Speed Question

[trekinator]

I just got a New Skil 16" Variable Speed Scrollsaw donated for my mission.

It goes from 500-1700... Does anybody know what the correct speed would be for cutting Jigsaw Puzzles?

I made 3 test puzzles with the old Delta one speed saw and a blade that was a little to thick, and they came out ok, but not real tight.

I also got what I believe is #2 blades 21tpi..is that the right blade?

I watched the video on scrollsaw workshop and the techniques really work great, but he never actually mentioned the speed of the saw.

Any help would be appreciated

Rick

[Cashmere Scroller]

Rick,

I'm not sure if this will help, but it's worth a shot. Since speed is relative to the wood type and thickness, not to mention personal preference. You may just want to practice with some small scraps of the wood you plan on using for the puzzles. There are too many variables to say "cut them at 700" you need to feel the new saw out to see how it's going to cut at any speed. This is all just my opinion, so hopefully someone who knows puzzles will see this and give you the correct answers. Good luck and congrats on the new saw.

Ron C.

[trekinator]

Thanks...Using 1/4" Birch Plywood....can't wait to test it today

[KtownScroller]

Originally Posted by trekinator

Thanks...Using 1/4" Birch Plywood....can't wait to test it today

If you can maneuver the curves, you can cut as fast as the scroll saw goes. For me I set the speed about 1/2 way and take my time. BTW - Your blade selection should work well for your puzzle cutting.

[Mick Walker]

Rick, the correct speed is the one that you are comfortable with and can still control the cut.

[NRscroller]

Yes, I agree with Mick on the speed, whatever your comfortable with.
I haven't done any puzzles, but I use a lot of bb plywood and I rarely run my saw over 1/2 speed. Also Mike at Mikesworkshop.com has flying dutchman blades and they have puzzle blades, they are really fine tho. Check out his website. They are great blades.
Bill in Wisconsin
"You should see what I saw"
Dewalt 788

[tstagman]

I always run my saw over 50%, mainly because it runs much smoother as I increase the speed. I also noticed that the finish on the cut seems to be much smoother with higher speeds.

I bought some puzzle blades from Mike a couple of weeks ago just to have on hand if I ever decided to cut a puzzle. I decided to see how well they cut when I was cutting Sue Mey's Noah's Ark Cross. I used them on the really intricate cuts, especially the small birds and they were fantastic for that type of cut.

From everything I've read on here so far, the blade and the speed seem to be a matter of personal preference. So get yourself a variety of blades and a bunch of scrap wood and experiment with the speeds until you find something you're comfortable with.