Which blade

[Jack]

Just joined. New to scroll sawing. Never realized it was so much fun. I have trouble with blades. I'm making a flat sided vase. The front and back are 1/8" birds eye maple, the middle is 3/4" Purple Heart. Can you tell me what blades to use. 

[SCROLLSAW703]

Mr. Jack, on the 1/8", I'd use a #1 skip tooth, or ultra reverse. And slow blade speed. And possibly a backer because of the fragility of your wood. The 3/4", I'd use a #7 or #9 skip tooth blade. Watch your blade speed here, too. Cuttin' a piece that thick will take patience, & don't force it. You'll bust the blade from heat build up. Use skip tooth blades with it. The skip tooth can get rid of the saw dust easier, & not hold it in the kerf of the cut & create more heat, & dulling your blade faster. Remember, more tension on bigger blades, & less tension on smaller blades. If i can help ya any further, just pm me. good luck, & make some saw dust! Also, be sure to wear a dust mask when you're cuttin' the purple heart. It has a bacteria in it that can cause lung reactions, or worse. I learned the hard way.

[lawson56]

Great advice up there.

[Ron Johnson]

For ⅛" a "2 or "3 will be fine. For ¾" a "5 will be fine.