A scroll saw is used for making intricate cuts. The blade that comes with the scroll saw may not be able to make certain types of cuts needed for your project, so you will need to use a different type of blade. In this guide we will show you how to install a scroll saw blade on your machine.
Step One
Locate the blade tension knob. It is usually located at the top of your machine. Make sure to unplug your machine before going any further.
Step Two
Loosen the tension knob a few turns by turning it counter clockwise with your fingers or a flat head screwdriver. You don’t want to turn it too much, just enough so that the blade slides easily through the hole in the upper arm of your scroll saw without dropping down between grooves of metal that are used to secure your blade in place.
Step Three
Remove old blade from upper arm by pushing up on release lever attached to upper arm then pull out old blade while holding new one with another hand. The release lever may be tricky to locate because it looks similar to other levers on your machine, so be sure to read your manual for assembly and disassembly before attempting the removal of your blade.
Step Four
Slide new blade into upper arm making sure that teeth are pointing down towards the table. Lower release lever back into place over the top of the blade then tighten knob nearest release lever by turning clockwise until it is snug but not too tight. If you have trouble loosening or tightening the tension knob, try using a flat head screwdriver or rubber gripper pad like those used for kitchen cabinets.
Step Five
Test out your new blade by scrolling through several different cuts. Be sure to keep hands away from moving blades while cutting; even blades designated “scroll” saw blades are very sharp and can easily cut through your skin. If you feel that blade is slipping too much, try tightening the tension knob a few more turns counterclockwise.
Blade Clamps
Looking to get the most out of your scroll saw? Make sure to pick up a set of blade clamps! These handy devices keep your blade in place, ensuring accurate and consistent cuts.
To install blade clamps, place them over the top of your scroll saw blade with the teeth pointing up. Lower release lever back into place until it holds the blade in position. Tighten down the knobs on the side of each clamp to secure the blade in place. Scroll saw blades with clamp marks are compatible with this type of blade holding system.
Once you have installed your new blade, you’re ready to start scrolling!
Styles of Blades
- You can scroll saw blades with the following profiles/makes:
- plain end (most common)
- pin end (used for joining individual pieces of wood together, like dovetails)
- forstner tip (for making round holes in your workpiece)
- twist drill tip (making holes much larger than those made with a standard scroll saw blade)
- spiral tip (creating scrolls and curves on your projects without needing to rotate your workpiece very often)
- skip tooth blade (great for straight lines along the grain of your workpiece or cutting plywood on a table saw or radial arm saw)
How to choose new Scroll Saw Blade
you have many options depending on your needs. If you are making a large project with thicker wood, use an 18T blade. If you working on smaller projects or thin wood, then the scroll saw blades that range between 28 TPI to 44 TPI are suitable. You can also buy specialty blades in lengths of 6″ and 8″ in both plain end and pin end styles in Plano extra strength for cutting hardwoods like oak or maple to fine-tooth variable pitch for detailed cuts.
- plain end (most common)
- pin end (used for joining individual pieces of wood together, like dovetails)
- forstner tip (for making round holes in your workpiece)
- twist drill tip (making holes much larger than those made with a standard scroll saw blade)
- spiral tip (creating scrolls and curves on your projects without needing to rotate your workpiece very often)
- skip tooth blade (great for straight lines along the grain of your workpiece or cutting plywood on a table saw or radial arm saw)
Advantages of scroll saw blade
- can cut through wood without splitting it, unlike a table saw
- operates at lower speeds than a band saw or jigsaw to avoid tear-out and kickback which can be hazardous
- easier to transport and set up than a table saw & other stationary tools
Disadvantages of scroll saw blade
- requires constant feeds to cut through wood
- requires frequent blade changes when making large cuts
- has a smaller table than other types of saws
Conclusion
There are many options when it comes to scrolling saw blades for different types of tasks. It is important you research your needs and find a blade that suits them the best. Most scrolls saw blades come in the plain end and pin end styles, but there are specialty blades available in lengths from 6″ to 12″ in both plain end and pin end styles. You can also buy Plano extra strength blades for cutting hardwoods like oak or maple to fine-tooth variable pitch blades for detailed cuts.