Sunday, November 17, 2013

Don't let dull blades ruin your projects.

One problem that many new scrollers face is not knowing when to change blades. The answer is to change them before their cutting efficiency starts making your cuts poor. Unfortunately no one can tell you when this will happen. There are several variables for when a blade will become dull. The quality of the blade, the material you are cutting, the type of blade, your cutting style and the saw you are using all play a factor.

The images below are blades that I have in my shop. They are Flying Dutchman blades. These are generally considered high quality blades. You can especially see the damage caused from cutting in the 200x magnifications. I change blades very early in their life. They are cheap and I don't see any reason to ruin a project for a 25 cent blade.  If you use a high quality blade they will last much longer. I usually am able to get through a typical project with 1 or 2 blades. By typical I mean the average pattern in my catalog.

 20X magnification of a #3 FD Ultra Scroll Reverse.

 You need to learn to recognize the symptoms of a dull blade. You will start to notice that you have to push the blade through the wood with more force. Sharp turns will become more difficult to make. Sometimes the blade will not track the pattern line as accurately. In some case you will begin to see and smell burning of the wood.   

New Blade 200X magnification.

If you start to notice any of these symptoms, replace the blade. If the problems disappear then you can log those symptoms in your memory as a dull blade. Over time you will recognize the symptoms more quickly and your cutting will benefit from that experience. 

Used Blade 200X Magnification.

Sometimes it's okay to push a blade longer. I will sometimes push a blade past it's life. If I'm cutting a soft wood and the pattern does not have intricate fretwork I will just push on. I still have my limits though. If I get any burning the blade has to go. If you are experienced enough you can adjust your cutting to compensate for a slightly dull blade. 

If there is intricate fretwork or the wood is tough to cut then I don't even try to push a blade. Like I said earlier, blade are cheap compared to my time and the wood.


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Scrollsaw Workshop Blog

Totally Cool Grandma Scroll Saw Pattern.


The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated. Make A Donation


If you are reading this in the email newsletter please visit the blog for more content. All previous patterns are saved in the free online catalog. Free software, videos, Community forum and more.

Scrollsaw Workshop Blog

Colleen Zinn wins the George in the Shop Gift Card.

Every few weeks the George in the Shop comic strip on my blog announces a free drawing for an Amazon Gift Certificate. This drawing winner is Colleen Zinn. Congratulations Colleen and thanks for reading George in the Shop. Your Amazon Gift Certificate has been sent to your email address.

If you would like a chance to win just follow my blog and read George in the Shop. You never know when there will be a giveaway so check back often.

This is the end of the daily posts. Keep scrolling for lot's more scrolls saw fun!






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Bear Woods has been around since 1987 serving our hobby. They offer a wide range of craft products including Pegas scroll saw blades, clock inserts, toy parts, workshop supplies and much more. In my ten years of writing the Scrollsaw Workshop blog I have never received a complaint about Bear Woods. I get thousands of email a month so that's saying something about their customer service and quality products. Please support the people who support our hobby. Click now and visit Bear Woods.

Heritage Wood Specialties. Scroll saw ready boards!


Heritage Wood Specialties is a nationally recognized supplier of superior quality hardwoods to fine woodworkers across the US and Canada. Novice hobbyists and experienced enthusiasts alike can enjoy the high quality woodworking materials and kits available from Heritage Wood Specialties. Great source for scroll saw ready boards.

Seyco

http://seyco.com/
Seyco began business in 1986 with the goal to supply the best customer support and quality products in the scroll saw industry. I have worked with Seyco on many occasions and I can tell you they are simply the best. Please do yourself a favor and click the image above. Steve Good

Free Pattern Catalog. 1000's of free patterns.

http://www.stevedgood.com/catalog/

Thousands of FREE scroll saw patterns. No registration or signup required.

The projects form these patterns can be sold without restrictions. The patterns cannot be sold.

Click here for the Free Online Catalog.

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Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw Book $12 Each

http://www.stevedgood.com/woodenvases.html
Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.
The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Watch the following video to see how easy these beautiful scroll saw vases
are to make. 

Order the $3 pdf Catalog

This is a PDF of all the patterns in my free catalog. It is for Windows only and has a program to automatically download the pattern to your computer. Please watch the video below before you order. Click the picture to order.
http://www.stevedgood.com/swpd/swpdorderpage.html
You do not need a PayPal account to order. At the bottom of the PayPal page is a button that will allow you to pay with a credit card. After successful payment click the Return to Merchant button for the download.

Stencil Printer 1.7

Stencil Printer Instruction Video.

The Scrollsaw Workshop Stencil Printer 1.7 is my latest software for creating patterns. It will create key chain fobs, desk name plates and more. Click the image above to download the latest version. It is free to use donationware. This software is for Windows PC only.

Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1

Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1
Download the Free Scroll Saw Pattern Printer Version 1.1. Create name patterns in seconds. Windows PC only.
Download Version 1.1
Please consider a $5 donation for The Scroll Saw Pattern Printer v1.1.

Scroll Saw Keychain Pattern Maker

Use the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker to start a small keychain business. Build yourself a nice display and make up severl keychains with common names. Sell at craft shows, on Ebay or at work. Everyone needs a keychain. Take custom orders. Heck just make them and give them away as gifts. It's all made easy with the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker. Watch the video demonstration then download the file below and get started with the fun.
The following link will start the download process. After the file download is complete just click the setup file and the program will be installed. Please consider a $5 donation for the program.

Download the Oval Keychain Pattern Maker.

Enjoy designing and printing these great personalized key chains. Give them as gifts, make them for fun or sell them at craft shows. It's easy, just watch the video demo then download and install the program. You will be designing these fun projects in minutes. Windows PC only.
Download the Free Oval Key Chain Pattern Maker. Create Oval key chain patterns in seconds.
Download Version .9a
Please consider a $5 donation for The Oval Key Chain Pattern Maker.

T-Shirts and More.

T-Shirts and More.
Show your love for the hobby and support the Scrollsaw Workshop. Safe and secure order fullfilled by CafePress. Take a look. You are sure to find something you like. CLICK THE IMAGE to visit the store.

The Lifter

Papa's Custom Patterns.

www.papasworkshop.net

Philip Lowndes Noah's Arc Pattern Available. Watch the video below.

This video is from Philip Lowndes. He is the designer of this beautiful Noah's Arc puzzle pattern. If you would like the pattern follow the link below.
Buy This Wonderful Heirloom Puzzle Pattern

Think Safety

Remember to keep the safety of yourself and others in your work shop in your thoughts at all times. Always wear eye and ear protection. Follow all the manufactures warnings that came with your power tools. If I demonstrate something on this web site that you don't feel is safe, don't do it. Your safety is your responsibility. Fingers are handy things, try to keep all of them.
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Disclaimer:
The Scrollsaw Workshop Blog is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts Magazine formerly (Scroll Saw Workshop Magazine) or it's publisher Fox Chapel Publishing.

Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts