Spiral blade suggestion

[JimC]

I am a relative newbie to scrolling and wanted to try out spiral blades just to see how they work. Since I have never used them before, I was wondering if someone could suggest one or two sizes of blades I should try. I will be cutting mostly plywood that will be 1/2" or less. Thanks.

 

[Scrolling Steve]

My go to  spiral is is the FD New spiral......I find it easier to control.....I use a lot of 3/0 and 2/0 for portraits in 1/8 and 1/4 in BB ply...I keep some #1 & #3 for thicker woods....Just my two cents worth !

Edited February 15, 2017 by Scrolling Steve

[WayneMahler]

I have been using the FD spirals. Just got some of the New Spirals about a month ago. I don't use them a lot but I am happy with them.

[Denny Knappen]

I also use the FD New Spiral blades #2/0, #1 and #3 depends on the thickness of the wood.

[Scrappile]

I use spirals quite a bit.  The one I use 98% of the time is the Flying Dutchman New Spiral #3/0.  I've used it on wood up to 1/2".

[JimC]

Thanks guys. Great information. Right now I am thinking a dozen each of the 3/0, 1, and 3 FD New Spiral. Now to find the best deal online. Any suggestions there?

[Bill WIlson]

As you probably already figured out, there are several options, both in size and type of spiral blades. 

 

For a first time try, I would suggest the flat end spirals.  They are easier to get situated securely in the clamps.  They don't come in the very small sizes like 2/0 & 3/0, but will work fine for practice and general cutting.  Once you get the feel for how spirals cut and are ready for patterns with finer detail, you can switch to something smaller.  Other spiral blades are twisted all the way to the ends and require that you untwist or otherwise flatten the ends in order to get them to seat in the clamps properly.  This isn't a big obstacle, but with the flat end spirals, you have one less issue to cause you problems as you are learning.

 

I still remember my first experience with spirals.  They weren't flat ended and I had a devil of a time keeping them in the clamps.  They either broke or kept popping out.  I almost gave up on them completely.  I didn't have any problem cutting with them, once I got a blade to stay in the clamp for more then 10 seconds.  After that, I avoided spirals, until I discovered that FD offered them with flat ends.  I got some of them and it was a much better experience.  Since then, I've used the 2/0 and 3/0 New Spirals for really fine detailed work.  The ends untwist fairly easily on them, but be careful, especially with the 3/0.  They are very small and fragile, so it doesn't take much to break them.

[JimC]

Good point Bill. Maybe I should throw in a dozen or so of the flat ends just to get me started. 

[Scrappile]

Good places to buy them are Mikes' Workshop   https://mikesworkshop.com/collections/blades

 

or Wooden Teddy Bear   http://www.woodenteddybearonline.com/x/home.php

 

Both sites owned by the same people.  At Mike's you get a little cheaper shipping but you can only mix sizes of the same type blade to get a gross discount.  At the Wooden Teddy Bear the shipping is a little more but you can mix type and sizes to get the gross discount.  You maybe able to save by buying at one or the other site depending on what your are buying.  I always figure the price at both sites, including shipping to see which is the cheaper way to buy.  Last time I put in an order I was buying a few dozen of several different types of blades.  I saved a little over $6 buying from WTB that time because I could mix types of blades to get to a "Gross" and get the discount.  Confusing, Huh.   I never thought I would buy by the gross when I started, but now I buy a gross or two of my most used blades each time I order them.  Remember blades are expendable, they break, they get dull.  Just part if the hobby.

Edited February 15, 2017 by Scrappile

[JimC]

Thanks Paul. I will check those two sites out. I have been to the wooden teddy bear site for something else a while back and thought their prices were very fair.

[Sparkey]

I use the FD new 3/0 spiral. I use it for cutting 3 pieces of 1/4" plywood stacked and up to 3/8" hardwood. They are my favorite blade.

[Denny Knappen]

FYI The Wooden Teddy Bear owns Mike's Workshop website.  Service is still very good.  If possible buy a gross for better pricing.  You can mix and match.

[JimC]

So, I went to the Wooden Teddy Bear and ordered some #1 and #3 FD Flat End Spirals and some #3/0, #1 and #3 New Spirals. Can't wait to see how they work for me. Thanks to everyone who gave of their knowledge to help this newbie make a decision.

[SCROLLSAW703]

for what its worth, I wouldn't use strictly spirals on 1/2" material. Thinner material is ok. Personally, if possible, I would use a #3 or #4 polar blade, then go back & use the spiral blade where ya want to. Ya could use a #3, or thereabouts if ya wanted to. Some have pretty good luck with spiral blades, others don't because of the control factor. They are designed with teeth all around the blade so they will cut in every direction, allowing little movement of the project. 

 

Personally, I keep a few dozen of every size on hand because I use them for leaf veins, opening up tight spots, feathers, etc. I won't use them on a complete project because they leave a rough look to the project, imo, which leads to more sanding. 

 

In agreement with others, I would order a dozen of a couple sizes & get the feel of them before ya make your final decision. just my .02.

[amazingkevin]

I am a relative newbie to scrolling and wanted to try out spiral blades just to see how they work. Since I have never used them before, I was wondering if someone could suggest one or two sizes of blades I should try. I will be cutting mostly plywood that will be 1/2" or less. Thanks.

White pine cuts like a dream with a spiral, 3'and 4' long no problem and straight.

[Scrappile]

Think Scrollsaw703 is correct.  I do not use them for everything, they are just one of the "paint brushes" I use on a picture.  Now that was pretty poetic wasn't it!  They do have their place but are not for every circumstance.