Blade difference?

[JimErn]

What is the difference between a regular blade and a puzzle blade?

 

If a puzzle blade is so much better, why is the puzzle blade only used by puzzle makers?  Why not use it all the time?

 

Jim

[Iguanadon]

Hi Jim,

 

Puzzle blades are extremely thin and are meant for using with 1/8" or 1/4" wood to make ultra tight turns with the narrowest gaps possible.  You can use them for other intricate work also if you prefer.  

 

Compare the width of the Olsen Skip Tooth (page 2) size 3/0 blade which is the smallest they make, compared to the Flying Dutchman Superior Puzzle Blade.  When cutting puzzles obviously the gap between pieces is very important.  Whereas it's not as critical for every day intricate fretwork.  If you enjoy cursing every time a blade snaps, you'll love puzzle blades.  ;-)

 

http://www2.woodcraft.com/PDF/Olson-scrollblade-chart.pdf

 

http://www.scrollsawbladespatterns.com/puzzle_style.htm

 

 

Iggy

Edited April 7, 2017 by Iguanadon

[munzieb]

For intricate fret patterns and very narrow lines, the puzzle blade is my "go to" blade. They can make exceptionally tight turns and give me the best results. They do tend to become dull faster. I see that when they start to "stall" in the cut and then jump forward when dull. They also break more often but the quality and precision of the cut is what matters.

[dgman]

The puzzle blades typically ar a 3/0 skip tooth blade. You can use them anywhere you would use that size blade.

[AK Moose Nugget]

I had wondered about the difference also.  Thanks for asking the group, Jim.

[JimErn]

Thanks for all the replies, and comparing Iggy's chart references made it easier for me to understand, so thanks for that bonus.

[Lucky2]

Puzzle blades have the back side of the blade rounded, just a bit, this is what makes them so easy to make the sharp turning cuts with.

Len

[JimErn]

Puzzle blades have the back side of the blade rounded, just a bit, this is what makes them so easy to make the sharp turning cuts with.

Len

Nice that it comes that way, I do it first thing to all my blades when installing a new one, wrap a piece of fine wet dry crocus cloth, run the saw and let it do the work.

[fastfreddy]

Thank you all for educating me on the puzzle blades, I didn't know about them since I haven't tackled doing puzzles yet. (on my list for later). Nice to know I can use them in delicate fret work which is what I enjoy working on, will certainly give them a shoot.