spiral blade

[slowcutter]

I did my first time cutting with a spiral blade today.
WWWOOOOOO what an experience that was.

May try them again some day.

[yyyyyguy]

My experience was to  plan on a lot of trials before I did something I wanted saved!!

[wombatie]

I've been scrolling for about 12 years and I've used them twice.  First time was a total disaster the second time I had no choice but I only used them on a bit that only took about 5mins to do and I broke 3 blades in that time . I too will use them again one day, if I have to.

Marg

[jimbo]

Every time I use them they break, I also find they are hard to control so it is flat blades for me, FD's in preference
Jimbo

[The WoodArtist]

I use them also. I actually have good luck with them. The only time I do use them though are for detail lines were I don't want a think cutout and instead of taking a flat blade I use the spirals as they cut just the right thickness for me. I also use them when doing some fret work where it is easier instead of turning the wood a lot. I use FD both spirals and flats I won't use any other brand of blade. I know that I don't break them much but then again I use a slow speed and kinda let the blade push through the wood instead of pusing the wood myself. I know they do dull quicker than the flats and when they do dull the fuzzies are everywhere.

[ChuckD]

I use them a lot and like them.  But it did take a while.  You will have to practice a good bit to get to where you are comfortable with them.  Any tool in your tool box, you have to try a few times to get it right, spirals are no different.  They will cause fizzies and not be the neatest cut but they have their place.  Good luck 

[daliclimbs]

I'm not a huge fan. But on the same token I have not given them a fair trial either.. they definitely are a different world. Takes some getting used to..

[GrayBeard]

As most of you know I use them very much. I find the secret is four simple rules (for me).

1. Tension must be at the Max
2. Speed of the saw must be as fast as I can tolerate without vibration.
3. I MUST guide the wood and not feed it. The slower you go the smoother the cut and the less chance you have of breaking a blade.
4. Change the damn blade, dummy! They get dull and you start pushing instead of guiding it.

~~~GB~~~

[Russ C]

I only use spiral blades for veining. Have thought about trying them on some portraits. 

[ChuckD]

I have found with veining, (the lines on fretwork and intarsia) that is you cut the line first with a flat blade then go over  it with a larger spiral blade it will cut easier and with more control so it will look better.  On the attachment for example the lines for the roof was first cut with a flat blades then I went over it again with a spiral so the lines would stand out more.  No matter how good you are with spirals a straight line is very difficult.