Backwards blade?

[Anneh]

Hi all,
I finally got to work on grandkids portrait a little bit. I'm using a spiral blade for the first time and really like it. I find that I feel like I have so much more control when I'm pulling the wood towards me rather than pushing it. So, I'm wondering - is there any reason I can't turn a straight blade around and pull the wood. Just curious - don't even know if I'd really try it but it might work, huh?
Thanks
Anne

[3_M]

Why not try it and let us know how it works.
Mike

[wood-n-things]

I have had to do this on a couple of occasions due to a tight spot on an oversize piece of wood but only for one or two small areas.

If it works for you go for it.
Someone else may have a technical reason why it isn't supposed to work but it worked for me when I needed it, and didn't want to use a spiral blade..

[minowevie]

Anneh, I find that I have more control with the spirals that way also. I have turned my flat blades around to do some deep projects. because it was not possible to spin the wood. works great. just some practice. I have even bent the top, and bottom of my flat blades to go sideways. your friend Evie

[scrollpup]

I have even bent the top, and bottom of my flat blades to go sideways. your friend Evie

How do you bend the blades to cut sideways? I just figured I would ask and save a few bucks instead of breaking who knows how many trying it out.

Thanks Sis,

Jerry C

[miniwoodworker]

Anneh, the only thing that I can think of that could be a problem is keeping the blade in the holder, if it's thick wood, and you try to pull too hard (rather than just letting the saw cut) or the blade isn't firmly secured.

Sideways - put the blade in a vice with just the top of the blade above the vice. Grasp top (just above the vice) with pliers and twist 1/4 turn. Reverse blade in vice and do the other end. Try to keep both ends parrallel. Practice with a used blade to get the hang of it before trying with a new blade.

[sawdustus]

I saw Gary McKay bend the tips of blades to cut sideways when he was demonstrating how to cut dovetails with a scrollsaw. He seemed to think it was no biggie to make the bend the same on the top and bottom of the blade but he must have practiced a lot before the demo. He used two pairs of pliers to make the bend.

george

[Anneh]

Thanks all! I may give it a try after I finish the portrait. Will let you know how it works. I think if nothing else it will be a fun experiment.
Anne