Puzzle blades

[All thumbs]

I am looking to make puzzles but the blades I have leave too much of a kerf?? Is there a special puzzle blade or blades?? thx, Dexter

[jttheclockman]

Yes Dexter see Mike at www.mikesworkshop.com home of the flying dutchman blades. The best blades on the market. Just check the survey taken here and you will see.

[CanadianScroller]

I use 2/0 blades for my puzzles, but they are SLOW on 3/4 wood. I will have to check out Flying Dutchman too.
I did have some metal cutting blades with a very thin kerf, they worked ok too, just not enough sawdust removal. I am not sure what brand they were I got them at a garage sale.

[3_M]

The puzzle blades should not be used in wood thicker than 1/4". They are too tinny to cut staright in thick wood. In 3/4" wood a # 3 would work but a 5 is better. It also depends on who you are making the puzzles for. Little kids need a bigger kerf as older once. Some one, I know, makes a lot of puzzles for kids and they use a # 9 blade.
Here is a site who likes to use the puzzle blades: http://www.mgcpuzzles.com/help/ This is also a fine puzzle maker:
http://www.newpuzzles.com/
Mike M

[CanadianScroller]

Thanks Mike, I am sure volumes could be written about blades and blade selection, It seems to be one of those areas where most of us are in the dark. I know I always push my blades too much. I prefer very thin blades but end up cutting twice for viening. I think the most coarse blade I have is a 5, maybe a rogue 7. I cut mainly thin stock, if I do cut thicker stuff it is 3/4 like the farm puzzle in my gallery. I still like a thin kerf to keep the puzzle tight.
I know if there are too many teeth contacting the wood then there is no chance for the sawdust to escape causing burning.
I think it is time for me to expand my horizons