Saw Blade

[wilkie]

I found out how important it is to insert the saw blade in correctly this week. I have Carole's book and decided to cut a simple bowl out of ash. First time to use this wood. While cutting I notice alot of chatter from the wood, although I had experienced this before it seemed even more than ever.
After finally cutting, sanding,and glueing up the bowl I went back to look at my saw and try cutting another piece of wood flat, only to have the same problem. I then removed the blade only to discover I had it in upside down. Upon putting it back, this time right side up, it cut much better.
So, be sure you have the teeth down and make your hobby less frustrating.

[cpowell]

I've done the same thing, we probably all have so don't feel too bad. I bet that now you always check, because after learning that lesson I know I do.

[weiner9696]

Been there done that. That's why I use ultra reverse.

George

[woodsman]

We all do that at least once. After over 20 years of cutting I recently put one in backwards. Just because I was too lazy to go and get my glasses. Now for putting one in upside down and backwards. I am sure that will happen one of these days.

[sawman101]

I slapped an Ultra Reverse in my Hegner and quickly learned there is a difference between top and bottom.

[ray hampton]

are the arrow on the blade suppose to point up or down ?

[JackM]

Arrow?

I don't know what "arrow" you are referring to, but the teeth should point down. If you use a reverse blade, two point down and one points up. Also, use a top quality blades, not the ones that are sold by Sears, Lowes, etc.
Not only are the quality blades superior, they are also less expensive. Hope this helps.
Jack

[3_M]

The UR blades have two teeth down and one up. It no burr like most other blades and therefore cuts more straight. It also has a a small marking, like a little dent, telling that it is the top of the blade.
FD Mike

[handibunny]

Wilkie,

Hope your bowl turned out OK. Ash is a hard enough wood to cut even with the teeth going in the right direction.

And of course I've put the blade in wrong more often than I'd care to admit. But by now, I know that if the wood bounces a lot, that's probably what I've done.

I didn't realize at first that the UR blades have a definite up and down. It's much easier now that there's that little indentation at the top of the blade, especially with the smaller blades.

It goes without saying that the quality of the blade makes all the difference, but sharpness is also pretty critical. As soon as I start to push the wood, I know I should change the blade. Whenever I don't, I'm sorry that I waited. Many new scrollers don't realize how short the life of a blade can be, especially if the wood is hard.

[Fretnot]

I thank God for Mikes ultra reverse blades, as Mike said, there is an indentation at the top of each blade so When I get a new one out i just feel each end and know straight away which is the top but even so i did manage to put one in upside down last week, there is a huge difference in performance, or rather lack of performance. In my book they are the finest blades available and I will use nothing else.

[Hawaiilad]

I think we all have put a blade in upside down and went ahead and cut with it before noticing the problem....the other day I was cutting on the band saw with a new blade and notice it did not cut like a new blade at all. Finished my cut. shut off the saw and looked at the blade...yep, it was inside out witch on a band saw blade, is just like having it upside down....took forever to sand off the burnt marks;;;

[wilkie]

The bowl came out pretty good. I just need more practice.
Thanks to Carole and her book for the information needed to make these incredible bowls.
Thanks to the Forum members who share their expertise.

[Camero68]

Good lesson learned. I will remember your story. Thank you for sharing.