Which Flying Dutchman Blade

[IBMer]

Hello,

Which Flying Dutchman blade model is the best?  I realize each blade size has it's own characteristics, but is any one model better or more reliable than the others?    Probably like asking which model Ford is best, F150, F250 or F350 ;-)

Anyhow, is the Ultra Reverse any better than the Scroll Reverse?  And is the Scroll Reverse better than the XL?   Just trying to decide what to include in my next order.  

If you prefer one over the other, can you advise why?   Does it cut smoother, last longer, or maybe cause less tear-out.     The price difference between the 3 isn't all that big, so I'm looking more for quality over price savings.   Not so much interested in the size as the benefits of each different model.  Obviously I'd use a 3 for lighter wood and tighter turns than lets say a 7 for thicker, more dense wood.  But if I were comparing Number 5 blades across each of the 3 models, which if any would put the bigger smile on my face in the end.


The description between the Ultra Reverse and Scroll Reverse are virtually identical, except that the Scroll Reverse includes the word "Hardened"...    (Top-grade high-speed fretsaw,  with reverse teeth. Splinter-free finish on top and bottom surfaces. )

John

[dgman]

Hey John,
 I find that the Ultra Reverse blades cut cleaner, faster and last longer than the Scroll Reverse blades. I also like the polar blades for thicker woods because the teeth have a slight set to them. These are the two FD blade types that I use other than the New Spiral blades.

[Billy in Va]

I go along with Dan. the Ultra reverse last longer and when I start seeing fuzzies I know that blade is just about done. Plus I really like the notch that designates the top of the blade.

[IBMer]

So, what's the difference between the Ultra Reverse and Scroll Reverse?     I'm a little confused since they have the same description, except that the Scroll Reverse states that it's Hardened.   

I'm mainly curious.  Is the Ultra Reverse not hardened?   What makes it last longer?

[dgman]

I don't know if they are hardened or not, but they sure do last longer!
The difference is in the teeth configuration. The Scroll Reverse are just like a skip tooth blade with the last five or six teeth on the bottom facing up. They are designed to help eliminate most fuzzies on the bottom of the workpiece. The Ultra Reverse do the same thing except the teeth are three facing down and one facing up. This makes for a cleaner cut throughout the workpiece. These blades are sharper and last longer too!
If you want more info, give Mike a call. I'm sure he can explain it better.

[Keefie]

I think on scroll reverse the top half of the blades teeth face down and the bottom half face up, but on ultra reverse every third tooth is reversed. I find the Ultra reverse gives a far cleaner cut and last much longer. (and if you get really desperate you can put the blade in upside down and cut with a new section of the blade and it cuts just as good - I did it myself when waiting for blades to arrive.)

[Jim Finn]

 Which blade is best? It all depends on what kind of scroll sawing one does. I do not do fretwork.  I find that most posts , including this one, seem to be talking about fretwork.....I am guessing here.  I use FD Polar #5 and #7 blades to do my inlay work, intarsia, making toys, and lettering.  I have tried the reverse type blades but they do not have a value for me in doing this kind of work.  Spiral blades leave a horribly rough  cut face... so sanding is then required. I suppose this would not matter in thin plywood used in lots of fretwork.   I talked to Mike, where I buy my blades and asked him which blade to use for my type of work.  I suggest you talk to him like I did.  I am happy with his advice and his blades.

[UHMNL]

The FD-UR has 2 teeth down and 1 up along the blade.
It cuts more straight as most other blades. Nice for beginners.
It also has a very small marking on one end, telling that it is the top.
FD Mike

[IBMer]

Thanks for all the great responses.     Seems like the both would be hardened steel.   Mike, do you know?

[ShadowB6]

I agree with Billy in that the Ultra has the "bump" to signify the top. I like that besides the other qualites of the Ultra.

Mike