Blade type and size

[northie66]

What's generally the right blade type and size for cutting 3/4" red oak?

[dgman]

Hey Janet, I would go with a #5 or a #7 Depending on what brand of blades you use.
For me, a FD UR 5 or 7. Apply packing tape on the wood or pattern to help lube the blade. I wouldn't go larger as it will require more sanding.
If using Olsen blades go with a skip tooth or a reverse tooth 5 or 7.

[dunk]

dgman nailed it and don't forget to place a small file on the back edges of the blade while your saw is running, to round the edge off, it will turn tighter without or at least less-- burning.

[Dawie]

Hey Dunk how do you put a small file on the backend of your blade? Please explain.
David

[Russ C]

I agree, I would use a FD UR #5 or #7. David, after you have the blade in and tension on it you can take a small file or piece of sand paper and file or sand the back of the blade to round off the edges. FD Mike has posted in a thread that you do not have to file or sand Flying Dutchman blades.

[northie66]

So it would be the same blade for 3/4" poplar?  That surprises mr because the oak I so much harder. What determines the blade choice?  Density or thickness?

[julief]

Janet,  I cut more 3/4 stock than anything.  I use either a #3 or #5 FD UV or Olsen Platinum reverse tooth blades.  The more detail and turns - the smaller the blade for me.  If it is pretty much straight lines or big sweeping curves I might go to a #7.  I do a lot of stand up puzzles so I still want my pieces to fit snug.  I have cut quite a few of Sue Mey's stories crosses in 3/4 wood and have even used a #1 for some of the delicate inside cuts.  I just have to slow down.  I don't go bigger than a #7 unless I am cutting really thick like 1 1/2" walnut or anything pressure treated.   Pressure treated lumber tends to eat blades.

[UHMNL]

Julief,
I don't have a blade by the name FD-UV. I think you are talking about the FD-UR.  Most are now using the blue painters tape on top of the wood and glue the pattern on top of the tape. The tape has a chemical on the top, so you can un-roll the tape. It is some kind of silicone and it releases friction.
About sanding the back of the blade.  If you are not very careful, you also might also hit the teeth. I never had to do this.
FD Mike

[Russ C]

Janet, all the above. Pattern size, density and thickness play a part in my blade choice. If I am using a thick wood and large pattern (Steve's Crayon Truck) I would use a FD-UR No. 7 or FD-SR No. 7.  The smaller blades will cut thicker hard wood too. They are not as aggressive and you will have to go slower. 

[julief]

Mike - you're right, I did mean UR.  I mostly use reverse tooth blades.  I don't file the back of my blades.  If I have a pattern with tight turns - I use a smaller blade.  I only use tape if I'm worried about burning the wood.

[northie66]

I'm using the UR5 & UR7 and I'm doing ok.  But then I went to do another project and just sized down the piece of oak  to the size I wanted.  I was ALL OVER THE PLACE!  I couldn't cut a straight line!  I had to check my water bottle and make sure someone didn't spike it!

I'm wondering if I have the blade upside down.  Like a smartarse I said in that thread I've never done that... but I've never used this blade either!  I can't see a difference!  Now I know why Sheila did it!  But, would that make me go all over the place?  Or just cause kerf?

[dgman]

Janet, I don't know if you had the blade on upside down, but it sounds like you didn't have enough tension on the blade. Make sure you don't have any slack on the blade by pushing down on the top arm before tightening the blade.
On the FD UR blades there is either a little bump or a marking on the top to identify the top. On these blades you can't feel which side is up or down.

[northie66]

OMG... I feel your pain people with the upsidedown blades!

I just did all my inside cuts with the spiral blade and thought I'd run in and see if I got any answers from anyone before trying the UR's again.  Thanks dgman!  I'll look for the mark and push the top arm down.  I think I'm going to put a new blade in too.

I'll keep ya posted!  (Like it or not... ha!)