56
KNIFE SELECTION
•
This machine accepts 5" long blades and smooth blades, with a wide variety of
thicknesses and widths. The type of material and the complexities of the cutting
operations will determine the most appropriate number of teeth per inch ("tpi").
Always select the narrowest blades for complicated curved cutting and the widest
for straight and large curved cutting operations. The following table represents
suggestions for various materials. Use this table as an example, but with practice,
personal preference will be the best method of selection (Fig. 10).
Teeth/inch
Width
(TPI)
10 a 15
0,11"
15 a 28
0,055 a 0,11"
30 a 48
0,024" a 0,041"
PRODUCT USE
GENERAL OPERATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
A scroll saw is basically a curved cutting machine. It can also be used for straight and bevel cutting or angular cutting
operations.
•
When inserting the workpiece into the machine, do so at a speed where the cutting is efficient and there is no
unnecessary force on the blade that could cause deflection and breakage.
•
The teeth of a blade only cut in the descent.
•
Best results are obtained when cutting materials less than 1" (25 mm) thick. When cutting material thicker than
25 mm, insert the workpiece very slowly into the blade and be careful not to bend or twist it during cutting.
•
The teeth of the scroll saw blades wear out and must be replaced to get the best cutting results. The blades
usually stay sharp for 1/2 hour to 2 hours of cutting.
•
For precise cuts, compensate for the tendency of the blade to follow the wood grain.
•
This scroll saw is primarily designed for cutting wood. For cutting noble and non-ferrous metals, the speed control
must be set to very low speeds.
•
When choosing a blade, use very thin, narrow blades to cut materials 1/4" thick or less. However, wider blades
reduce the ability to cut tight curves.
•
Blades wear faster when cutting plywood or abrasive particle boards. Angular cutting in hardwoods wears the
blades faster.
Thickness
Strokes/Min (SPM)
0,018"
500 a 1200
0,01" a 0,018"
800 a 1600
0,012" a 0,019
Fig. 10
Medium turn at ¼" to
1-3/4" wood, soft metal,
hardwood
Small turns in 1/8" to
1-1/2" wood, soft metal,
hardwood
Hardwood/non-ferrous
Variable
metals with very slow
Material
speeds