bloodwood question

[mcojdp]

I am using bloodwood for the first time. I a getting smoke from the wood as I cut. I am using 3/4 inch, flying dutchman #3 ultra reverse blades. The blade is new so not a dull problem. Tried different speeds all with same result. Suggestion?

[Rolf]

Bloodwood is a very waxy gummy wood so what you are experiencing is not un-common. When I cut it I usually have either blue tape or clear packing tape under my pattern, that helps a bit.
I use the Olson PGT 5 blade and slow the saw down a bit. You have to take your time and back up frequently to clear the chips from the blade.

[handibunny]

I use the largest, most aggressive blades that I can with bloodwood, which is a bear to cut. The Flying Dutchman reverse and ultra reverse work for me, usually #9.

I know that Rolf prefers the smaller blades, but I prefer the quicker cutting of the larger ones. And tape is a must for any wood that tends to burn.

[mcojdp]

thanks everyone, I will give the tape and larger blade a try.

[Forester21]

definately use the clear packing tape (I haven't tried the blue tape so can't vouch for that). As for what blade - I actually have better luck with a #5 blade instead of a 7 or 9. I also use the Polar blades when cutting hardwoods.
T

[Bill Wilson]

Bloodwood is also extremely hard. It measures 2900 on the Janka Scale. Compare that to hard maple, which measures 1450 and you can see why it would burn. Perhaps a skip tooth blade might work better?

[dedijerry]

I have used up an 8 ft board of 4/4 Bloodwood and have found that a #5 skip tooth works well the skip reverse I was using weren't allowing the kerf to clear well and got lots of smoke and burning ... saying all that when I cut Kathy Wise's Poinsettia Wreath I used 17 # 5 blades as I found after about 6-8 in of cut I needed to change blades. BTW I just love the smell of smoking bloodwood in the shop probably not good for me though.

[Rolf]

I hope you are wearing a dust Mask!!