What blade, please? - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Anneh · 03-30-2009, 01:16 AM

Hi all,
Could someone please tell me what blade they'd use to cut 5/8 inch poplar? I was using a #5 Olson reverse blade and boy - was it slow going and clunky! Any slower and I'd be going backwards.
I had the tension real tight - blade didn't move at all when I "twanged" it. And while I'm at it - what blade would be good for 1/2 inch aspen or walnut?
Thanks - sorry to be such a pest but you all are sure helping me learn!
Anne

Max · 03-30-2009, 02:49 AM

Anne,

If you haven't seen this yet, here's a link to a blade selection chart - http://www.sloanswoodshop.com/PDF/blade%20chart.pdf. This should help you decide what blade to use. I don't know about poplar or aspen, but for 1/2" walnut I use a #5 or 7. I like the Olson PGT but I also like Flying Dutchman Ultra Reverse blades also.

Good luck and give them all a try.

lucky788scroller · 03-30-2009, 03:49 AM

Id use a #3 or #5 FD-TC in poplar, walnut, red oak, ect. in 1/2 to 5/8th inch thick. Your #5 olsen should have cut through the poplar without any problem though.

Rolf · 03-30-2009, 01:01 PM

The Olson #5 or #7 should cut that poplar like butter?

Anneh · 03-31-2009, 01:59 AM

Thanks all for all the help. I guess if it wasn't my blade, it must be the tension. I'll try again tomorrow and see what happens.
Or maybe it's just operator error. Oh me! What do I do if that's the problem!
Thanks
Anne

scrollpup · 03-31-2009, 03:41 AM

Hi, Anne.I was just wondering what speed do you have the saw turned to?I've noticed on thicker boards I have to "crank up" the SPM's to get the cut finished without taking forever.Try higher speed and slower feed and see if that helps.

Best of luck , Jerry C

SNAPPER · 03-31-2009, 07:17 AM

Should have cut through poplar with ease. Was it a new blade? Yeah, the tention could be an issue. Blade tention differs depending on the size. A #5 requires less tention than a #2/0. Trial/error, Practice, Practice.
Good Luck.
Dean

03-30-2009, 01:16 AM	#1
Anneh Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 365	What blade, please? Hi all, Could someone please tell me what blade they'd use to cut 5/8 inch poplar? I was using a #5 Olson reverse blade and boy - was it slow going and clunky! Any slower and I'd be going backwards. I had the tension real tight - blade didn't move at all when I "twanged" it. And while I'm at it - what blade would be good for 1/2 inch aspen or walnut? Thanks - sorry to be such a pest but you all are sure helping me learn! Anne

03-30-2009, 01:01 PM	#4
Rolf Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bellport, LI New York Posts: 2,808	The Olson #5 or #7 should cut that poplar like butter? __________________ Rolf RBI G4 Hawk, Delta SS350 Philosophy "I don't know that I can't, therefore I can"

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03-30-2009, 02:49 AM	#2
Max Dismembered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Independence, Ky Posts: 383	Anne, If you haven't seen this yet, here's a link to a blade selection chart - http://www.sloanswoodshop.com/PDF/blade%20chart.pdf. This should help you decide what blade to use. I don't know about poplar or aspen, but for 1/2" walnut I use a #5 or 7. I like the Olson PGT but I also like Flying Dutchman Ultra Reverse blades also. Good luck and give them all a try. __________________ Dan ___________________________________ "Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again." --L. Frank Baum, author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"

03-30-2009, 03:49 AM	#3
lucky788scroller Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: wisconsin Posts: 6,260	Id use a #3 or #5 FD-TC in poplar, walnut, red oak, ect. in 1/2 to 5/8th inch thick. Your #5 olsen should have cut through the poplar without any problem though. __________________ Dale w/ yella saws

03-31-2009, 01:59 AM	#5
Anneh Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 365	Thanks all for all the help. I guess if it wasn't my blade, it must be the tension. I'll try again tomorrow and see what happens. Or maybe it's just operator error. Oh me! What do I do if that's the problem! Thanks Anne

03-31-2009, 03:41 AM	#6
scrollpup Avatar by Casey Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Hot Springs,Arkansas Posts: 1,732	Hi, Anne.I was just wondering what speed do you have the saw turned to?I've noticed on thicker boards I have to "crank up" the SPM's to get the cut finished without taking forever.Try higher speed and slower feed and see if that helps. Best of luck , Jerry C

03-31-2009, 07:17 AM	#7
SNAPPER Dino Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fergus Falls,MN Posts: 821	Should have cut through poplar with ease. Was it a new blade? Yeah, the tention could be an issue. Blade tention differs depending on the size. A #5 requires less tention than a #2/0. Trial/error, Practice, Practice. Good Luck. Dean