Spiral blade Havoc

[Troy]

Ok,

I decided I wanted to start and do some portrait style cutting and so I cropped out a bird from a larger portrait just so I could have something small to practice on...I used just a single 1/4 BB ply and a #2 FD spiral.

Ok first off...I tried using spirals as it seems alot of guys and gals use them for portraits..they are tuff to use..

First it weaks havoc on your pattern while your cutttin..fraying and paper even with the packing tape on it...

Two. Someone told me to turn the tension waay up on them it'll be easier to control well after breakin a few because of 2 much I think I found the right balance but it's still hard to cut and follow the line..I'm not sure if this is because I'm only practicing on a single piece of 1/4" and need to double up...as the blade almost has a mind of its own and very aggressive...even if I slow my feed down...

Anyways looking for some insight into this style of scroll sawing would like to know more as I just love some of the work others have done in this style...

Thanks,
Troy

[pedrofret]

Well, just my humble opinion

Hi,

Well, just my humble opinion: I wouldn´t use spiral blades for anything but some cases of veining and some very particular application in certain patterns. Flat blades of the different types are way better.

Pedro.

[Woodbutcher68]

I met a guy who uses nothing but spiral blades. He told me it takes alot of practice to learn control, but I'm not THAT patient!

[Greenfield_Bob]

I'm with Pedro, I can't control them. Flat blades work just fine for me.
Someday I will get out a piece of scrap and give it other try.

Bob

[oaklysawyer]

New here. My first post. I don't like spirals of any make. Rough cut , wander all over with the grain. Not as bad for plywood . Flats cut a lot smoother and easier and don't break all the time like spirals..
I started with spirals then learned how to cut with flat ones and wont go back to spirals.
Fred

[3_M]

Anyone who has problems of controlling the regular spiral blade, should try the new spiral blades. I just have the numbers 1 and 3 right now. This new blade has a complete different tooth design and much easier to control and last longer. This is from people who tried them. Most people who do portraits are using spiral blades, but like woodbutcher is saying, it takes practice.
Glad to send some samples if anyone wants to try them.
Mike M

[Rivari]

Alrighty folks let's not get our dander up, spirals are extremely effective, but yes they do take continous practice to learn how to use.

For portrait work or compound fretwork nothing in my opinion works better then FD spiral blades.

The key for me when I was learning how to use them was SLOW DOWN, LOOK AN INCH AHEAD OF THE PATTERN LINE, AND DON"T FREAK OUT. The great thing about portraits is that you can get mildly off you pattern line and still kick out a nice piece of work.

In my opinion there is nothing I can say or anyone else for that matter to anyone to make them a sudden success with spirals, it is all about practice, practice and more practice. Myself I have only improved with continued use use.

[Jediscroller]

Whatever you're comfortable using is fine for portraits (or whatever else you're cutting). Some people swear by spirals, some swear at them. For me, I use flats for everything unless it exceeds the throat of my saw, then I'll use spirals. I just prefer flats.

Kevin

[SharonW0111]

Almost everything I cut is done in spiral blades unless i want a tight vein --Yes it does take a little practice on your tension and speed but it will come to you if you don't fight the blade so much. The more you use the better you get with them .Personally I like spirals better ( you can see my work in the gallery ) most all of them are done either totally in spirail or 90% of a piece.

[Max]

Yes, I had to try spiral blades. I bought a dozen two years ago and still have 10 left. Flat blades work best for me. I admire you guys and gals that can control them, though. Good luck with them.

Dan

[jimp]

I use flats but can't do with out the other.

[Troy]

Thanks for the help everyone...

Ok here's my recent attempt today at practicing...this is just a small piece total size of wood is about 3x3 inches..I stacked 2 1/4" BB ply and I had 5 FD 2/0 Spirals left....

here's the result.



Now I have no spirals left broke all 5 on this...and tried to finish a bit with a flat...then ran out free time..lol

It help to have 2 pieces of wood and that made a huge difference than my last attempt..still alot of practice needed...quite a nice butcher job

Troy

[Rivari]

Troy don't be too hard on yourself!

I see you experienced a few chip outs, on occasion it just happens and there isn't much you can do about it. However in my opinion I think your blade selection might have been incorrect (I know your working with a limited selection). What type and size blade were you using? Myself for finer cuts like that I would use a #1 FD RS, though others might do it differently.

The majority of the work you did looks just fine, get ahold of Mike and get a dozen or so FD blades and give them a whirl, I believe you will see a great improvement.

BTW, did you "prep" the wood prior to cutting?

[CanadianScroller]

I am not too familiar with spirals, I havent used too many. The ones I have used are on piesces too big to spin in the throat of the saw.
I know you talked to me about your blade clamp issues. I ran some 300 grit emery cloth in the jaws of the chuck and that has worked for me so far.
I get frustrated with the spirals that twist almost to the end. I see there are new ones with flats on them, That would help.
Only other thing I can suggest is slow slow slow. Enjoy the cutting.It is easy to get excited and want to see a finished piece, but take it slow.

[3_M]

Todd,
Didn't I sent you a sample of the new spirals. If not, send me your address and I send you a sample. They are a lot easier to control.
Mike M