Blades I have known - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

PeteB · 10-26-2006, 11:09 PM

Haven't seen any discussion about this topic, so I thought I'd bring it up.

It seems like some blades are ill-fated, refusing to hold a line or make a precise turn, cut slow and even screech at times, and end their lives prematurely. Others cut smooth and true, go like a hot knife through butter, and seem to last forever. Once, I cut almost a whole 200 piece puzzle on one blade. It was okoume, but still...

Whenever I have a blade problem, I always check tension, and if I still have problems, I put in a new one. The other morning, I ran through four blades before reaching a "oneness" with my blade.

So what do you guys think? Is it operator error or do some blades just not cut the mustard? This is a non-sectarian question BTW because I've had this issue with a couple of the major brands.

Pete

Minnesota scroller · 10-27-2006, 02:42 AM

Personally Pete, I think it's poor quality control. Ya gotta admit, scrollsaw blades are inexpensive. When the manufacturer is getting only a couple cents per blade they probably aren't going to use much valuable time inspecting each batch. I would rather spend a few more pennies per blade and have more consistency.

Mick Walker · 10-27-2006, 04:52 PM

Pete, I have found bad blades in the same batch. Some will cut good for just a few minutes and others I can cut with for a long time. I have tried several different brands and will still find some bad ones.
Maybe Mike M will jump in here and shed some light on this subject.

PeteB · 10-27-2006, 05:16 PM

It'd be great to be able to tell a bad one with a visual inspection, as that would save some time and aggravation. I look and can't tell a thing. Don't really know what to look for, I reckon.

pete00 · 10-27-2006, 08:39 PM

Im glad you asked that, it happens to me and i always though it was my fault.

re-pete

10-26-2006, 11:09 PM	#1
PeteB Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 428	Blades I have known Haven't seen any discussion about this topic, so I thought I'd bring it up. It seems like some blades are ill-fated, refusing to hold a line or make a precise turn, cut slow and even screech at times, and end their lives prematurely. Others cut smooth and true, go like a hot knife through butter, and seem to last forever. Once, I cut almost a whole 200 piece puzzle on one blade. It was okoume, but still... Whenever I have a blade problem, I always check tension, and if I still have problems, I put in a new one. The other morning, I ran through four blades before reaching a "oneness" with my blade. So what do you guys think? Is it operator error or do some blades just not cut the mustard? This is a non-sectarian question BTW because I've had this issue with a couple of the major brands. Pete

10-27-2006, 02:42 AM	#2
Minnesota scroller Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SW MN Posts: 1,706	Personally Pete, I think it's poor quality control. Ya gotta admit, scrollsaw blades are inexpensive. When the manufacturer is getting only a couple cents per blade they probably aren't going to use much valuable time inspecting each batch. I would rather spend a few more pennies per blade and have more consistency. __________________ Mike Making sawdust with a Dremel 1680. www.picturetrail.com/naturephotos

10-27-2006, 04:52 PM	#3
Mick Walker Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Janesville, WI Posts: 1,338	Pete, I have found bad blades in the same batch. Some will cut good for just a few minutes and others I can cut with for a long time. I have tried several different brands and will still find some bad ones. Maybe Mike M will jump in here and shed some light on this subject. __________________ Mick, - Delta P-20 The future ain't what it used to be.

10-27-2006, 08:39 PM	#5
pete00 Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 260	Im glad you asked that, it happens to me and i always though it was my fault. re-pete __________________ Pete Ripaldi --------------------------------- "Insert Clever Tag Line Here..."

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10-27-2006, 05:16 PM	#4
PeteB Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 428	It'd be great to be able to tell a bad one with a visual inspection, as that would save some time and aggravation. I look and can't tell a thing. Don't really know what to look for, I reckon.

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