A few Questions for you!

[four_deckerz]

Well, I am going to pick up a scroll saw this Friday.

I am getting the Craftsman 21601 16 in. Variable Speed.

I am also going to get some blades too. I am unsure if I should get the plain ends or pinned end? What's the difference?

My next question is in regards to the blades themselves. How many TPI should I be looking for? I am assuming that it depends on the material you are cutting? I plan on wood cutting only. I will not be cutting any plastics or metals.

I really appreciate the feedback! Thanks in advance to whomever answers these.

[Steviegwood]

Congrats on the new saw Chris. I would suggest that you try all different types of blades and choose what suits you the best. In my opinion plain end blades will give better results for smaller cut outs. Olson, Pegasus and Flying Dutchman blades are probably the most popular. I could start a war if I say one is the best. I hope that helps. Steve

[unixpro]

Plain end blades are much more common and easier to come by.

As far as the TPI and such are concerned, www.mikesworkshop.com has a very nice guide that contains recommended blade sizes for various woods and thicknesses. If you don't get your specific question answered, just send mike an e-mail. He'll give you all the assistance you could ask for.

[NC Scroller]

I would either try Mikes as was already recommended or Sloan's http://www.sloanswoodshop.com/default.htm. You will find blades are much cheaper when ordered through one of these places then buying them locally through Sears or one of the other big stores (Lowes, Home Depot, True Value,....). As a beginner, expect to break a blade or two. We do....

[four_deckerz]

Thank you all for the Links and advice! Now to try and pick out some blades!

[MikeDingas]

Chris, pin-end blades are good for cutting the outside edges of a pattern. Plain end, as was pointed out, are the best choice for the interior cuts. Why? Because every interior cut requires a gate hole which is fancy term for a drilled hole. Small interior cuts would require a small hole that the pins would not pass through. I mostly use plain end. When you buy your blades (mailorder) you may as well order a supply of 1/16" drill bits.

[four_deckerz]

I contacted Mike from Mikesworkshop.com He already wrote me back within minutes of my e-mail! Awesome! He is sending me some samples to try out and see what I like.

I have another question in regards to getting the templates to stick to the wood. I was on Scrollsaws.com and see Rick use a spray. What's the name of the spray and where might I find it? Thanks again, you all have been awesome!

[lucky788scroller]

its a spray adhesive, Lowes, Menards , Home Depot, Walmart, pretty much most places of that sort carry it. The brand I use is 3M Super 77 Spray Adhesive. It comes in an aerosol can, and although the price of a can seems a lot, that can lasts a long time. Sears should sell the adhesive as well. Ask a knowlegable salesman (if there is such a thing nowadays) for "spray adhesive in an aerosol can" , and you should be in luck. When you get your saw, grab a couple packs of blades while your at sears to get you started, but then order some online, the savings is huge, and quality much better. Enjoy your sawing, and dont be afraid to ask questions. Dale

[four_deckerz]

Thanks for the advice Dale! Don't worry, you all will be sick of my questions. LOL.... I will try and do some research first if I can before asking.

[kyscroller]

pray adhesive

I just bought my saw and supplies Sunday from lowes. They had a can of duro all purpose spray adhesive. So far it seems to be sticking my patterns pretty good. I do see that if you are working with real fine detail areas it has a habit of trying to come off. Just push it back down and it seems to stay. Just spray it to the pattern and stick it to the wood.I smooth it out with a plastic ruler.

I just bought a cheap pack of blades starting out so I could see if it was something I liked and was afriad of breaking alot of blades first starting so I didn't want to wrap alot of money into the unknown. I got the Delta $99 scroll saw and a pack of 12 blades for abot $7.00. I figured once igot use to it then I could upgrade.The blades are straight but still figuring out how they can call that saw having a quick change blade set up. There is nothing quick maybe easy. Ha Ha

[Mick Walker]

four deckerz, Most craft stores will have spray adhesive, there are many different brands. Try different ones and you will find one that works best for you. I have had good luck with "Duro". I sand my wood to 320 or 400 grit before applying the pattern. I then apply purple or lavender masking tape to the wood. Spray the pattern and attach it to the masking tape. Everyone has a different method and this one works for me. Enjoy your saw and let's see some of your cuttings when they are finished.

[NC Scroller]

Mike had a good suggestion about applying the painters tape to the work first and then adding the pattern. If you are 100% sure you will finish the project in one day you can buy the cheaper tape. If not buy the better stuff. The better tape can stay on the work for days or weeks and still removes cleanly. Not so with the cheap stuff. Why you are out shopping also get some wide clear packing tape. It may sound crazy but putting the clear tape on top of the pattern helps to lubricate the blade. This is very important when cutting very hard woods (oak, maple,....) and stack cutting.

[four_deckerz]

I just got done in the garage putting the new Craftsman workbench together. Got the saw up on her new perch! It's going to be a nice set up to start off with.

While I was at Home Depot today, I also picked up 4 rolls of 1" painters tape, 3 rolls of clear packaging tape, a can of the 3M Adhesive, some drill bits, some extra plain end reverse cut blades, a set of 3 rasp files, a new tape measure, a pack of letter and number stencils, and some pine wood to practice on.

Thanks a million to you all for the help! Now, if I can cut wood instead of the ole fingers, I'll be doing fine!