Scroll saw blades

[MauriceD]

Hello all. This is my first visit to the scroll saw forum. I have been turning for many years but I have only just bought a Jet JSS-16 Bench Top Variable Speed Scroll Saw.
I know that I will be breaking blades at the start but I am confused as which to stock up on. I have patterns that say use a #7 or #5 blade etc. However when I look on the internet or even the spare pack that came with the saw the # scale does not appear to be used. Can somebody enlighten me so that I don't waste my money.

Thanks, Maurice

 

[scrimper]

Blades are normally sold by a number such as Grade 7, Number 7 or just 7, common blade sizes are 9, 7, 5, 3, 1, 0, and 00. 9 being the heaviest and 00 very fine. blades are available from as high a number as 11 (10teeth per inch) right down to 00 (which are 27tpi).

I normally use the reverse tooth blades as they help prevent cut out and splintering at the bottom of the work. For starting I would suggest using numbers 2 or 3, 5, 7 and 9. below size 1 the blades are very delicate and are easily broken leading to frustration.

Always hoobies sell a good range of Niqua blades which I have been using for many years.

http://www.alwayshobbies.com/tools/hand ... ccessories

I would personally ignore any blade sizes given on patterns and use what I felt was best for the job, for general fret-sawing a no5 or 7 will suffice and most other delicate work can easily be done with a no 2 or 3, you only need really fine blades for very intricate internal work.

 

[Bryan Bennett]

Hi Maurice welcome to the place :roll: that you will get good advice on this fabulous hobby that we all enjoy.I can only agree with the advice that John has given.I use a no3 reverse mostly for internal cutting.Welcome aboard :roll:

Take care

Bryan

 

[bodgerbaz]

Hello Maurice and welcome along to the scrolling forum.

That's some good information by scrimper which you should find useful. The only other thing I could add would be that the '#' you refer to is the American's way of saying 'Number' (or No). For instance we say 'No5' they would say '#5' so it sounds like you have an American pattern.

I agree with scrimper in that the recommendation size to use is just that, a recommendation. After a while you get to know what size will cut what type of wood but it's a good starting point. If you find it's not cutting very well try the next size up.

Barry

 

[MauriceD]

Thanks folks, everything I needed to know in one go. I have just completed my first pattern, a little dog in 3/4 pine. I am quite happy with the result and no broken blade. How the blade didn't break I don't know when you see how twisted it became on the turns. I hope I am not doing anything wrong.

Maurice

 

[bodgerbaz]

You may need some more tension in the blade Maurice. When you connect it up and tension it you should be able to pluck the blade and get a nice 'ping' out of it.

 

[paul-c]

thanks Maurice for asking these questions.
thanks to everybody else for the replies.
i too enjoy turning and only ever ventured over here to admire your excellent work that you share with us all.
however having just acquired an ex school scroll saw i too needed to find out about blades and which ones to buy.
hopefully i will be able to have a play over the bank holiday weekend and see for myself the enjoyment of scroll sawing.
cheers paul-c