A thought occurred to me yesterday whilst sawing on some 1/4" Baltic Birch, stacked to 2.  

 

"I have been using this same blade for quite some time and it's still working.  When will I know when it's time to change?"  My answer to myself "The blade will let you know, dummy."

 

I know, I know, talking to myself whilst cutting/sawing.  Admit it, guys, you have done the same thing only you were taking to the wood or the tool or the blood spurting from a fresh cut.

 

Anyhow, I thought it would be a great topic.

 

I will reserve MY thoughts until a few others have chimed in.  No, I'm not backing out of the thread, I have my own thoughts on this one but want to make sure you have a chance to put your 2% of a buck in the thread first.

 

Awaiting your responses.

 

Sometimes a dirty blade can mimic a dull blade. Pitch building up around the teeth can increase friction/burning. I usually use concentrated Simple Green and a brush to clean my blades.

 

As for sharpness, I read some where that if the corner of a tooth will scratch you fingernail, it is still sharp. 

 

We have a local guy who sharpens blades at 20¢ a tooth. 

I'm wondering what kind of blades your talking about Fred. First read this and thought scroll saw. Seen the picture and thought table saw.

When a blade of mine leaves any kind of mark I clean, check and either get it sharpened or replaced.

If we're talking scroll saw, when I have to start pushing more and then, with the saw OFF, run my thumb over the teeth. If they don't hang up on my skin then they're trash.

OK, guys - bad picture but couldn't find a burned picture of scrolling - YIKES - why didn't I look in my trash pile ? ? ?  ?

 

Yes, started this thread in the Scroll Saw forum  but maybe should have moved it to general woodworking to get everyone in.  Maybe I'll start a new one over there.

 

Anyhow - Scroll Saw wise - used up blades - Harry - two good points

 

A couple from me:

 

blade wandering (starts going with the grain instead of cutting through the grain)

burning (start noticing it in the corners first)  may be a problem with the blade or may be blade speed as well

For scroll saw work.

More effort to move the piece through the blade while cutting.

Also you will notice that the dust gets much finer

Burning starts in corner cuts or tight radius turns

The bottom of your cuts get more fuzzies then your dog when he is shedding.

Wayne - looks like you and I are on the same page on this one