Working With Reverse Tooth Blades - Tips

Personally I prefer cutting with skip tooth blades for the majority of my projects, but sometimes you want a nice clean splinter free cut on the backside too, especially when using plywood. Quite a few people don't like reverse tooth blades because they make the work vibrate and jump up and down to much. Saws that are sold in the U.S. have a hold down foot. I removed mine because it's always in the way, and if you look at pictures that others have posted of their scroll saws on the internet, they have probably removed their hold down feet for the same reason.

There are a couple of things you can do to reduce the vibration from this type of blade.

• Select a smaller blade than you would normally cut with, one with more t.p.i, the first tooth facing up will be smaller and lift up on your workpiece with less force than a larger more aggressive blade would, you'll also get a better finish with a few more teeth.
  
• I run my reverse tooth blades a little bit faster than other styles of blades, this also seems to help reduce vibration.
• Only use the first 2 - 3 reverse cut teeth of the blade.
• Consider using a reverse skip tooth blade.
  
• Don't force the cut, take your time and let the blade do the work, your using this type of blade because it will save you lots of time from sanding later on.

Another suggestion that I have to make using reverse tooth blades easier to use is to take a couple of minutes and mark the first upward cutting tooth with a bright, contrasting color such as white, red, orange or any other color that you are comfortable with, this will make that first tooth much easier to see when adjusting the blade.

When adjusting the blade, don't use more than the first 2 - 3 reverse teeth on the bottom and bring them just above the surface of the piece that you are cutting, there is no benefit in using more, or all of the teeth, doing this and it will only cause more vibration.

Please note that I don't condone removing guards and other safety devices, always use guards and other safety devices such as safety glasses, hold downs, feather boards, push sticks, etc. were appropriate.

I removed the hold down foot on my scroll saw because I believe that it's only function is to help hold the work piece to the table, which I can do with my hands/fingers. I don't consider it a safety device and as such have removed it. I have kept it for future use if needed.

Note: The blade pictured above is an Olson - FR446R - #5R Reverse Skip Tooth Blade, Width.038 - Thick - .016 , TPI - 12.5 , with the first reverse tooth painted red by me.