Olson Gold Series - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Back2Jake · 03-03-2006, 02:43 PM

Before I begin, I'd like to say I am well aware of the many members on SSW forum who enjoy Flying Dutchman brand blades, but there are other blades out there. Other quality blades. I happen to be one of the minority who uses one of the "other" brands and one in particular I'd like to discuss.

While working with Sue in California, I used Olson "Gold Series" blades for the first time. I have to say, I really liked them and found a remarkable difference from their regular blades which are most common in my shop and classes.

For most of my work, I use a #5R or #2R. Just my preference.

I admit, over the past couple years my work has changed, and I now use several different species of wood and other materials but this "Gold Series" is what I recall their original blades being like. Guess it just got me to wonder, how we become so familar with a brand.

So is it just me, or is there a difference for those out there who use the Olson (scroll saw) Gold Series blades versus the regular.

CanadianScroller · 03-03-2006, 04:41 PM

Well Toni. I havent used those yet, as a matter of fact the only Olsen blade I ever used was a PGT, I loved it but they were not easy to get here in "the Whack"

I believe you should try all the blades out when ever you can. Different blades are suited for different styles of scrolling.
Each blade from each manufacturer has different qualities and each scroller may or may not like the same qualities.

We may end up getting dozens of blades from different manufacturers for different needs.

Back2Jake · 03-03-2006, 04:54 PM

Yep Carl I agree. I have tried several blades, and I don't want to take this into various brands. Think we all are aware where that will end up and I just simply don't want to take that path.

The Olson Gold Series did resemble the PGT.

lucky788scroller · 03-04-2006, 01:38 AM

I havent tried the gold series blades, but I do use some olsens. I prefer FD blades for just about everything, with the exception of spirals, which prefer olsens. I havent tried the fd "new" spiral blades yet, I have samples but havent done anything to use a spiral on lately. I was excited when I learned of the FD reverse tooth spirals, but was disappointed in them for various reasons, but every other FD blade I try I am totally happy with, and the service from the FD guy is second to none, and that means a lot, at least to me. Ive tried at least five diffrent brands,Olsen, Pegas, PSwood supersharps, Eberlee, and Flying D's,not to mention the ones packed in a blister pack labled delta, and dewalt, ect.
Yes, everyone should try all types of blades, all styles, and brands, and find the ones that best suits your cutting.An inexperienced scroller might not notice much diffrence from one to the next, but once you realize the diffrence,you know what you like best.I am a believer in 'if it isnt broke, dont fix it', but when I tried others, I always return to old faithful, the FD's.

edit

ops, sorry, I brought brands into the mix, you can delete it bob if needed, sorry.

Back2Jake · 03-04-2006, 02:12 AM

Ah sigh. No need to edit, I'd be kidding myself if I thought for a moment we could discuss blades without the Flying Dutchman blades being mentioned.

There has been plenty of testimony as to the quality of FD blades and the pleasurable man behind the sale of them, but lets remember the thread was initiated to start another conversation all together.

Here's hoping to get us back on track with comparing the Gold Series blades to the regular Olson blades.

Jediscroller · 03-04-2006, 03:18 AM

I haven't seen Olson "Gold" series blades. I've never been happy with the longevity of Olsons, so I don't buy them. I really like the way their crown tooths cut, but I hate having to change a blade every 5 minutes. I tried some of most of what they gave me with the Excalibur, and none particularly impressed me. I do use more than 1 brand of blade, Olson just isn't one of them.

Kevin (and I didn't mention any other brands either)

bearfretworks · 03-04-2006, 06:46 AM

I'd never even heard of them until I read this thread.

I do use, very occasionally their PGT if I have thick wood and long straight cuts to make. I did try a couple gross of their scroll reverse, crown tooth, spirals,etc... when I first started scrolling - and got awful tired of changing broken blades ALL the time.

These do sound interesting though. Do you have a friendly, knowledgable blade supplier who would send me a free sample pack of the various types/sizes to give them a go?

Barry and I didn't mention ANY brand name....

Back2Jake · 03-04-2006, 01:24 PM

I agree with you Kevin, the longevity of Olson blades doesn't appear to be what it once was, to me anyhow. I seldom break a blade with my current saw, and when I did with a different saw, it was only due to my own error in judgement.

(Still learning after all these years..... )

These blades did have some bite like the PGT and lasted longer.They accomodated the curves and corners of fretwork well. Since I was working at someone else's shop I used what was on hand. Sorry, no benifactory supplier to name drop, and I am not sure I can even get these blades in Canada.

