How many blades to buy

[bstark]

I am a beginner... in fact still waiting on my scroll saw to be delivered. I have some projects picked out with recommendations for blades... but I am curious as to how many blades I should be ordering? Dozens? Half gross? Full gross? Looking at the first projects I am interested in, I will be using FD-XL #5 and FD-SR #5 the most.

Any suggestions appreciated.

[Jan]

Each of us has preferences as to the blades we like the most. Having said that, you've apparently already noticed that FD blades are highly favored among this group. The best suggestion I have for you since you are a beginner is to call or contact Mike Morlach at 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. for his expert advice. He knows more about blades than any of us. Mike's the FD dealer for the US and Canada. Have fun, take your time and experiment.

Jan

[3_M]

Jan said it the best.
Email me and leave your phone number.
FD Mike

[ASDLF22]

I'm sure Mike will set you up... just remember that blades don't really last that long - you'll go through them fairly quick so don't be afraid to buy them by the gross. Try to get a variety of sizes and types - they all cut different with different woods and thicknesses. Good luck with your new saw when you get it - be sure to post pictures.

[markdavd]

I agree with adsfl22 - Consider scroll saw blades as disposable. Don't try to overuse them - you'll just be using dull blades and frustrate yourself.

I haven't checked recently, but Mike used to have an assortment trial pack you could order for a few dollars. I'd recommend starting with that.

When you do order, get a number of sizes, with the majority being what you think you'll use the most, then order by the gross of the same type. i.e. 1 doz no 1, 3 doz no 3, 6 doz no 5 and 2 doz no 7. That way you have some of each size in case you need it.

When you consider the other costs, like wood, tape, glue and finish, the cost of blades really isn't that great.

[oldvaxguy]

I would buy a gross and I would go to Mike. The reason is while starting out you break a lot of blades. The ones at the local hardware stores are ok but the problem is that you can get a gross of different ones from Mike for the price of 2 dozen at a local store. That way i figured which ones were the best.

[Arcy]

It's really frustrating to run out of blades in the middle of a project. It's more frustrating to ruin the project by trying to extend the life of a dull blade.

If you know which blades you like then get them by the gross. A dozen is good for trying out ones you think you'll like.

--Rob

[cpowell]

I just ordered the assortment pack from Mike. Getting several different of the most popular sizes to test. It was cheap. $15 +shipping of $3. I think it's a good deal. And you get a pouch!

[Thirston]

The assortment is nice or you could just select a handful of the blades you think you'll be using for your first few projects and order a dozen or 2 of each type. This is what I did. I browsed the forums and made notes of which blades were used for what projects. Then I thought about what I wanted most to make for my first few projects and ordered 2 dozen of each type.
Shipping is cheap so don't go overboard and order too many at first. Once you have them in hand, use them and decide which you like or dislike. Then order more

[bstark]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I was a bit overwhelmed when I looked at all the different blades available... but thankfully the projects from the books I am using have recommended blades.

By next weekend I should have my saw!

[Hawaiilad]

Glad you got set up with Mike. The FD blades are great. I have been using them for many years. What saw did you order?

[evilbadger]

The book might have made suggestions for blades but everyone has their own preferences.
If you tell us which projects you picked out and which saw you ordered we might suggest something else. Either way Mike gets the blades out quick so if you decide to change your mind it will only be a couple of days to get blades.

[bstark]

Glad you got set up with Mike. The FD blades are great. I have been using them for many years. What saw did you order?

I went with the DeWalt DW788. I hope I get a good one and it lasts for awhile. I thought about getting a used Excalibur... but the problem is... being new to scrollsawing I am not sure if I could tell the difference between a saw that had serious problems and one that doesn't.

Mike was a great help with the blades... glad I gave him a call.

[3_M]

Im got him started with the FD-UR numbers 3, 5 and 7. Just one dozen each so he can try them and order later which once would work the best for him.
FD Mike