I'm making a fretwork box for a Valentines day present for my wife. The question I have is what blade would be good for cutting an oval that's 5.5" W X 7.5" L X 1.75" thick Maple. The fretwork lid and the bottom of the box is cut from 3/8" Walnut. I don't need a supper smooth finish as I will be able to sand to the line on the inside and outside of the Maple with an oscillating spindle sander. Any help would be appreciated.

I tried attaching a guide pattern and routing it with a 2" X 1/2" pattern bit but that didn't work too well. The bit is a straight 2 blade cutter with a bearing. Later I plan on buying an up cut spiral pattern bit that would be more suited to this task but that will have to wait.

Thanks for any assistance you can lend me!

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www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops

Mike

1 3/4" Maple - YIKES - for me, I would use a #9 Ultra Reverse blade from Flying Dutchman.  That being said, any #9 would do.  Make sure your blade is verticle to the table, turn the speed down and don't push too hard and push directly into the blade path.  Every once in a while (1 to 2") back out the blade a little and cut to the edge and see if any burning has occurred.  If so, change blades.

Hope that helps

Any other suggestions out there????  Would love to hear what others would do.

Be sure to send pix for us to admire it.

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Fred
aka Pop's Shop
www.pops-shop.com
'Soooooo many patterns - sooooo little time'
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Mike

A #9 blade should do the trick. Take your time and let the blade do the work. As Fred stated check for burns along the way. Have a couple extra blades ready, This will be a long and hot cut. Also if you put packing tape along the top, it will lubricate the blade making it's life a little longer, I still don't understand how the tape lubes the blade, just know it works. The biggest part would be speed and feed on a cut like this.

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Wayne Mahler
God bless and protect our troops that serve so we can be free.

Thanks Fred and Wayne.

I picked up blades today, and I always use packing tape and like Wayne says I don't know why the tape lubes the blade but it does work well.

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www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops

I found a pack of OLSON No. 407, 7 TPI hook tooth blades that are made for thick stock. They cut really well through the Maple with no burning and left a pretty smooth surface. I slowed the saw down and took my time but it didn't take long to cut the inside of the box out. Thanks for all your help guys!

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www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops

Mike - that's what family is all about.

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Fred
aka Pop's Shop
www.pops-shop.com
'Soooooo many patterns - sooooo little time'
Scroll Saw Forum Host