Fundemental question - saw speed

[RegisG]

I have another newbie question. What should determine the speed I setfor the blade. Should I change the speed of the blade depending on how fast or slow I want to cut? Or is the blade speed set for the type or hardness of the wood? I tend to cut everything pretty slow.

Thanks,
Regis

[Fretnot]

Hi Regis. Good question. There is not an exact answer to your question as the speed of the blade is governed by the material being cut and also the thickness of the material. With experience you will come to know what the best speed is but as a general rule the thicker and harder the material the slower I go and also the higher the blade number I use as well. I have found with thick hardwood I must have the right blade matched with the right speed. I was cutting a name in 1 inch thick oak earlier and thought a number 5 blade would be okay but it was just that bit to fine and when the smoke started coming I changed to a number 7 and that was fine. Keep up the good work Regis.

[Mayo Farmer]

Regis,

It's good question and I like you tend to run it slow turning up the speed as the blade dulls. I'm probably completely wrong but I'm looking forward to the replies from the great and good.

[oily]

That's one of those " ain't a wrong way" What ever works the best for you and gives the best results. I prefer high saw speed with a slow feed. For me that virtually eliminates sanding in interior cuts and makes very sharp corners easier and smoother.
The only time I use a very slow speed is when I'm cutting coins.

[3_M]

I use 98% of the time the higest speed om my saw. I like very good tension and push very slow into the blade. Let the blade do the cutting they say. I use the same high speed for any wood that I am cutting.
You never can be in a hurry. I use 2" clear package tape on top of the pattern. Some like to use the blue painters tape on the wood with pattern on top.
FD Mike

[dgman]

As you can see, there is no sure fire answer. My basic rule of thumb is If it seems like the cut is going to slow, speed up the saw. If you can't stay on the line, slow the speed down. It's something you have to get a feel for yourself.

[NC Scroller]

The right and only answer is "whatever works best for you". Like Mike I tend to use the higher speeds for most of my cutting. It will take some practice. I find at the lower speeds I am more prone to "push" and not let the blade cut.

[brianrickman]

I keep the speed dial on my saw right in the middle 99% of the time. If I need to increase the speed to keep the blade cutting, I replace the blade. If using a new blade doesn't help, then I increase the speed. This is only necessary for very hard or unusually thick wood.

[louhodson]

Like the others, I find the speed changes for blade to blade and saw to saw. Some saws vibrate a lot at higher speeds, so if it cuts straight and does not send smoke signals, then it is a good speed. Experience with your equipment is the best teacher. Keep at it and remember the object is to have fun.

[3_M]

dgman was saying; If you can't stay on the line, slow the speed down.
I have to disagree. Most blades have a burr what makes them cut to the right. All you have to do, move the wood some degree to the right and you will be surprised how easy it is to stay on the line.
FD Mike

[Bill Wilson]

I think there's a difference between blade drift and going too fast to successfully control the cut. Blade drift can be a contributing factor in control, but if you are running the saw at a high speed in very thin material that offers little resistance to the blade, you will tend to wander off the line more readily and thus should slow the speed and/or feed rate down.