Blade Help Needed

[Scott]

Hi All, This question is regarding an Olson PGT No. 5RG 12TPI 8Rev. Double Reverse Tooth blade.

I sat down to do a word art pattern in Aspen this past weekend, and the blade above grabbed the wood and lifted it every time I tried to start the cut. I switched to an FD #5 blade and everything worked fine after that. So I assume that the wood is too soft for that blade?

I have no guidance on what this blade is to be used for, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
US

[DWSudekum]

It is not that the wood is too soft it is that the blade is set to be aggressive in its cutting.  Not all blades are created equal.  Some blades will have its teeth pitched to be aggressive in cutting, some for an extra fine kerf, some for relatively normal cutting depends on the style and manufacturer.

DW

[Scott]

Well, this blade never really cut at all. I tried to go into the wood real sloooooow, and it just grabbed the wood and lifted it off of the table as soon as I touched it.

[scrappile]

Possibly blade put in upside down?

[Scott]

I don't think so. It looks like the teeth go both directions. I didn't try to reverse it, I just swapped it out.

[Scott]

Possibly blade put in upside down?

You nailed it!!! :-)
Thanks to you, I looked at the package again and there is a top & bottom. I feel so stupid.
I reversed the blade and tested it in the same wood. It cut like butter! Awesome! Thank you!

[scrappile]

If you are stupid, so am I.  How do you think i thought of that.....    I would bet every scroller has/does that once and a while.  Some blades I just can not tell.  My favorite blades are the Flying Dutchman PS or PSR.  They are very easy to tell.  Most the teeth run the same direction, draw back is they are slow cutting and not good for thick woods.  The Flying Dutchman TC #5 has a "dimple" at the top of the blade, so a person can easily tell.  I wish all blades did that, at least the ones with reverse teeth.

[Bill Wilson]

Possibly blade put in upside down?

You nailed it!!! :-)
Thanks to you, I looked at the package again and there is a top & bottom. I feel so stupid.
I reversed the blade and tested it in the same wood. It cut like butter! Awesome! Thank you!

Hey, don't feel bad.  I've put blades in with the teeth facing away from me before.   

[sawdust703]

i think we've all done that one a time or two, too, Mr. Bill

[Sawdust#2]

I'm probably not one to give advice on blades.  I found one that worked well and I just keep on  using them.  I use the Flying Dutchman Ultra Reverse.  I've never tried them on soft wood though.

John G

[scrappile]

John G.  You should let your hair down.  Get out in the world a little, try different blades.  It is fun and you might be surprised.