Spiral Troubles

[HemiScroller]

I have been having troubles with my Olson #2 flat end spirals. First, they were breaking as I began to put tension on them, usually before they were fully tensioned. They were breaking just about in the middle every time. I loosened the tension a just a little, and it almost seemed too loose. Then I could get them tensioned, but they broke in the middle as soon as I started the saw before I even began cutting. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am currently using a normal #2 instead and it is much slower.

Many thanks, David

[Mick Walker]

David, guess I am not the only one that has problems with spiral blades. I usually break them before I start the saw. I am a flat blade user and will stay that way. Don't care for all the fuzzies and rough cuts anyhow. Sorry I can't be of any help. Check with Mike's Workshop English featuring: my life story, a cancer survivor, scrollsawing samples and tips, community service, list of favorite sites and Flying Dutchman fretsaw blades for sale.. Mike may be able to help you.

[wood-n-things]

I would have to say...Use flats...spirals are only intended for the dark side.....You are obviously too nice to be drawn to that side.....

[Pajaro]

LONG LIVE SPIRAL BLADES. I use them all the time. Only I use F/D flat end #2. I use them to cut 1/2 inch to 3/4 maple and up to 3/4 inch stacked Baltic Birch ply and use them until they wont cut no more. Make sure that the blade is 90 degrees to the table. I have not tried them on bevel cuts. And the tension is very important, but do not try to push the blade thu the wood. If it wont cut with only the slightest pressure it is worn out or the tension to light. but I only use them for portrait or landscape type fretwork. They wont cut a straight line very well unless you go very slow. Also try slowing down the speed a notch or two. They have a tendency to heat up at high speeds. Hope this helps.

[minowevie]

David, if they are braking before you even start cutting, gosh , maybe it is the blades. are you starting away from the wood before starting your cut. it might be your speed, too fast with a small blade into hard wood. I would guess heat. but not right away. spirals seem to lose there tension fast. because they are twisted. another thing is, could you be bending them some, getting them in the whole you wish to cut. that is a sure thing for breakage. spirals can take a lot of abuse, before breaking. mine always break on the clamp end. not in the middle. I am guessing it is the blade. or putting it into the whole. I am not a spiral blade lover myself. but they do have there place. you can change blades all through the cutting plan. you can use the flat blades to cut most of your work. and switch to a spiral to cut the wiggly stuff if you wish. just a point of view. your friend Evie

[JohnB]

G'day David,
I just binned 4doz of the same blades, for the same reason.
I get good mileage out of FD, Olson and Pegas blades, but will only be buying FD spirals from now on.

[scrollpup]

I'm speed reading here (prety bad for an Arkie), but try # 1 spirals...I went from the #2s to these and found a world of difference. Good luck!


Jerry

[HemiScroller]

Thanks y'all,

I think I will try the FD flat end. The #2/0 FD specialty spiral I was using first laster a little longer. I haven't used a flat #2/0 much, but they have only lasted for a few minutes for me before breaking.

Thanks for all the help!