2 inch thick poplar

[Lakelad]

I am cutting a pattern out of 2 inch thick poplar and this is a new experience for me. I am using a 12 blade but not getting good results. Appreciate any suggestions re blade size speed etc. Thank you.

[Jim Finn]

I have cut 1 1/2" poplar, but not 2".  Feed rate must be VERY slow and slow saw speed also.  I use a #5 polar blade.  I tried using a Heavy duty Flying Dutchman blade and found it to cut slower and broke just as easy as a #5.  #7 also works.

[don in brooklin on]

I am currently cutting birdhouses out of 1 1/2 maple (hard) and I run my ex-21 a little less than half and as Jim says feed rate slow.

I am using #5 flying Dutchman Ultra reverse.

The first one I did I did not wrap in packing tape and I got some burn marks. I now wrap in packing tape and all is good.  Just 40 more to go

Don

[julief]

I've never had any luck with the bigger blades.  I would back up my blade size to a #7 or even a #5 and, like everyone else has said, very slow feed.

[Lakelad]

Thanks to all of you for your replies. I am going to give the advice a try.

[DWSudekum]

I have cut wood that thick and find that using a flat blade can be very tricky and slow.  I would not use a reverse tooth blade as you need to keep the kerf clear as possible.  Use a skip tooth blade.  I generally use a spiral blade for cutting that thick, however most of what I am cutting out of that thick of wood are lids to boxes.  In any case it will take practice to get consistently good cuts in wood that thick.


DW

[Lakelad]

Tried the spiral blade today and liked the result. Thanks DW for the suggestion.

[Dennis123]

I've cut several ornaments recently from 2" poplar and had good results with FD-UR #9 blades.  They don't cut fast but, considering the thickness of the stock, they cut reasonably fast.  I use a RBI Hawk saw at nearly full speed.  Full speed produce a little burning but, by lowering the speed just a little, burning is minimal and sands off easily with a sanding mop.