scbridge

Hi all, I spent some time trying out different blades with various material/thicknesses to see what works for me. I started out with Olsen pin end blades, but ran into issues when trying to make tight turns. I thought they worked well for cutting straight lines, but was a little limiting when it came to more detailed work/sharp turns. I received my Flying Dutchman Spiral blades a few days ago, and just started to play around with them. I started with the 2/0 blade, and tried cutting through some thicker material (random piece, not sure the name). It was maybe a little over 1/2", and the blade snapped mid-cut. I swapped it with a #5 blade, which seems to be working a lot better. I cut out an ampersand for my first project, using the Olsen Pin End blade. This took me about 4-5 hours. I then used the same template and tried again, this time using the spiral blades. I finished counting out the main shape in roughy an hour and half. I definitely think the spiral blades fit my cutting needs better, when comparing the to pin end blades I started out with. I'm starting to get a better hang of it, but there is definitely a learning curve that comes with these - setting the tension being one of them. I also noticed that for the thicker blades, it's better to cut on the outside of the template line when cutting out the main shape, and then doing the opposite when cutting out counters (inner pieces). I used to cut right on the line when using pin end blades. @JimErn - I checked to see if the "hockey puck" was leveled and it was not. I took in your suggestion and traced the hockey puck template onto 2 pieces of cardstock, taping over the original piece. This reduced a lot of the vibration, and definitely makes a difference when cutting (..also less scary). I'll try to post some progress photos later on. really appreciate all of the input/feedback so far

Hi Jim, Thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely look into if the "hockey puck" is leveled or not, as I have been experiencing some shaking with cuts here and there. I think the height (with the included stand), is okay. I haven't worked on enough projects yet to get a good feel for if I think the height needs adjusted quite yet, but will keep the 2x4 suggestion in mind if I do find that it's a little low. I've been purchasing my blades off of Amazon. So far, I have purchased a set of Olsen Pin End blades and 5 dozen Flying Dutchman spiral blades (2/0, 1, 3, 5, & 7). I will be testing these out for the next few weeks, as I'm still trying to get a better idea of everything. Not expecting to see major progress overnight, as this is something that's new to me. baby steps

Hi Len, Appreciate the feedback. I did try to read around before making the purchase (forums, reviews, etc). I'm definitely still testing the waters with everything, as I still have a lot to learn. I figured the best way to learn is by doing. I started with the included blade on some scrap wood, and then with one of my Olsen Pin End blades. I will probably hold off on purchasing any additional blades for the time being, until I get a better idea of each (spiral included), and how they work with different types/thicknesses of wood. I cut out a typeface for my first project, using some scrap wood from an old tabletop. I was pretty content with the final outcome, but there were areas for improvement. I struggled with getting a continuous cut, as well as cutting smooth curves (the blade would turn with the wood). I've also been using a straight edge to practice straight cuts here and there, and am starting to get the hang out it. I have a list of projects in mind, with different levels of difficulty. I'm starting with some relatively basic shapes, and am hoping to move into more intricate work once I get a better understanding of the machine, blades, tension, etc.. still have a ways to go but am excited to learn more

I actually went ahead and purchased a set of Flying Dutchman spiral blades, based on a few reviews I read (before I was able to catch up with this thread). It seemed like those were a good fit for detail work. I placed the order a few days ago and they are set to arrive in another 2 weeks or so, so I haven't had a chance to test them out. May I ask why you despise them? Is there a big learning curve to getting the hang of them? I went to Lowe's the other day and picked up some Oak (1/4"), poplar (1/4"), and craft wood (1/2"). I think these will be good enough to get started on, and to test the blades out. May I ask what the main/big/small differences are between spiral blades and reverse tooth blades? It seems like both are recommended for detail work - is there an advantage of one over the other? I also have a question about drill bits. I have a miscellaneous set of drill bits from when I purchased a drill a few years back. I've been using the smallest drill bit to drill out holes for counters (in letters), but it will not work for everything I have in mind. I am looking for something a bit similar to what was used in this photo - perhaps a little smaller if possible: https://img0.etsystatic.com/047/0/5964940/il_340x270.664135284_qd29.jpg Would something like this work? http://www.amazon.com/SE-Drills-Metric-Pouch-1-05-2-0mm/dp/B000OVNS0Y/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1459012617&sr=8-4&keywords=small+drill+bit I appreciate all of the feedback and suggestions so far, and will definitely take everything into consideration.

Hi all, I've been brainstorming some projects for a few months now, and received my scroll saw today. I purchased a Porter Cable 1.6amp Scroll saw, which accepts 5" pin & pin end blades. I also purchased a set of Olson Saw blades to get started with, which I have yet to try. This is my first time using a scroll saw. I tried cutting some scrap wood earlier with the included blade, just to get a feel for the machine. I ran into some difficulty cutting around curves (I tried cutting out a circle), which I'm hoping to get better at time with practice. I do have a few questions that I'm hoping someone can answer. Ideally, I would like to focus on detailed, intricate work (focus on lettering, custom keychains, nameplates, stuff of the like). I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for blades, and also material/wood. I'm looking for something I can pick up at my local Lowe's and/or Home Depot, just to get started. I've read that Flying Dutchmen blades are highly recommended, but wanted to make sure I purchase the "right" set for the type of work I'd like to focus on (would spiral blades be a good idea)? In terms of wood/material, I'm looking for something that is affordable, but with a decent quality to it, and of course, usable with a scroll saw. Perhaps something that will look nice with a simple wood stain, eliminating the need to paint it over, when it comes to finishing options. I've attached some links to below for reference. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, and i look forward to learning more. Scroll Saw: http://www.amazon.com/Variable-Speed-Scroll-Saw-Stand/dp/B00UVY8Y1C Blades: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G33Q6Q?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 Kind of work I'm interested in making: http://womeninwoodworking.com/Resource.ashx?sn=ScrollSawnNameplates http://www.sheilalandrydesigns.com/files/437434/uploaded/sld486-scroll-saw-merry-christmas-letter-pattern2.jpg http://www.coolhammers.com/new_page_8_files/image002.jpg