I have mentioned that I am  the proud possessor of a new scroll saw - a Ryobi SC 165VS 16" model,  It came with ONE blade - a 15 tooth pin end blade.   I am going to order some blades this coming week.  I am a greenhorn as far as scrolling goes.  The last I used a machine close to this type was a Delta "Jig Saw" back in elementary school about sixty years ago so I am in need of some feedback/advice.  I've read that a lot of scrollers like Flying Dutchman blades so that is what I plan to order from Mike's workshop..

 

Here's my plan but I'd like your thoughts/feedback before I pull the trigger on the order::  I plan to use the saw to cut pen blanks/bottle stopper blanks to size and I want to learn to scroll.  I've looked at a lot of patterns for fretwork, etc. and would like to learn to do that work with my new saw so I am  looking at different blades for the different tasks:

 

FD-TC-5  (2-way cut   2 teeth and 1 reverse tooth)

 

FD-TC-7   (2-way cut   2 teeth and 1 reverse tooth)

 

FD-TC-9   (2-way cut   2 teeth and 1 reverse tooth)

 

FD-HD ( "Heavy Duty" for cutting pen and bottle stopper blanks)

 

FD-SP-FE No. 3 (Spiral Flat End Blades)

 

I'd appreciate your  thoughts before I place this order.  Also is there one size that I shoud emphasize by ordering maybe 2 dozen?

 

 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts/advice

 

 

Ernie Richardson (BAA Bugler)

Can't help you on the selection but will be watching this for ideas. My scroll saw abilities are limited to a couple a cuts a year on my old Bridgewood.

 

 

Here's my plan but I'd like your thoughts/feedback before I pull the trigger on the order::  I plan to use the saw to cut pen blanks/bottle stopper blanks to size and I want to learn to scroll.  I've looked at a lot of patterns for fretwork, etc. and would like to learn to do that work with my new saw so I am  looking at different blades for the different tasks:

 

FD-TC-5  (2-way cut   2 teeth and 1 reverse tooth)

 

FD-TC-7   (2-way cut   2 teeth and 1 reverse tooth)

 

FD-TC-9   (2-way cut   2 teeth and 1 reverse tooth)

 

FD-HD ( "Heavy Duty" for cutting pen and bottle stopper blanks)

 

FD-SP-FE No. 3 (Spiral Flat End Blades)

 

I'd appreciate your  thoughts before I place this order.  Also is there one size that I shoud emphasize by ordering maybe 2 dozen?

 

Ernie

What I personally would start out with would be slightly different. I would not order the spiral blades. You will want to build up some experience and comfort first. They cut in ALL directions so if you move the piece left or right it will cut a kerf in that direction. The heavy duty blades I would take of the list also. You an accomplish the same thing with #9 blades taking your time and letting the blade do the work. Keep yu blade speed up and your feed a little slower.. For starting out again I agree with the number #5, there is enough blade there to get the work done and they are easier to control then a smaller blade. I think between the #5 and #9 you will have a good start. If your going to try fret work, you will need smaller drill bits and a way to drill the holes in the patterns. The place I order me blades from is http://www.mikesworkshop.com . There are some good articles up there and you can also order the smaller drills too.

Great advice Wayne!

Ernie

What I personally would start out with would be slightly different. I would not order the spiral blades. You will want to build up some experience and comfort first. They cut in ALL directions so if you move the piece left or right it will cut a kerf in that direction. The heavy duty blades I would take of the list also. You an accomplish the same thing with #9 blades taking your time and letting the blade do the work. Keep yu blade speed up and your feed a little slower.. For starting out again I agree with the number #5, there is enough blade there to get the work done and they are easier to control then a smaller blade. I think between the #5 and #9 you will have a good start. If your going to try fret work, you will need smaller drill bits and a way to drill the holes in the patterns. The place I order me blades from is http://www.mikesworkshop.com . There are some good articles up there and you can also order the smaller drills too.

You mentoned the no. 5 and the no. 9 but not the no. 7.  Would you omit the no. 7?  If so my order would be:

 

FD-TC-5 (2 dozen)

FD-TC-9 (2 dozen)

No. 63 drill bits

No. 55 drill bits.

