Went to Home Depot yesterday

[Graywolf]

I went to Home Depot yesterday, and the had Popular in 2 foot lengths X 1 1/2 to 5 1/2 inches wide, for $1.98. I had to have some, so I bought 2.  What blade would you recomend to cut them with. I haven't us this wood before. 

Thanks
Gary

[Billy in Va]

Gary  What is the thickness of the boards?   Our little small cheesy Home Depot here has a fairly new display bxo of the poplar boards.  Might be a national thing.

[dgman]

Poplar is a medium hardness wood. If it is 3/4", depending on the intricacy of the pattern you can use from a #3 to a #7 blade. I would probably use a FD UR3.

[Graywolf]

OH, brother!!! I didn't put the thickness aaarrruuuugghhh   .  It is 1/2 inch thick. Sure is pretty.

[TheMelster]

I picked some up also,,,, very pretty.... got some almost white, some a dark green, some a soft green. Nice find.

[jimr1cos]

I've been using Poplar from Lowe's for a number of woodworking projects. As I am new to scroll saw work I have not used it yet for pattern work; I  will as soon as I buy some 1/2" and 1/4 " stock. Poplar is easy to work with, cut and sands nicely, and accepts stain evenly in my experience. Be very careful with the use of excessive wood glues, don't ask how I know this.
Jim

[Dean A]

I also picked some up. $1.98 a board, you can't beat it!!

[ChuckD]

I check out the poplar boards every time I go in looking for the colored piece for intarsia.  Also check the pine for blue pine board.  Got a few of both.  Sometimes get a discount on the blue pine due to it's defect. 

[chelcass]

Oh Bummer!  The nearest Home Depot is over a hundred mile away..........

[IBMer]

You can pretty much use any blade for 1/2 Poplar.    A number 3 would be fine.  You can probably use a #1 if you have a need for quick tight turns.   I've been cutting some pretty hard stuff on my scroll saw.  Woods such as Pink Ivory, Cocobolo, Ziricote, and others in 1.5" thickness.   I switched over to number 7 blades and only get through maybe 6 cuts before they go blunt.    Makes Poplar and Pine seem a pleasure to cut.

 I often refer back to the Wood Database to help decide what blade I need to use.   This gives you the workability characteristics, and density.    Check it out..     http://www.wood-database.com/wood-identification/#p