Cutting straight lines

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The Weegie

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Joined
11 Nov 2007
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Location
Glasgow
Hi folks,

If it has been asked before then I apologise.

How do you guys cut straight lines. Every time I try and cut a straight line the blade wanders off ](*,)

I have tried various makers of blades, different teeth. I have also tried different speeds and blade tension. Still no joy.

Any tips. Please.
 
Well, firstly, all blades tend to wander because they are stamped out which puts a bias onto the blade. So the first thing to learn is that you must put the wood in at an angle to the blade for it to cut straight. That angle will vary from blade to blade, so you have to make a few practise cuts on scrap wood first to get the measure of it.

It's still not easy to cut dead straight even when you have the angle right. I have heard of people setting up a rail on the saw but I think it would depend very much on the piece of work in question as to how you went about that.
 
Blades are milled. A roll cuts the teeth into the metal. If you go to my website, click on "How Blades are Made".
Most blades have a burr on the right side, what makes them cut to the right, like Chris was saying. You have to move the wood some degree to the right, to stay on the line. The FD-UR does not have that and will cut straight.
FD Mike
 
The Flying Dutchman Ultra Reverse is a truly great blade. The fact it cuts straight means you don't have to fight it all the time. Not only is it much easier to cut straight lines but cutting curves and circles etc. is so much easier and faster.
I am currently cutting a wooden gear clock and have found the blades invaluable
 
With advanced apologies for saying this, but I mean well.
I think it is probably a case of perseverance and practice. Sharp blade and correct tension essential.
Best of luck.
Bob H.
 
Sorry for being simplistic, but the easiest answer is to never cut straight lines! I find that a wiggly line works in almost all circumstances - and I can never make a mistake.....Phun! Carter
 
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