Question on blades for portrait pictures

[rteubner]

I have a question on what the preferred blade is for anyone who does portrait pictures. I have only used the spiral blades but maybe there are different blades that work better?

[dgman]

I don't get along with spirals. I use them, I just don't get along with them. I usually us a combination on FD UR#1 and Olson #2/0R blades for portraits. Usually cutting three or four layers of 1/8" Baltic birch plywood.

[GrayBeard]

For ALL my portrait type items it is FD New Spiral #2/0.

Lots of tension....Fast Saw Speed....SLOOOOOOOW Feed!!! Don't PUSH the stock, just GUIDE it.

Like Dan I usually cut a combination of 1/8 or 1/4 BB in about 1/2" Stack...ALWAYS STACK CUT with spirals!

~~~GB~~~

[julief]

90% of the time I use spirals, mostly 2/0.  Where there are long straight lines, I usually change out to a #1 reverse tooth blade.

[thumbs]

I have done a lot of portraits --stack cut 3-- 1/4 inch--and always use a # 3 reverse--I have never got used to spirals and probably never will--Richard

[The WoodArtist]

I use the new flat-end spirals from Flying Dutchman for all my portraits various sizes depending on the kerf I'm looking for. I then use straight blades to cut outsides so the edges are smooth, makes framing easier and less sanding. Using the spirals allows me to make the pieces bigger without having to deal with the saw throat depth so much.

[Mainewoods]

Another spiral user here.  The FD New Spiral 2/0 is my blade of choice.  However, if I'm cutting something that doesn't have much in the way of "breath holding" areas, I'll use a reverse tooth blade.  Definitely need to stack cut with the spirals!

[rteubner]

I have only used spiral on the portraits but might have to try some of the others too. I have never used the flying dutchman blades but have some ordered now and am anxious to give them a try. So far it doesnt seem to be a big majority of one over the other. I know its personal preference but I was just curious

[The WoodArtist]

Another spiral user here.  The FD New Spiral 2/0 is my blade of choice.  However, if I'm cutting something that doesn't have much in the way of "breath holding" areas, I'll use a reverse tooth blade.  Definitely need to stack cut with the spirals!

I've never stacked cut anything. My thinking is this: even if I have more than one of the same piece to make it's more custom and unique if made separatley making each one unique as I never cut the same pattern the same way, always editing patterns even when cutting them. Also, I feel if I mess up when stack cutting I've created more scrap than if only cutting one at a time. I know it's time consuming but these are my thoughts on it. Now if you consider cutting backers then I do stack cut b/c I cut the backers when I cut the outsides of the pieces so they will match up better making less sanding.

[edward]

 I only use FD#2/0 for portraits, cant get use to spiral, I usually cut two at a time when using 1/8" BB, unless I have orders for more.  Edward

[julief]

Hey Woodartist, The objective is for support - not so much multiple copies.  I used cut one at a time, but have found stack cutting (expecially delicate pieces) to be benificial.  Give it a try and you will see the difference.

[Mainewoods]

Hey Woodartist, The objective is for support - not so much multiple copies.  I used cut one at a time, but have found stack cutting (expecially delicate pieces) to be benificial.  Give it a try and you will see the difference.

Agreed, plus, if you're using spirals, the bottom layer will have lots of fuzzies, while the upper layers will have next to none.  When I'm using spirals, my bottom layer is normally a sacrificial piece of luan or something cheap that I may or may not save, depending on how it looks.  Just my two cents.

[ChuckD]

When cutting portraits there is no rule saying you have to use one or the other.  I use the new spirals and the UR blades both.  Size depends on what needs to be cut.  And I never cut anything unless it is a stack.  Except for slabs then it depends again on how thick it is.  Remember the top piece for me and sometimes the bottom is scrap luna or even poster board.
Have phun!!:)