When we offer classes, I do look for "sponsors" to provide samples of their product for evaluation by students in our workshops/classes. It is important the participants evaluate products for themselves, afterall they are the ones to be using them afterward. I will be on the search for a source for these blades or have to bring them back from California in time for the classes this fall.

Old Mooner · 03-04-2006, 02:10 PM

Toni--I have been using Olson PGT and spiral blades for years and Judy Gale Roberts has been selling "gold" blades for ages. I think the gold blades are an improvement over some of the older blades (no matter what manufacturer). However, they are a bit more expensive and some folks will gripe about price vs value. I, frankly, do not understand all the "blade breaking" stuff I read here at times. I do my projects with every conceivable kind of wood, from 1/8" through some burls that are 1.5" thick and very seldom break a blade. The PGT blades are practically indestructable.
I'm all for some "new" technology in blade construction--regardless of who makes them. Good luck avoiding the "my blade vs your blade" thing we always get into here.
Moon

Jediscroller · 03-04-2006, 02:17 PM

I pretty much agree with you Toni. I think folks should try different tools to find out what meets their needs. For my portraits, I've found a particular blade that I'm happy with. I'm still searching for a blade that I'll be happy with for thick hardwoods as I'm cutting more and more of this type stuff (1 - 2 inchish) so I just ordered several different types of blades from several different manufactures (vendors?) to see which I prefer. Hopefully I'll find one that I like, I've tried a couple so far (#9 Skip tooth from Olson, #7 SR from FD), but am still searching. Before folks recommend #12 blades from anyone, I know these will cut the stuff, but they won't make the turns I need. I'm also with you in that I rarely break a blade, regardless of mfg.

Kevin

03-03-2006, 04:54 PM	#3
Back2Jake Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: In a house ... but I might move. Posts: 1,110 Blog Entries: 16	Yep Carl I agree. I have tried several blades, and I don't want to take this into various brands. Think we all are aware where that will end up and I just simply don't want to take that path. The Olson Gold Series did resemble the PGT. __________________ "Who I AM, is who I want to be."

03-04-2006, 01:24 PM	#8
Back2Jake Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: In a house ... but I might move. Posts: 1,110 Blog Entries: 16	I agree with you Kevin, the longevity of Olson blades doesn't appear to be what it once was, to me anyhow. I seldom break a blade with my current saw, and when I did with a different saw, it was only due to my own error in judgement. (Still learning after all these years..... ) These blades did have some bite like the PGT and lasted longer.They accomodated the curves and corners of fretwork well. Since I was working at someone else's shop I used what was on hand. Sorry, no benifactory supplier to name drop, and I am not sure I can even get these blades in Canada. When we offer classes, I do look for "sponsors" to provide samples of their product for evaluation by students in our workshops/classes. It is important the participants evaluate products for themselves, afterall they are the ones to be using them afterward. I will be on the search for a source for these blades or have to bring them back from California in time for the classes this fall. __________________ "Who I AM, is who I want to be."

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03-03-2006, 02:43 PM	#1
Back2Jake Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: In a house ... but I might move. Posts: 1,110 Blog Entries: 16	Olson Gold Series Before I begin, I'd like to say I am well aware of the many members on SSW forum who enjoy Flying Dutchman brand blades, but there are other blades out there. Other quality blades. I happen to be one of the minority who uses one of the "other" brands and one in particular I'd like to discuss. While working with Sue in California, I used Olson "Gold Series" blades for the first time. I have to say, I really liked them and found a remarkable difference from their regular blades which are most common in my shop and classes. For most of my work, I use a #5R or #2R. Just my preference. I admit, over the past couple years my work has changed, and I now use several different species of wood and other materials but this "Gold Series" is what I recall their original blades being like. Guess it just got me to wonder, how we become so familar with a brand. So is it just me, or is there a difference for those out there who use the Olson (scroll saw) Gold Series blades versus the regular. __________________ "Who I AM, is who I want to be."

