Hawaii Posts: 234	I agree the #3 UR blade is a bit easy to break, so I ordered the #5 & 7 and really like them. Since I am a fast cutter I have no problem keeping up with them. I will be happy when Mike has them painted on one end so I can tell which one to load into the blade clamp the first time. __________________ Hawaiilad Larry

09-01-2008, 12:54 AM	#6
Greenfield_Bob Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 1,417	I've never had a problem with them. Bob __________________ Delta P-20 & Q-3 Ever notice that anyone going slower than you is an idiot, but anyone going faster than you is a maniac?

09-03-2008, 02:08 PM	#8
thumbs Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bedford, IA Posts: 166	John. I use both the #3 ultra blade and the dewalt 788. I have never had to go to 5 on the tension handle. I bottom feed and just befor I clamp the top I push down on the blade holder and I might get to #2 before its nice and tight. I've used 1 blade to cut an ornate cross in 1/4 oak. So like some have mentioned you might have a bad batch--talk to Mike at Mike's scroll saw blades. He might have a answer for you. just my humble observation... Richard aka thumbs __________________ Advice is the only commodity where the supply always exceeds the demand.

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08-31-2008, 10:56 AM	#1
oldjohnevans Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 39	#3 FD ultra reverse blades brake easily! I just received an order of #3, #5, #7 FD ultra reverse blades. Right away I ran into a problem. I installed a #3 blade into my DeWalt scroll saw and cranked up the tension to 5.5. The blade snapped. This is the tension that I always use. After three more tries I finally managed to keep a blade from breaking at tension 3. I have been scroll sawing for about 9 months and used #1 and #3 blades and never run into this problem before. When I switched to a #5 blade I had no problem. They worked very well and I had no problem following a line on tight curls, like I had with other blades. Has anyone else had this problem? Any other feedback on the FD ultra reverse blades would be appreciated.

08-31-2008, 11:14 AM	#2
handibunny Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NY Posts: 359	I've had no problem with the ultra reverse blades, ever since I discovered that there is an up and a down side to them! I use the larger ones, #5, #7 and #9 and love the way they handle thick wood. They seem more stable than the regular reverse blades, which i also use. I've found FD blades generally superior to other brands for the kind of work I do. Maybe the blade that broke was just a defective one? For some reason, some blades just seem to last longer than others. Hope this helps. Carole

08-31-2008, 12:22 PM	#3
Gaia Sawdust Maker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 173	I use the FD UR blades, have never had a blade break...pop out of the holder because I tensioned to tightly, yes... break, no. Maybe you got a bad batch?? Bobbi

08-31-2008, 09:12 PM	#5
Fremmed Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 840	I've used UR's 1-7 and haven't had problems with any of them. I use the 3's quite a bit on 1/2 oak, and they hold up very well. The only ones I have any problem with are the 0/2 SR's breaking at the clamp when I over tighten the clamp and the tension. __________________ The Journey is the Reward Kevin Last edited by Fremmed; 09-01-2008 at 05:42 AM.

09-01-2008, 03:49 PM	#7
Ramjet Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Saltspring Island B.C. Canada Posts: 1,096	I stopped looking at the numbers for tensioning . I turn the lever till it is snug snd press on the side of the blade to see if there is a slight movement . If too much I snug it up a little more . Sometimes the bolt that holds the tensioning lever in place comes loose and the numbers change from what you thought they should be . The top comes off to check . Refer to your manual . Roger