Blade Selection Advice

[keithv]

It's been awhile since I've posted (and done much scrolling) but I've got a bit of a dilemma.  I've got an older 16'' Ryobi saw that takes pinned blades.  Right now I'm cutting 1/2'' birch.

I have (had) regular and skip tooth blades from Pegas.   When I used the regular blades I had no troubles following lines but the blades broke often.  When I used the skip tooth blades I wasn't breaking blades but couldn't follow a line to save my life.   

Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated.   

[dgman]

Tension tension tension! Make sure you have enough tension on your blade! You want to hear a “ping” when you pluck the blade. If it goes “clunk” , it need more tension!

Edited November 25, 2020 by dgman

[keithv]

I don't really have an ear for music but I'm mostly certain both types of blades were making a similar "ping".   

[FrankEV]

Half inch thick birch should not be a problem to cut as it is not real hard.  Regular blades should be fine.    

I don't consider myself and expert, but I'm inclined to think your are pushing too hard trying to move the wood too fast.  You gotta let the blade do the work!!!!  Assuming you are using someting like a #3 or #5 for 1/2" wood, you should not brake blades unless they are getting kinked when passing them through holes.

I personally do not use skip tooth blades.  Howerver from my experience there can be a couple of reason you cant follow the line.   Dull blades will want to track toward the softest wood.  A bent or twisted blade will make your life absolutely misserable trying to follow the line.  Sitting off to one side or the other will make it difficult to follow the line.  And, as others mentioned proper tension is a must.  And, again, pushing too hard will make you tend to push sideways sending the blade off line.  Too much arm tension can make that happen as well.     

 

   

Edited November 26, 2020 by FrankEV