Blade Orientation Question

[oldhudson]

Is it okay to turn the blade around and pull work toward the operator instead of pushing it into the saw? Thanks for reading.

[Jim McDonald]

I have done it before, but it is a VERY rare occasion.

Just don't feel i have the control.

[OCtoolguy]

1 hour ago, oldhudson said:

Is it okay to turn the blade around and pull work toward the operator instead of pushing it into the saw? Thanks for reading.

If it works, what's not to like? I don't see that it will harm the saw 

 

[TAIrving]

We will have to report you to the scrollsaw police.  I am trying to find that number right now.  

[Rolf]

Do what ever you need to get the cut you need or want. It would be no different than having a spiral blade that you push and pull in all directions.

[Roberta Moreton]

I have done it for large pieces.  Hard for me to control though. 

[Scrappile]

You can bend the blade ends and cut left or right also.  Least I have read of people doing it on large pieces.

[kmmcrafts]

You can do that.. I have mounted blades like that but cut from the front like normal.. I'll tell ya though.. it don't cut very well like that, 

On a more serious note.. The scroll saw is more designed to cut from the front side of the saw and the blade does a forward motion to bite into the wood. Cutting from the back side of the blade will go much slower and instead of the blade rocking forward to take a bite it'll move forward away from the wood hence the slower cut.. It'll likely be harder to control because you'll likely pull too hard on the wood trying to get it to cut through as fast as it would from the front.. It'll work though if you're patient enough to just let the blade do the work.. I've done it a few times. I've also cut from the sides like Paul mentioned by twisting the blade ends.. does okay in a pinch on a large project but not something I'd like to do regularly, LOL

[LarryEA]

My thought:

On most clamps you are pulling the blade out of the clamp.

Though well clamped, will make no difference.