how to choose blades

[buzza]

Hi all, as a newcomer to this world of scrollsawing, how do i choose the type of blade to use, down here in the south pacific we have a lot of wood ranging from soft to hard
HELP

[plain_ol_ed]

Re: how to choose blades

Different saws work better with certain blades and people also have their preferences. Being as how blades are relatively cheap I'd order a dozen of several types and see which I liked best. As to size - try to use a blade that will have three to four teeth in the wood at all times as a general guideline.

[mdallensr]

Re: how to choose blades

My Dewalt came with a nice selection of blades; 6 blades, 10 of each, I think. Woodcraft carried that package of blades for about $20.00. It's worth the money to get started and try some different blades.

[uhmnl]

Re: how to choose blades

Hi Buzza,

Had trouble with the site, would have answered sooner.

G0 to: www.mikesworkshop.com. Click on 'Selecting a Blade' and 'Q & A'. You will find a lot of good information. Go also to the accessory page, you find a book from John nelaon, it is one of the better once to learn scroll sawing. If you order the assortment pack you can even save $ 3.00.
If you have any questions, just email Mike.

UHMNL

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Re: how to choose blades

I agree, talk to Mike at Mikesworkshop.....he will answer you right back and answer any questions you have!

[Guest]

Re: how to choose blades

buzza: I'm new to the scrollsawing game myself. I just purchased my first scrollsaw Saturday (05-01-04) at a woodworking show in Sacramento,Ca. It's the Dewalt 788. I'm anxious to get started as soon as I can. I've been picking up a magazine titled Creative Woodworks And Crafts and it contains a wealth of info and free patterns for the projects they feature. Also, loosely inserted in the magazine, is a card from a business called Blade Values Direct. You can send them the card along with $1 and they will send you 1 dozen of their double reversed tooth blades. Or, as I am going to do, send them $20 and they will send you 12 dozen of their most popular Scroll America blades. Check out their website, http://www.bladevaluesdirect.com. I plan on retiring in just over 2 years and want to do craft/scroll sawing for a 'retirement' business. Good luck and hope this info is of some value.

[jttheclockman]

Re: how to choose blades

This is to Jim Devin you also may want to check out www.mikesworkshop.com and speak with mike. The blades he sells are the best blades on the market I, as well as alot of others think. He will be glad to send you some samples of his Flying Dutchman blades. They are also the best priced blade I have found.

[Guest]

Re: how to choose blades

Thanks John. I did just that and Mike did respond with some good info. I appreciate any and all help and info I can get. I don't know how deeply I'll be getting into this hobby but I have made a substantial investment in tools so far. It took me a few years to realize that, 'you get what you pay for' and so far, I've heard nothing but good things about the FD blades. I'm hoping I can find a local retailer in my area but may be out of luck. Anyway, thanks for the response. Hope to talk to you in the future.......shooterjim aka NoNeck!

[Grandpa_Grizzly]

Re: how to choose blades

You have your local dealer when you contact Mike. His blades are the best made and his service and customer relations can not be beat. I have tried every blade known to man and I can never find anything better than The Flying Dutchman. If you are interested in having just blades I bet there are a lot on this and other forums that will gather up the ones they never use and send them to you but you will end up being a 'MIKE' fan.
Grandpa Grizzly

[Guest]

Re: how to choose blades

Thanks Grandpa Grizzly. I bought some Olson and Dremel blades (1 dz. each) until I can buy some of the FD's. I cut my first piece of wood with my new saw today after making sure the table was perpindicular to the blade. I'm fortunate to have a neighbor who is pretty experienced in woodworking. He gave me a few pointers today on his Hegner saw. Like anything you do, to get better at it, the key is practice, practice, practice! I've used machine shop tools for the last 40 years and have seen already that scrollsawing is a whole new game. I will be ordering some of the FD's soon to fill out my supply of blades. Thanks again for the response. I think I'm going to like participating in this forum. Keep the sawdust flying...............shooterjim