 

If you think I should include the No. 7 then I'd add a dozen of them and no. 57 drill bits.

Ernie

Just starting out is very exciting. But I would start with just those 2 sizes for now. I'm curious as the why you want the #55 drill bits ? If you are going to use the #9's to cut your blanks why you need that biit ? SO to give you a definative answer, just the number 5 and #9 blades. Great place to start while you get the hang of things again. At least in the beginning, keep it simple and you will grow as you go. I'll look and see if I still have the practice pattern. If I do I will post it and that will give you a something to look at and when you get things together to play with .

Ernie

Just starting out is very exciting. But I would start with just those 2 sizes for now. I'm curious as the why you want the #55 drill bits ? If you are going to use the #9's to cut your blanks why you need that biit ? SO to give you a definative answer, just the number 5 and #9 blades. Great place to start while you get the hang of things again. At least in the beginning, keep it simple and you will grow as you go. I'll look and see if I still have the practice pattern. If I do I will post it and that will give you a something to look at and when you get things together to play with .

Thank you Wayne.  Simpler is better so the 5 and 9 it shall be.  As to the drill bits those are the sizes listed by Flying Dutchman for the 5 size blade (63) and the 9 size (55).  I was contemplating on just ordering the 55 drills for the nonce.  The 5 blades would definitely fit them but the 55 drill hole might be a tiny bit big for some patterns.  The more I think of it I think maybe I'll start with just the  FD-TC-5 blades FD-TC-9 blades and #55 drill bits.  .  I sincerely appreciate all your expert advice.  One of the great things about this group is that experienced folks are willing to help us greenhorns.

Ernie,

Can't help you with blade selection.

I've got packs of blades that are as old as my scroll saw.

Got my Flying Dutchman blades from Mike's Workshop in today's mail.  Put a FD-TC-9 in the saw and cut some wood ( straight lines). 1/4" amd 1/2"  mahogany plywood and some 34" square pen blanks:  Cherry, Walnut, Maple and Bethlehem Olivewood.  All cut nice.  Didn't have any trouble holding a straight line as long as I paid attention and kept the work surface clear of sawdust.  The sawdust blower does help but it's not very powerful.  I ended up blowing sawdust off the line of cut with my breath.  I'd read that this is the case with most entry level scroll saws but I am pleased with the rest of the saw's performance.  I'll follow the advice someone gave and get a small aquarium air pump and hook that to the dust blower tube on the hold down foot.  No biggie when everything else works good.  I'd tried some cuts with the 15 tooth pin end blade that came with the saw but the Flying Dutchman blades are so much better.  I'm sure that's true of Olson blades as well.  Anyway I'm sure liking this little saw. . 

Glad to see you getting some use with the saw. Keep patient and have fun. The aquarium pumps are nice and do a good job. Depending on the wood you aer going to use, wear a dust mask, some have reactions with the human body. Of course this would also apply to the turning you do Ernie. Be safe and have fun

Sounds like you're getting some good advice, Erine.

We've been on a 4,500 mile road trip for 2 grand kids graduation for the last 3 weeks so this is the first time I've been able to check in. We'll be home this Friday so I'll be back more then.

Between Wayne and Fred I've gotten a lot of good info. Have fun scrolling!

Sounds like you're getting some good advice, Erine.

We've been on a 4,500 mile road trip for 2 grand kids graduation for the last 3 weeks so this is the first time I've been able to check in. We'll be home this Friday so I'll be back more then.

Between Wayne and Fred I've gotten a lot of good info. Have fun scrolling!

I ended up ordering the FD-TC-5, FD-TC-7 and FD-TC-9 blades from Mike's Workshop.  Already have them and like them very well.  Thanks to all for the advice and counsel..

Ernie - super glad to hear you have figured out your saw.  I think Wayne and I both have mentioned that it doesn't really matter what brand of saw you use or the brand of blades you use - If they work for you then that's as good as it gets.  That being said, we all seem to have our preferences, right guys?

 

Keep on keepin on Ernie.