03-03-2006, 04:41 PM	#2
CanadianScroller Moderator CUT IT OUT Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chilliwack British Columbia, Canada Posts: 3,904 Blog Entries: 12	Well Toni. I havent used those yet, as a matter of fact the only Olsen blade I ever used was a PGT, I loved it but they were not easy to get here in "the Whack" I believe you should try all the blades out when ever you can. Different blades are suited for different styles of scrolling. Each blade from each manufacturer has different qualities and each scroller may or may not like the same qualities. We may end up getting dozens of blades from different manufacturers for different needs. __________________ CAЯL HIRD-RUTTEЯ "proud member of the best scroll sawing forum on the net." Ryobi SC180VS scroll saw EX21

03-04-2006, 01:38 AM	#4
lucky788scroller Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: wisconsin Posts: 6,354	I havent tried the gold series blades, but I do use some olsens. I prefer FD blades for just about everything, with the exception of spirals, which prefer olsens. I havent tried the fd "new" spiral blades yet, I have samples but havent done anything to use a spiral on lately. I was excited when I learned of the FD reverse tooth spirals, but was disappointed in them for various reasons, but every other FD blade I try I am totally happy with, and the service from the FD guy is second to none, and that means a lot, at least to me. Ive tried at least five diffrent brands,Olsen, Pegas, PSwood supersharps, Eberlee, and Flying D's,not to mention the ones packed in a blister pack labled delta, and dewalt, ect. Yes, everyone should try all types of blades, all styles, and brands, and find the ones that best suits your cutting.An inexperienced scroller might not notice much diffrence from one to the next, but once you realize the diffrence,you know what you like best.I am a believer in 'if it isnt broke, dont fix it', but when I tried others, I always return to old faithful, the FD's. edit ops, sorry, I brought brands into the mix, you can delete it bob if needed, sorry.

03-04-2006, 02:12 AM	#5
Back2Jake Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: In a house ... but I might move. Posts: 1,110 Blog Entries: 16	Ah sigh. No need to edit, I'd be kidding myself if I thought for a moment we could discuss blades without the Flying Dutchman blades being mentioned. There has been plenty of testimony as to the quality of FD blades and the pleasurable man behind the sale of them, but lets remember the thread was initiated to start another conversation all together. Here's hoping to get us back on track with comparing the Gold Series blades to the regular Olson blades. __________________ "Who I AM, is who I want to be."

03-04-2006, 03:18 AM	#6
Jediscroller American Crafstman Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Galaxy far, far away Posts: 3,164 Blog Entries: 6	I haven't seen Olson "Gold" series blades. I've never been happy with the longevity of Olsons, so I don't buy them. I really like the way their crown tooths cut, but I hate having to change a blade every 5 minutes. I tried some of most of what they gave me with the Excalibur, and none particularly impressed me. I do use more than 1 brand of blade, Olson just isn't one of them. Kevin (and I didn't mention any other brands either)

03-04-2006, 06:46 AM	#7
bearfretworks Retired Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Buse Township, MN Posts: 1,354	I'd never even heard of them until I read this thread. I do use, very occasionally their PGT if I have thick wood and long straight cuts to make. I did try a couple gross of their scroll reverse, crown tooth, spirals,etc... when I first started scrolling - and got awful tired of changing broken blades ALL the time. These do sound interesting though. Do you have a friendly, knowledgable blade supplier who would send me a free sample pack of the various types/sizes to give them a go? Barry and I didn't mention ANY brand name.... __________________ I love the smell of burnt gunpowder.....it reminds me of a full tummy

03-04-2006, 02:10 PM	#9
Old Mooner Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Sherman, Texas Posts: 284	Toni--I have been using Olson PGT and spiral blades for years and Judy Gale Roberts has been selling "gold" blades for ages. I think the gold blades are an improvement over some of the older blades (no matter what manufacturer). However, they are a bit more expensive and some folks will gripe about price vs value. I, frankly, do not understand all the "blade breaking" stuff I read here at times. I do my projects with every conceivable kind of wood, from 1/8" through some burls that are 1.5" thick and very seldom break a blade. The PGT blades are practically indestructable. I'm all for some "new" technology in blade construction--regardless of who makes them. Good luck avoiding the "my blade vs your blade" thing we always get into here. Moon __________________ Old Mooner

03-04-2006, 02:17 PM	#10
Jediscroller American Crafstman Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Galaxy far, far away Posts: 3,164 Blog Entries: 6	I pretty much agree with you Toni. I think folks should try different tools to find out what meets their needs. For my portraits, I've found a particular blade that I'm happy with. I'm still searching for a blade that I'll be happy with for thick hardwoods as I'm cutting more and more of this type stuff (1 - 2 inchish) so I just ordered several different types of blades from several different manufactures (vendors?) to see which I prefer. Hopefully I'll find one that I like, I've tried a couple so far (#9 Skip tooth from Olson, #7 SR from FD), but am still searching. Before folks recommend #12 blades from anyone, I know these will cut the stuff, but they won't make the turns I need. I'm also with you in that I rarely break a blade, regardless of mfg. Kevin